For thousands of years, people have been feeding birds. In our hurried lives, there are few other activities that bring us such beauty, entertainment, and sense of closeness to nature. Feeding birds has a strong, positive effect on the bird population. Over the past few decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the overall number of birds and bird varieties seen in our yards. Although birds can be fed year-round, most bird feeding is done in winter. Insects, seed and water are more difficult to find at these times. Deciding what to feed birds can be a big decision, since there are so many types of feed available. Choosing a mixture of feeds will attract a variety of birds. Commercially available foods are seeds, fats or nuts. You can also supplement this selection with fruits and baked goods. This information sheet will provide you with the basics about the different types of feeds, and what Bachman's has available. Pick up a copy of our handout Minnesota Birds, to find out what type food is the favorite of the birds that come into your yard.
Sunflower
By weight, sunflower seeds provide more protein than any other seed. There are two types of sunflower seed, striped and black oil. The black oil seed is the smallest and has the largest proportion of seed to shells.
Safflower
A new seed to many people feeding birds, safflower is quickly becoming a favorite. It is very high in oil and cardinals enjoy eating it. It also does not seem to attract squirrels or sparrows.
Corn
An inexpensive energy and heat producing food, whole or cracked corn is a good food for keeping birds warm in winter. Cracked corn is eaten by many birds. Whole corn is especially good for feeding large birds, such as jays, woodpeckers, pheasants, ducks, geese and even squirrels. Ear corn can be fed to birds or squirrels. Too much corn in a mixed seed will attract common grackles, sparrows and other unwanted pests.
Niger Thistle
Another seed that provides the needed protein and fat is Niger seed. Commonly called thistle, Niger seed is fed through small slits in special feeders. This attracts all sorts of finches and excludes a lot of larger, more aggressive birds.
Millet
One of the smallest seeds, millet is usually only available in mixed seed. Many of the birds that normally eat small seed prefer white proso millet.
Other Seeds
What is grown or commonly available in your area will determine what ingredients are used in seed mixes. Examples of other seeds suitable for birds are wheat, oats, buckwheat, canary, flax, rape and rice.
Bachman's Premium
An economical mixture of seeds, grains and nuts formulated to appeal to birds wintering in our area. It contains millet, grain products (including corn), sunflowers, safflowers and peanut pieces.
Bachman's Cardinal Mix
A special combination of seeds that contains sunflower, sunflower chips, safflowers and peanut pieces. It is formulated to attract cardinals, but lots of birds enjoy eating it.
Suet
Made from rendered beef fat, suet is a reliable source of energy to keep birds warm in the winter. Most suet is a mixture of fat and seed, peanuts or fruit. Almost all birds like suet, but it is a special favorite with insect eaters, such as woodpeckers and robins. Bachman's offers a wide variety of suet cakes flavored with seed, peanuts, raisins, fruit and insects.
Animal Fats
Birds will benefit from almost any source of fat. Try putting out bacon drippings, cheese, cottage cheese or dog food.
Recommended Products
Bachman's Bird Feeds
Bird Feeders of Various Styles
Squirrel Baffles
Birdbath Heaters
Suet and Suet Feeders
Bird Feeder Poles
Squirrel Feeders
Additional Bachman's Information
Quick Bird Feeding Tips
The Basics About Bird Feeders
Bachman's Bird Seed Chart
Planting to Attract Birds
©Bachman's 2007