Feed the wildlife.

Markgc

Okay so many people are having a good time with the snow and a couple days off work. Good on you. Enjoy it.
The wildlife though has a difficult time in these conditions with snow measuring half a meter in depth in places, creating great difficulty for it to find food.
Give a hand and help it survive.

This is a tough time for birds. Keen gardeners will know that their natural food source has been depleted, leaving our feathered friends struggling to find food under the heavy cover of snow. They need all the help they can get.

They will eat seeds bread and apples.
DO NOT FEED THEM PORRIDGE OATS. When wet this can glue their beaks shut, starving them to death.

Foxes like cooked or raw meat and tinned pet food. Foxes also like other savoury items such as cheese, table scraps, bread soaked in fat, fruit and cooked vegetables.

Also call-in to elderly neighbours.

Thanks for taking the time.
Stay safe.

amadangomor

Markgc wrote: »

Okay so many people are having a good time with the snow and a couple days off work. Good on you. Enjoy it.
The wildlife though has a difficult time in these conditions with snow measuring half a meter in depth in places, creating great difficulty for it to find food.
Give a hand and help it survive.

This is a tough time for birds. Keen gardeners will know that their natural food source has been depleted, leaving our feathered friends struggling to find food under the heavy cover of snow. They need all the help they can get.

They will eat seeds bread and apples.
DO NOT FEED THEM PORRIDGE OATS. When wet this can glue their beaks shut, starving them to death.

Foxes like cooked or raw meat and tinned pet food. Foxes also like other savoury items such as cheese, table scraps, bread soaked in fat, fruit and cooked vegetables.

Also call-in to elderly neighbours.

Thanks for taking the time.
Stay safe.

Are raw oats ok?

fryup

Markgc wrote: »

DO NOT FEED THEM PORRIDGE OATS. When wet this can glue their beaks shut, starving them to death.

really first i heard of that

amadangomor

fryup wrote: »

really first i heard of that

I'm presuming cooked ones that would be gloopy and can set like cement but will wait to see his reply.

dexter647

Porridge oats?....I've been killing birds round these parts for years so..:eek:

One_Of_Shanks

yeah raw ones are fine. This popped up when ya google it:

Uncooked rice may be eaten by birds such as pigeons, doves and pheasants but is less likely to attract other species. Porridge oats must never be cooked, since this makes them glutinous and could harden around a bird's beak. Uncooked porridge oats are readily taken by a number of bird species.

Lepidoptera

Birds are really struggling to find fresh water lately and need that just as much. I've been having to refill my bird bath a couple times a day as it's just swarmed with desperately thirsty birds who can't find water anywhere else.

It's really easy to make fat balls for birds, which is what they need right now. If you cook any meat, save your beef drippings and put that in a mold with any seeds/nuts/berries etc for them. They'll even love grated cheese right now because they need lots of fat to keep warm.

Markgc

Yes of course water is essential too. Without water nothing survives.

With regards to porridge oats, if you throw out dry oats birds may eat them but the chances of the oats remaining dry is usually slim in our variable weather.
Cheap alternatives are readily available.

Markgc

Markgc wrote: »

Yes of course water is essential too. Without water nothing survives.

With regards to porridge oats, if you throw out dry oats birds may eat them but the chances of the oats remaining dry is usually slim in our variable weather.
Cheap alternatives are readily available.

Also bread must be soaked in water before feeding as dry bread will swell in birds stomachs. But there is little nutrition in bread for them, especially white.

Thanks lads.
Please promote wildlife- well-being to family , neighbours and most importantly kids. We have got to nurture the next generation in the right way. If we cannot protect what we have on our door step then everyone loses.

Markgc

UNSAFE SEEDS: The seeds of apples and the pits of cherries, peaches, plums, pears, apricots and nectarines are all unsafe to give to your birds. They contain varying levels of a cyanide compound that can cause death. ... Unfortunately, birds chew everything, and if given the opportunity to chew open a pit, they will.
So with a little time, it is best to core and remove seeds.

