How to keep feeding your birds through the winter

Being a bird enthusiast shouldn’t be forgotten about once the first snow starts to fall. It may be below zero outside, but that doesn’t mean that your birds should go hungry. Since food is even scarcer in these months, the wild bird food that you provide just may be their only source of nourishment.



You can still leave out bird seed on your regular bird tables but the snow will cause the seeds to freeze, ferment and decompose. The best option would be to install a baffle over the regular seed trays to prevent snow from falling in. It would also create a warm and dry spot for birds to rest and feed without getting bombarded with snowflakes. A baffle is a device made out of plastic with much resemblance to an umbrella. These will also keep other hungry animals away from your bird seed. It would also be wise to put away your tube feeders as snow might clog the tubes, making it impossible for birds to reach their food.



When you are serving bird seed, make sure that it is a mixture that attracts more than one species. If you are unable to find good quality mixed seed with niger seed, sunflower seeds and less filler materials, it would be a wise idea to get the seeds separately and making your own mixed seeds. Don’t forget to add seeds which are rich in fat and protein as birds lose a lot of it during winter and fatty food will keep them warmer. Birds that usually feed on bugs, grubs and worms will be attracted to fatty seeds as their first option is unavailable in the winter.



Always make sure to keep your seeds dry and to clean the seed feeder every day. Unlike in the warmer months, you will need to follow a more attentive cleaning regime to take care of the feeders due to the increased moisture. Make sure you get rid of all seed clumps before they start to get mouldy. You may also want to wash the feeders with warm water and a good scrubbing brush at least once every week. This will leave little possibility for mould and mildew to form inside your bird feeders and contaminate the seeds.