What NOT to Feed Backyard Birds — And What to Offer Instead

1-Minute Reads Tip #2

While our intentions are good, not all foods are safe—or even remotely healthy—for wild birds in your backyard or the community lake. In fact, some common “treats” can harm their digestion, spread disease, or encourage dangerous behaviors.

Never feed wild birds:

1. Bread, Crackers, Chips & Other Processed Carbs

2. Popcorn (especially buttered, salted, or microwave popcorn)

3. Leftovers and Table Scraps

4. Moldy Seed, Bread, or Food of Any Kind

5. Cheap Birdseed Mixes with Filler Seeds

6. Human Snacks, Pet Food, and Junk Food

7. Milk or Dairy Products

8. Raw Beans or Uncooked Rice

Feed healthy, safe options to your backyard birds and the ducks and geese that live at your nearby park:

-Black oil sunflower seed – beloved by most species

-Nyjer seed – for finches

-Safflower seed – good for cardinals and discourages squirrels

-Shelled or in-shell peanuts – high-energy winter food

-Suet – essential for chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers

-Mealworms (live or dried) – perfect for bluebirds and wrens

-Fresh fruit slices – apples, oranges, berries (small amounts)

For ducks, geese and swans:

-Cracked Corn

-Peas or corn (thawed not canned)

-Duck pellets

I’ll post a full-length blog on the details behind this tip and the dangers for the birds in a few weeks. Until then, enjoy feeding the birds but keep them safe and healthy!

Happy Birding!

Watch for the next 1-minute read next Tuesday!