New Home

Markgc wrote: »

Yes of course water is essential too. Without water nothing survives.

With regards to porridge oats, if you throw out dry oats birds may eat them but the chances of the oats remaining dry is usually slim in our variable weather.
Cheap alternatives are readily available.

I put some water in a polystyrene tray, yesterday - out of all the other trays and buckets I have ariund, this was the one that took the longest to freeze through, I suppose it's because the polystyrene acted as insulation. I was worried the birds might peck chunks out of it, but thankfully didn't happen.

Doltanian

Markgc wrote: »

Okay so many people are having a good time with the snow and a couple days off work. Good on you. Enjoy it.
The wildlife though has a difficult time in these conditions with snow measuring half a meter in depth in places, creating great difficulty for it to find food.
Give a hand and help it survive.

This is a tough time for birds. Keen gardeners will know that their natural food source has been depleted, leaving our feathered friends struggling to find food under the heavy cover of snow. They need all the help they can get.

They will eat seeds bread and apples.
DO NOT FEED THEM PORRIDGE OATS. When wet this can glue their beaks shut, starving them to death.

Foxes like cooked or raw meat and tinned pet food. Foxes also like other savoury items such as cheese, table scraps, bread soaked in fat, fruit and cooked vegetables.

Also call-in to elderly neighbours.

Thanks for taking the time.
Stay safe.

Why would you feed foxes? They are vermin and should be eradicated at every opportunity.

Pa ElGrande

I've been feeding the local wildlife here.

https://streamable.com/a7jf9

Markgc

Pa ElGrande wrote: »

I've been feeding the local wildlife here.

https://streamable.com/a7jf9

You need to set some poison down for that sort pal.🀣

Markgc

Markgc wrote: »

You need to set some poison down for that sort pal.🀣

That one's got mange.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Markgc wrote: »

UNSAFE SEEDS: The seeds of apples and the pits of cherries, peaches, plums, pears, apricots and nectarines are all unsafe to give to your birds. They contain varying levels of a cyanide compound that can cause death. ... Unfortunately, birds chew everything, and if given the opportunity to chew open a pit, they will.
So with a little time, it is best to core and remove seeds.

This advice is for pet birds and refers to regular feeding of apple seeds. Apple seeds contain minute traces of cyanide. Wild birds gorge annually on apple harvests. A few apples chopped will do no harm.

Amalgam

Doltanian wrote: »

Why would you feed foxes? They are vermin and should be eradicated at every opportunity.

They're a part of nature's landcsape, removal of carrion etc.. yes, I am aware of severe issues with farmers, that's all I've got to say. I don't want to be drawn in to an argument, where we might, despite your statement, have matching opinions about a lot of other things.

Markgc

Doltanian wrote: »

Why would you feed foxes? They are vermin and should be eradicated at every opportunity.

Why are you describing them as vermin?
Because they attack lambs as a source of food? That's nature. It's up to farmers to protect their 'assets'.
What about Elephants native to Tanzania for example. Farmers grow crops in the animal's natural roaming pathways and elephants tend to eat them, destroying potential yields.
Should they be eradicated at every opportunity?

Or take tigers in Asia. They often live in close proximity to humans and tigers have killed more people than any other big cat. Should they be eradicated at every opportunity?

Today in the news a newborn lamb "frozen to the ground" and left for dead is recovering after being saved by a pet dog. Its mother had struggled to give birth to twins during Storm Emma, which had left the animal in freezing conditions. As she gave birth to the second lamb in those conditions, the mother must have left it and it became frozen to the ground!
The farmer left the sheep outside to struggle on. Is this cruelty?
Shouldn't these type of farmers be eradicated at every opportunity?

Markgc

When feeding birds during the spring and summer it is best not to put out food that is likely to create problems during the breeding season.

Therefore, never put out

soggy oats,
loose peanuts,
dry hard foods,
large chunks of bread,
or fats

during the spring or summer months.
Ensure all peanuts are fed from a mesh peanut feeder, as whole peanuts can be harmful to young birds.

All these can get trapped in young throats.

