In recent years, more and more people have started feeding wild birds in their own backyards. Watching robins, chickadees, and woodpeckers visit daily can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, many birdwatchers have noticed that birdseed can be expensive, especially during winter or migration seasons when retailers often set bird food prices at "wild" levels. So, how can you ensure your birds get high-quality food while saving money? Here are a few methods worth trying.
1. Selective Feeding to Avoid Waste.
Not all birds eat the same seeds. If you want to attract specific birds, such as cardinals and chickadees, feed them black oil sunflower seeds instead of buying expensive mixed seeds. Mixed seeds often contain cheap fillers, such as wheat or millet, that many birds do not like. These fillers are often picked out and wasted. Targeted feeding meets the needs of birds and reduces waste.
2. Buy in Bulk for Better Value!
Just as with household essentials, buying birdseed in bulk is more cost-effective. Many garden stores and online retailers offer large packages of sunflower seeds or peanut pellets weighing 20 or 40 pounds, and the unit price is often significantly lower than that of smaller packages. If you have a steady stream of visitors to your backyard, stocking up is a cost-effective option, especially if they come in large numbers. However, if you only want to attract a few regular feathered friends, we recommend purchasing birdseed more frequently rather than stockpiling it for months. Simply store the seeds in a sealed, moisture-proof, rodent-proof container to ensure freshness.
3. Choose the Right Bird Feeder
Saving money isn't just about the type of seeds you buy; it's also about how you feed the birds. If the feeder is poorly designed, the seeds can easily spill or be stolen by squirrels. Choose a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Hang it on a pole or shepherd's hook away from trees and keep it at least four feet off the ground. Alternatively, use a tubular feeder with small holes; larger nuisance birds, like crows and pigeons, will have difficulty perching on these feeders. Additionally, avoid exposing too much food to wind and rain to prevent it from getting damp and moldy.
4. Homemade Food
In addition to store-bought birdseed, you can supplement your bird feeder with household ingredients such as unsalted peanuts, oatmeal, and homemade suet balls. These are economical options that provide birds with different nutrients. These foods often provide birds with different nutrients and are less expensive.
5. Control Feeding Times and Quantities.
It is not necessary to keep the bird feeder full all day. Birds are most active in the morning and evening, so feeding them during these times is sufficient. Controlling the amount of food you provide prevents waste and helps birds develop regular feeding habits. Use a funnel spoon to fill the feeder with seeds; this makes filling easier and reduces spillage.
Feeding birds doesn't have to be expensive. You can save money while still attracting a wide variety of birds by choosing the right seeds, buying in bulk, using the right feeders, trying homemade food, and scientifically arranging feeding times. You don't have to spend a fortune to keep your backyard lively and vibrant.