How do I feed the garden birds?

Which bird feeder do I need?

This depends on which species you would like to attract, where you live and your space. But, here are some top tips!

• Hanging bird seed feeders are the most commonly used and are a brilliant product for beginners to start with. Simply hang them from a branch or a feeding pole!
• Hanging Peanut Feeders are very similar to seed feedes but you fill these with peanuts, not bird seed. They are another great option for beginners and will attract a wide variety of birds,.
• Fat ball and cake feeders are another great source of nutrients for birds. We have specialised bird feeder ranges for these products and they are particularly loved in Winter when birds need that additional layer to help with the cold. We recommend using fat feeders and seed feeders to compliment each other!
• Ground feeders and hanging tables are also commonly used in the UK because some birds prefer to feed from seeds and food scattered on flat surfaces. These include Robins, Wrens, Chaffinch and Blackbirds. These flat feeders offer a range of options and work well with seed mixes, suet pellets or something more adventurous like dried mealworms. 
• Squirrel-proof feeding for smaller birds these are designed to keep out bigger birds and squirrels so that smaller birds feel safe in your garden. Some of our feeders come with these or you can buy them separately on our website. They are not neccessary but are a lovely extra if you have a lot of squirrels and pigeons in your garden!
• Wall and Window feeders are a brilliant choice if you are struggling for space. Our range stretches across both seed and fat feeders so you can still enjoy some choice.

Bird Foods

Generally birds speak with their beaks and it is worth remembering quality over quantity when satisfying our hungry feathered friends.

However, some foods are more widely enjoyed than others and are excellent to get you started:

• Fat Balls - An affordable favourite with a wide range of species and can be fed in a number of ways like peanut cakes. Our ultimate recipe is particularly nutritious and enjoyed in all seasons.
• Sunflower Hearts - These have mass appeal and suitable for many types of feeder so a perfect way to get going quickly.
• Peanut Cakes - Inexpensive but highly nutritious and loved by birds, these are particularly good for the colder months. Can be chopped up and scattered too, so don’t necessarily need to be inside a feeder.
• Hi-Energy No Mess - Rich in energy and appealing to a wide range of garden birds. With no outer husks there is no waste, no mess and also no weeds: what a bonus all round!
• Mealworms - Packed full of protein and ideal for hungry, growing chicks in the spring and summer. Also adored by friendly Robins.

Recommended foods for beginners:

Top Bird Feeding Tips:

• Start small, you don’t need to buy expensive feeders or a grand table to get to know your garden birds. Try smaller, inexpensive options to see what works and then develop your feeding areas as much as you want.
• Feed the birds in your garden all year round. Each season brings its own demands and birds will see your offerings as a reliable source when they need it most.
• Involve all the family – children are fascinated with wildlife and it can develop into a life-long enthusiasm for caring for them. So ask for their help with setting up and filling the feeder, play games to identify different birds and encourage them to look after spaces for wildlife.
• Wildlife friendly plants can provide suitable nesting sites, areas for shelter, edible berries for birds and mammals as well as flowers which will attract beneficial insects.
• As well as providing good quality food for your garden birds it is also essential to provide a regular supply of fresh drinking water. Our bird baths are ideal for this but a garden pond or even an upturned bin lid can all provide this valuable water source. It is necessary for birds to bathe regularly as clean plumage is more insulating on cold days and nights.
• Putting up nest boxes that replicate birds’ natural nesting preferences can encourage them to breed near your home and therefore enhance your connectivity with nature.
• Avoid having whole peanuts available other than in wire mesh containers during the breeding season - you can of course, provide kibbled peanuts, peanut cakes and Peanut Butter for Birds.