Markgc

If you continue to feed them daily or on alternate days, you will support the population and promote population growth.
Insects are diminishing at an alarming rate due to pesticides and such.
You may even encourage new species into your area. Once they know there is a constant food source they will return again and again. It doesn't cost a lot.
Cheers.

New Home

Also, they've probably begun to rely on your food over the last couple of days, and may suffer if you stop feeding them suddenly.

lolo62

I've been feeding them smashed up fat/seed wild bird food balls from Tesco. They're going down a treat... Are these OK?

david75

I hung up some apples in our tree in the garden and put out some sesame seeds and bits of cheese on two plates. No sign of them going near them so far. We’ve two robins living in the huge bush that covers our back wall and loads of small sparrows and finches I think nearby and a thrush.
Are they just not seeing it maybe?

lolo62

david75 wrote: »

I hung up some apples in our tree in the garden and put out some sesame seeds and bits of cheese on two plates. No sign of them going near them so far. We’ve two robins living in the huge bush that covers our back wall and loads of small sparrows and finches I think nearby and a thrush.
Are they just not seeing it maybe?

I hung two fat balls in a bit of onion mesh bag from the tree out the back and they didn't go near them... They went for the plate when I broke them up. Are the plates up nice and high?

david75

lolo62 wrote: »

I hung two fat balls in a bit of onion mesh bag from the tree out the back and they didn't go near them... They went for the plate when I broke them up. Are the plates up nice and high?

No they’re on the raised deck at the back wall and another down by the back door.
Our two robins are usually totally fearless and often land on my palm or take food out of my fingers.
Unusual they’re so reluctant

Akrasia

david75 wrote: »

I hung up some apples in our tree in the garden and put out some sesame seeds and bits of cheese on two plates. No sign of them going near them so far. We’ve two robins living in the huge bush that covers our back wall and loads of small sparrows and finches I think nearby and a thrush.
Are they just not seeing it maybe?

Robins, wagtails and thrushes prefer to feed from the ground. If you cut the apples in half and leave them on the snow or some cleared ground they'll eat them

lolo62

david75 wrote: »

No they’re on the raised deck at the back wall and another down by the back door.
Our two robins are usually totally fearless and often land on my palm or take food out of my fingers.
Unusual they’re so reluctant

Wow lucky you with robins eating from your hands! I have a cat so doing my bit for the birdies during the snow but try not to attract them the rest of the time or I'd be finding them decapitated on my doorstep as gifts 😩

Rubberchikken

We put out peanuts in a proper feeder all year round.
Find that they eat less of them in summer so theyre probably enjoying all the berries etc at that time of year.
We do put out bread but we break it up so hope thats ok.
Actually saw our fox this morning. Knew thete was one around. Our dog loves rolling in fox poo:eek: but we hadnt seen him/her before. Beautiful animal:)

Elmer Blooker

Those balls of fat yokes should be banned. They must be absolutely laced with chemicals. They could last for months/years and still not go mouldy.
I wouldn't leave them out for the birds if it was -20c!

I put out left over rice the other day and they wouldn't touch it. It was good enough for me!

lolo62

Elmer Blooker wrote: »

Those balls of fat yokes should be banned. They must be absolutely laced with chemicals. They could last for months/years and still not go mouldy.
I wouldn't leave them out for the birds if it was -20c!

Oh really?! S**t! I thought I was being conscientious...whats good to give them then just bread?

david75

I thought fat as with butter never goes off? There’s nothing in it for mould and bacteria to grow on /feed on?
Don’t know where I heard that

Green Peter

Wheatbix? I just crush it and throw it to them, gives the small lads a chance when the big boys are around. I think

Elmer Blooker

lolo62 wrote: »

Oh really?! S**t! I thought I was being conscientious...whats good to give them then just bread?

Thats just my opinion because they never go off. They must be laced with preservatives. Birds go mad for sunflower hearts.

Markgc

lolo62 wrote: »

I've been feeding them smashed up fat/seed wild bird food balls from Tesco. They're going down a treat... Are these OK?

