Monty Don advises against using grain in bird feed to deter rats and squirrels

Monty Don
-Credit: (Image: BBC/AHA Productions/Mike Robinson)


Gardening guru Monty Don has warned that there is one item people should never include in bird feed as it could attract rats and squirrels. In Gardeners' World magazine, the horticulture expert revealed a specific ingredient he avoids in his homemade bird feed to prevent attracting unwanted creatures.

The seasoned Gardeners' World presenter stated: "No grain as this primarily attracts pigeons, sparrows, squirrels and rats, and is rarely eaten by other birds."

However, the 69 year old did disclose the components he uses for his DIY bird feed: "This is composed of a mix I makeup myself with sunflower seeds and hearts, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms and nijer seed, and lives in a dustbin outside the back door."

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Monty also offered advice on where he believes gardeners should position their bird feeders for optimal results, although he cautioned they may need to be vigilant for sparrow hawks potentially swooping in for the food.

He said: "I hang peanut feeders and fat and suet balls from the branches of the large fig tree in the corner of our backyard, and every morning I sprinkle the seed mix onto the logs and along the top of the stone wall that is backed by thick brambles, which act as cover for the sparrow hawks that occasionally swoop* in and take a small bird from the table."

Monty first graced TV screens in the 1990s and has since become a familiar face on beloved TV programmes including Tomorrow's World and This Morning, reports Devon Live.

After Alan Titchmarsh's departure, he assumed the helm of Gardeners' World in 2003. Monty was honoured with an OBE for his contributions to charity, broadcasting, and horticulture in 2018.