Feeding wild birds is a privilege. The human actually receives more than the birds. When one considers the release of endorphins, we tend to think exercise, or chocolate, or great music. Relaxing near your feeding zone, and observing your wild birds will do the same.
Tragically, we are able to cause harm. Here are ten cautionaries to ensure mutual benefit:
- Beware of mycotoxins. The golden rule is that you should never provide food that has a risk of fungal contamination. Unfortunately, many of the “normal” foods we use are at risk. Examples include maize, wheat and peanuts. The toxins typically cause severe liver damage. Therefore, one should only use fresh and uncontaminated product (we certainly do!)
- Beware of water contamination. Typical causes include faecal contamination leading to bacterial growth. Bacterial contamination may cause death. The easy solution is to check water condition – preferably use running water sources. However, simple water replacement may not be sufficient; in the event of contamination, the container needs to be disinfected.
- Vary the food sources. Even “good” food sources (spinach, broccoli, potatoes, etc.) can contain harmful substances such as saponins when consumed in excessive quantity. Studies have shown that birds can become addicted to certain foodstuffs such as peanuts and sunflower seeds. This is a major problem for caged birds, and not severe for wild birds eating a supplementary diet.
- Never forget natural food sources. It is very important to garden for birds, also including insects that form part of bird diet. Remember also that feeding action (especially if not varied) is unlikely to provide the full range of animal vitamin/mineral requirement, but this problem is overcome through natural food supplementation. In short, you need garden insects, and natural grasses, and indigenous shrubs!
- Reduce bird stress! Generally, wild birds will choose to depart rather than face a stressful situation, but may be forced to accept stress in unusual situations (the Knysna fires come to mind, where footage appeared of birds acting very unusually in competing for limited food resources). You can cause stress through your actions, your pets (dogs and cats), can cause stress; one may well imagine causes. In principle, the feeders need to be in areas where escape options are available, and where some cover is provided – thus good trees/shrubs. Stress may be much worse if you keep a companion bird – watch for symptoms.
- Do not feed milk as a rule. Birds do not properly hydrolyse lactose. Normal sugar, as well as glucose and various starches are generally necessary and healthy for the birds.
- Also as a rule, avoid colourants. It is not difficult to imagine that various preservatives and other chemicals are unproven, and may also thus be harmful. They may not be, but it remains better to simply avoid them. With certainty, do not use Xylitol.
- Do not add gritty material. Not that many birds require it for digestion (as an example doves do), but those who do will get it naturally. Generally, your garden birds will de-hull seed before eating. This extends to the bird food (e.g. suet) that you use – do not buy rubbish containing cheap gritty fillers.
- Feeding needs do change with avian activities and with seasons. As an example, feed less fruit when the naturally occurring fruit ripens. During breeding, birds need protein. After trauma, a bird actually needs an increased level of nutrition, and will therefore potentially die. For the garden birder, it is apparent that common sense should prevail, and feeding adapted slightly to the season.
- Whatever else, good water is critical – to drink, at times to bath, at times to cool down. Many birds will die if they do not drink within 48hrs (although some are adapted to water deprivation). The garden birder should have a good water point ahead of any feeder! Water alone is able to attract birds if they feel safe.
The bottom line is that if one is going to feed wild birds, you should do them justice by providing a quality of food and lifestyle commensurate with the pleasure they give to you!
