Wild Bird Food Buying Guide

The pleasure of having an abundance of wildlife in your garden  has never been easier. Not only do wild birds add to the overall quality of your garden, but your feed actually helps save many species of bird that would otherwise succumb to the drastic environmental changes occurring in our country.

You may already have frequent aviary visitors, or you may be looking to attract more. Either way, there are many types of bird feed that are suitable for the majority of bird species encountered in the UK, so it's hard to go wrong. You can buy the feed in bulk and compose a healthy assortment yourself, or you can buy premixed bird feed  at a more expensive rate. Remember, it is best to serve bird feed in a variety, so mix the feed up for the best results!

Sunflower Seeds
  • Sunflower seeds (especially Striped  and Black Sunflower seeds ) are a highly nutritious and popular food for most varieties of bird. They are high in protein and oils, which are essential for many species, especially in the winter months.
  • Sunflower Hearts  are sunflower seeds stripped of their shells, which is pleasant because they do not leave unsightly husks after the bird is done feasting.
    • They too are acceptable to most species of bird. Sunflower seeds are enjoyed most by Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, and Greenfinches.

Peanuts

Peanuts  are another popular bird feed, as they are also high in fat and protein. You can find them in economy grade ,premium grade , or simply jumbo  sized. They also come in a variety of fashions:

  • With shells (try threading them on a string and hanging it from branches...should cause much amusement for you and the birds!)
  • Shelled (for less mess)
  • Halved
  • In nibs/Granules 
  • Peanut Cakes 

Peanuts are suitable for most species, but are most enjoyed by Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Coal Tits, Great Tits, and Long Tailed Tits.


Mealworms

Mealworms  are an important source of protein for birds experiencing the decline of insects in their environment.

Robins especially enjoy mealworms, but other species such as House Sparrows, Wrens, Starlings, Song Thrushes and the Blackbirds are also fans.

Safflower

Safflower  is liked by most species of bird, but most importantly, they are one of the few seeds DISLIKED by squirrels. If you are having squirrel problems, this might be a viable solution.


Nyger

Nyger seed  is an extraordinarily fine seed, and much loved by the Goldfinch. As with other seeds, it is high in protein and oils. Because of its size, it does require a special feeder, such as the Droll Yankees Goldfinch Feeder.

Types of Seed Mixes

Basic Bird Food 
High in black-oil sunflower seed 

"No-Waste" Mixes 

Species-Specific Mixes 
Finch Mix 

Woodpecker/Nuthatch Mix 


Suet

Suet 
Chilli Pepper 


Bird Feeders

Seed Scoops 

Storage Bins 

Bird Baths