Brilliant. Birds love them.
But I'd advise to get a fatball feeder. It can hold 3 to 4. It allows small birds like finches and such to feed. Smashed up on the ground, crows and pigeons will swarm and steal it all for themselves. All seeds and nuts should be put in feeders so all bird types can avail.

You can find them cheaply in Heatons and €2 shops. They last a long time.
Dealz sells cheap seeds and nuts and fatballs too.

I'm glad to see so many people get involved.
Birds migrate throughout the year and you will see different species arrive in your garden. Great interest fir the kids too.

Hang the feeders up away from a cats reach. Mine are 5 feet off ground. Cats can jump a crazy distance. I've got five of them ><.
Give birds a line of sight so cats can't surprise them.

Markgc

lolo62 wrote: »

I hung two fat balls in a bit of onion mesh bag from the tree out the back and they didn't go near them... They went for the plate when I broke them up. Are the plates up nice and high?

The right idea but onion mesh can trap bird's claws by twisting around them as its not rigid.
Cheers.

Larbre34

We made a couple of extra feeders out of plastic water bottles and pencils and hung them in a cherry blossom near the upstairs window where i could restock them. I put a pre made seed mix in them although it took the birds a bit of time to cop on to them, they are lashing off them now, i have at least four different families of Chaffinch, Thrush, Great Tit and Coal tits emptying them in relays!

Markgc

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/safe-food-for-birds

John_Rambo

Doltanian wrote: »

Why would you feed foxes? They are vermin and should be eradicated at every opportunity.

They're indigenous apex predators in urban areas and keep the vermin (rat) population down. So, we'll hang on to them here!

RockDesk

I use sunflower seed all year round. I've tried other things but I think the birds got use to the sunflowers now and others weren't as popular. I actually tried sunflower hearts for a change but I saw the birds hammering them on the side of the feeders because they were expecting them to open!

My patio is destroyed from putting extra out these past few days with the snow. I'll have sunflowers popping up all over the place!

CH3OH

Threw a sunflower party today in the garden,
snapped a few friends who called around..

RockDesk

Oh wow, they're great photos! I love the 2nd photo, is that a young robin?

Markgc

CH3OH wrote: »

Threw a sunflower party today in the garden,
snapped a few

Quality pictures CH3OH. Nice close-ups and the colours wonderful.
What camera do you use?

CH3OH

RockDesk wrote: »

Oh wow, they're great photos! I love the 2nd photo, is that a young robin?

12
34
blackbird thrush
chaffinch 4 could possibly be an eurasian collared dove but not sure

joujoujou

Plenty of birds in my garden every day. Feed them all year round, whatever the weather. 2 mesh type feeders filled with peanuts + loads of bread on the ground. Small birds attracting various birds of prey and (sadly) my cats as well.

Foxes and some weasel-like animals calling in for bread on daily basis, but they have hard task, as my cats treat their territory quite seriously.

CH3OH wrote: »

[...] 4 could possibly be an eurasian collared dove but not sure

The very one indeed.

CH3OH

Markgc wrote: »

Quality pictures CH3OH. Nice close-ups and the colours wonderful.
What camera do you use?

canon 60d with a Sigma 150-600 mm lens . Was struggling to hand hold it as it wasn't very bright today

John_Rambo

Is it a Ringnecked Dove?

david75

I was delighted to see all the birds I know and am familiar with around my back garden and surrounds today. They’re regulars. Even the a*shole magpie couple. You’d wonder how they survive against the cold in serious weather events like these.

Tzmaster90

Seen 4 different types of birds around table outside to get the water we left for them and food.
It was nice to see

kavanagh_h

I don't know what it is about sunflower seeds but they do not last a day in my garden. You'd swear there was alccohol in them!!!

kavanagh_h

Im sure its a really stupid question but why can't the birds eat snow as a means of getting water? Is it not the same as cold rain water only icy?

La.de.da

At one stage I had about 10 crows, blackbirds and other smallies out the garden yesterday. Put out some cheese, chopped apples and oats.
They seemed greatfull poor things