winter feeding

Snowc

With the next few nights promised to get fairly cold when do people start feeding birds for the winter if they don't feed them year round?

TopTec

Usually Autumn Equinox for me. Although this year I have been feeding all year trying to encourage Sparrows, which I have never had in the garden before. I like to think my feeding throughout the summer has helped out the couple of dozen that have been regular feeders here with a large proportion of them fledglings.


TT

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

In line with all best advice and research, I now feed all year round. The amount and variety of food will increase in winter with fats only provided in severe cold. It's still very mild, with only a slight touch of frost.

by8auj6csd3ioq

@Srameen

In line with all best advice and research, I now feed all year round.

what research is this? Someone told me they are OK during summer, lots of berries etc

I have a friend who is unwell but likes to watch the birds in her garden .She has tree with berries and would like to start feeding them but may not be able to do so every day. If anyone has any advice as to what she should feed them please post. In a feeding silo like https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/feeding-garden-birds-winter-male-european-712946614 how do they get at the food in near the centre. What would be put in that and would it last a couple days?

Thanks
ps sorry if this posts twice i got a message there was a problem with servers

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Novalee Big Pearl wrote: »

@Srameen what research is this? Someone told me they are OK during summer, lots of berries etc

I have a friend who is unwell but likes to watch the birds in her garden .She has tree with berries and would like to start feeding them but may not be able to do so every day. If anyone has any advice as to what she should feed them please post. In a feeding silo like https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/feeding-garden-birds-winter-male-european-712946614 how do they get at the food in near the centre. What would be put in that and would it last a couple days?

Thanks
ps sorry if this posts twice i got a message there was a problem with servers

BTO, RSPB and other studies show all year round feeding helps during the breeding season when adults can easily feed themselves with more time and energy for sourcing food for their young. Berries are really only eaten in autumn.


Nut feeders would not require daily replenishment, nor would seed holders. Fatballs in a cage feeder would last a few days as well. The seed holder you linked to allows the seed to fall through as the volume reduces. It should be ideal.

by8auj6csd3ioq

Ok thanks Srameen

What is a nut feeder and what nuts would she use. What is a cage feeder for fat balls.

Thanks

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Novalee Big Pearl wrote: »

Ok thanks Srameen

What is a nut feeder and what nuts would she use. What is a cage feeder for fat balls.

Thanks

Peanuts in a feeder like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alan-Titchmarsh-Wild-Peanut-Feeder/dp/B00A2K5BK2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1541104429&sr=8-6&keywords=bird+Peanut+feeder

A fat ball feeder

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Johnston-Jeff-Fat-Ball-Feeder/dp/B00IME85A8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541104480&sr=8-3&keywords=bird+fat+ball+feeder

by8auj6csd3ioq

OK will check them out. Thank you

by8auj6csd3ioq

is that ordinary peanuts like a person would eat?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Novalee Big Pearl wrote: »

is that ordinary peanuts like a person would eat?

No. You'll get peanuts for birds in pet food suppliers, or even most hardware stores.

by8auj6csd3ioq

Srameen. Ok much appreciated

dball

would fat balls be discouraged all year round?

New Home

Yes, they're too rich in fat as opposed to proteins, they only need the extra fat when it's absolutely freezing, otherwise it'd be like feeding them triple macs for lunch breakfast and dinner all year round.

dball

ok, seems to make sense as its the easiest ****E to buy as its in all the supermarkets etc,

back to seed so, Ill get some at the weekend and save the big macs for another few weeks (december)

THanks