Households urged to put grated cheese out in their gardens this winter
The winter months can pose a significant challenge for birds as they struggle to access their natural food sources. Experts in wildlife are now encouraging households to lend them a helping hand.
During colder periods, an increased number of birds may be spotted in gardens, seeking both sanctuary and food, and can often become reliant on the food provided by households and gardeners.
The Irish Wildlife Trust has stated: "Birds will become dependent on the food you supply, so it is important to make sure your feeders are kept topped up to prevent them from having a wasted visit."
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They also emphasised the importance of providing a fresh, ice-free water supply, as drinking and bathing are crucial parts of a bird's daily routine. However, they warned against offering birds milk, as it can cause severe illness.
Their advice is that a bird's gut isn't designed to digest milk, which can lead to serious stomach upsets or even death. Instead, the trust recommends giving birds dairy products like cheese, with mild grated cheese being a good way to attract them, reports the Liverpool Echo.
There are numerous nutritious mixes available for birds. The wildlife trust advises that the best mixtures contain plenty of flaked maize, sunflower seeds, and peanut granules. They suggest avoiding seed mixtures that include split peas, beans, dried rice or lentils, as only larger species can consume these when dry.
Households should also be mindful not to overfeed birds as an excess of food can attract other wildlife into your garden, such as rats, squirrels and pigeons, which can make it harder for smaller birds to get to the food. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also offers tips for feeding birds in the winter months.
Foods that are safe to put out include:
Nuts and seeds
Peanuts
Rice and cereals
Fresh fruit
Mealworms
Soaked bread
Fat balls and food bars (no nets)
Grated cheese
Whilst things to avoid are:
Salt
Dog and cat food
Mouldy and stale food
Milk
Cooking fats