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How To Stock A Bird Table
Wild birds are becoming increasingly dependent on what we provide for them during the winter months but, advises the RSPB, we must be careful what we feed them.
What you'll need:
A bird table
Hanging feeders
Water containers
1:
Avoid salty foods and snacks, whole bacon, desiccated coconut and uncooked rice, as these can kill wild birds. Use instead a good quality wild bird food from a pet shop, starting with seed and peanut feeders as these are a good source of oil, protein and vitamins.
2:
On the down side, peanuts are prone to developing a fungal infection that can also poison wild birds. If the nuts show signs of fungus, have a fusty smell, or just look past their sell-by date, throw them away and start again.
3:
Many birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes and robins are ground and table feeders and will not be tempted to use a wire basket.
4:
Wash out birdbaths, drinking bowls and feeders on a regular basis.
Conclusion:
With the correct foods on offer, we can enjoy wild birds throughout the year. Rember that birds also need extra food in the spring when rearing their yound.
Warnings:
When cleaning bird tables, feeders and drinking bowls, always wear rubber gloves as wild birds carry a variety of diseases, some of which are dangerous to humans.
References:
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