Regardless of the size of your garden or outdoor space, there is always an opportunity to attract more birds and our how to start feeding birds guide shares some tips to help attract more birds to your garden. With this in mind, there are three important factors to consider when beginning to feed birds; the type of feed, the feeder and the location.

Start by picking the right bird food mix

Whilst knowing what to feed birds can be a little daunting, especially with such a large selection of feeds. Ideally, you want to try and replicate their natural diet of seeds, fruits and nuts. If you are new to bird feeding, you might want to keep it simple with a mixture of all three. This will attract a greater variety of bird species.

Everyday Essentials is a filler-free mix and provides a balanced blend of all necessary nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Ingredients like groats and white millet are slow-releasing carbs that are sure to keep birds energised for longer. With both husked and non-husked seeds, it will encourage a wider variety of birds to your feeder.

We also have seasonal mixes available; Our Winter Wellness is high in fat and rich in oils, providing a vital energy source to help birds through challenging weather. Summer Glow is the perfect mix of proteins, oils and fats that will keep birds well fuelled for flying and foraging during the warmer months.

For more experienced bird feeders or if you wish to attract a certain species of bird, then straight foods are a great option. Niger seed is rich in oils and is a favourite of the finch family and other small-beaked birds due to its size. A peanut-only feed will encourage more tits, finches and sparrows to your garden and is packed full of protein and fats, making it a popular choice all year round.

Consider what types of feeders are ideal

Picking the right type of feeder depends on various factors such as your preference, availability of space and selecting a safe environment.  But one thing is for sure, having a feeder full of nutritious feed will attract an array of wild birds eager to feast. Regardless of your available space, there is always room for a bird feeder!

Hanging feeders come in a selection of sizes and will attract various wild birds, from robins to goldfinches and house sparrows. Hanging feeders are perfect for any size of garden. However, it would be best to mount them high up to keep them away from predators and near shrubs or bushes to allow the birds to swoop in and nibble, then retreat to safety. If you have the space, you could even hang more than one feeder at various locations to entice more variety.

Hanging brackets and hooks make it much easier to hang the feeders, and they can be attached to almost any surface. Brackets don’t have to be eyesores either, and we have a selection of decorative styles to make the feeders an attractive feature in your garden, from our Owl Bracket to our charming Dog Bracket.

Table Feeders allow birds to graze through the feed at their leisure and are preferred by a selection of birds, such as wrens and thrushes. These are usually free-standing platforms and come in various styles and sizes.

Some birds do not mind sharing their feeding grounds, but others prefer their space. Bird stations allow you to hang a selection of feeders, attracting a diverse mix of wild birds whilst allowing them room to feed comfortably.

Provide your garden birds fresh water

Just like humans, water is just as vital for their survival and well-being and providing fresh water along with a food source offers them a haven and a one-stop shop. The Drink Up! Water Feeder allows them to quench their thirst, whilst a bird bath provides a pit stop to cool off and preen their feathers.

Keeping your bird feeders clean and hygienic

Maintaining your feeders and baths is just as important as keeping them refilled. Keeping them clean stops the spread of diseases and can be done easily when refilling. You should refill when food gets low; having a continuous feed supply proves that you are a reliable food source.

When washing, rinse them thoroughly using a 5% disinfectant solution and do not forget to wear gloves. Ideally, you want to do this outside or away from your kitchen or bathing areas. Allow to air dry thoroughly before refilling. Adding a little drop of Feeder Fresh™ to your feeder before refilling will help prevent mould build-up and keep it cleaner for longer.

As you can see, starting is quite easy and not that difficult to maintain. By providing a steady flow of food and resources, we can all positively impact the population of local wild birds.

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