There are two key factors to consider when hanging a bird feeder in your garden.

1. Visibility
2. Safety

Can Birds Eat Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds have grown in popularity in recent years. Although the seeds come from cannabis plants, they contain virtually no THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) and are safe for both animals and humans to eat. In fact, many health enthusiasts use hemp seeds in smoothies, salads and other dishes. Hemp seeds are also a popular ingredient in bird seed mixes. Hemp seeds are also enjoyed by caged birds.

Good quality fat balls are an excellent source of nutrients for wild birds. They are a high-energy source of healthy fats and calories, making them a particularly valuable bird feed option for wild birds in the winter months.

Fat balls are also great for the breeding and migration seasons when wild birds will need as much energy as they can get. However, there are a few things you may need to know when it comes to feeding fat balls to wild birds.

While there is a lot of emphasis on feeding wild birds in the winter, it’s actually beneficial to feed garden birds all year round! There’s a common misconception that birds don’t need to be fed in the summer months, and even that feeding birds in the summer will make them fat and lazy, but that’s not the case!

While it’s true that winter can be a particularly difficult time for wild birds with natural food (and occasionally drinkable water)  being in short supply, wild birds will benefit from feeding all year round. Feeding wild birds through all seasons is an effective way to support their populations; improving chick numbers born and the survival of youngsters, and helping adults to stay in good body condition.

In winter, you should feed birds high-energy seed mixes that will help them to cope with the cold weather. Bird seed with suet is perfect for this time of year because suet is high in both calories and fat.

Feeding live bird food to your garden visitors can be a bit intimidating - but it's easier than you think! Read our live bird food tips to get started.

Live bird food usually consists of insects and bugs, and is an alternative to the usual seeds and nuts that tend to fill garden feeders. In nature, insects are a significant part of the diets of many different birds. Hence, the classic image of the early bird getting the worm! Live bird food tends to be a good source of protein for our feathered friends, particularly mealworms.

We know that not everyone is keen to order a bunch of wriggling worms to their house (we do offer dried mealworms as an alternative) but the benefits to your local birds can be worth the discomfort. For some tips and advice on handling live bird food, as well as why you should give it a go, read on!

Why Feed Birds Live Bird Food?

Insectivorous birds (birds who eat insects) are at risk when they don't have access to enough food, and insect populations are in decline in the UK. The lack of mature, native trees in our gardens and ever-decreasing areas of natural woodland means that wild birds cannot find the live bird food they need to feed their young. This means fewer eggs, and fewer fledglings. Help these birds by providing live bird food, particularly during periods of colder weather and breeding periods.

Spring marks the beginning of nesting season, so wild birds will benefit from high energy food sources during this time. In fact, as the UK tends to stay cold right through into the middle of spring, it is recommended to continue with high-energy winter feeding techniques until around mid-March at least. If you're unsure how best to care for our feathered friends, here's what to feed birds in spring.