How to Make Your Own Birdseed

Making Your Own Birdseed: It's Easier Than You Think!

Love birds? Love your garden? Then making your own birdseed is perfect for you! It's fun, surprisingly easy, and lets you attract all sorts of birds to your backyard. Plus, it's often cheaper than store-bought stuff.

Why Bother Making Your Own Birdseed?

Seriously, there are tons of good reasons. Here are a few:

• Save Money: Store-bought birdseed? Expensive! Making your own saves you cash.
• Customize It!: Store-bought mixes have fillers. You get to pick the best seeds for the birds in your area. Think of it as a delicious bird buffet!
• Freshness Matters: Homemade birdseed is always fresh. It's like the difference between a day-old muffin and one that just came out of the oven.
• Fun Family Project: It's a great activity for a relaxing afternoon. My kids loved helping me!
• Good for the Environment: You can choose seeds from sustainable sources.

What Seeds Should You Use?

The secret to attracting lots of birds? A mix of seeds, grains, and nuts! Different birds like different things. Here are some popular choices:

1. Sunflower Seeds: A big hit with almost everyone! They're packed with energy.
2. Milo (Sorghum): Smaller birds love this grain.
3. Cracked Corn: Perfect for bigger birds.
4. White Proso Millet: Ground-feeding birds gobble this up.
5. Nyjer (Thistle) Seed: Finches adore this, but use a special feeder to avoid waste.
6. Wheat Berries: Good carbs for energy.
7. Peanuts (shelled or in shell): Protein and fat – but no salted or roasted ones!
8. Oats (rolled or steel-cut): Healthy and inexpensive.

Important: Don't use bread, cooked rice, or anything moldy. It's bad for the birds!

How to Make Your Birdseed Blend

It's super easy!

1. Gather your ingredients: Measure out the seeds you chose. Start small to experiment.
2. Mix it up: Combine everything in a big bowl or bucket. Mix it well!
3. (Optional) Add Extras: Suet (beef fat) or unsalted nuts add extra nutrition. You can mix it in or add chunks to your feeder.
4. Store it: Keep your birdseed in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips for Bird-Watching Success

Great birdseed is a start, but here's how to make your backyard a bird paradise:

• Different Feeders: Use tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders – different birds like different things!
• Fresh Water: Birds need water to drink and bathe. A birdbath is a great idea.
• Shelter: Shrubs and trees offer protection from the weather and predators.
• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean your feeders to prevent disease.
• Natural Plants: Native plants provide food and habitat.
• No Pesticides!: Avoid chemicals that can harm birds.

DIY Bird Feeders? Why Not!

Making your own bird feeder is another fun project! There are tons of ideas online using recycled materials. It’s a great addition to your gardening adventures.

Enjoy Your Feathered Friends!

Making your own birdseed is a fantastic way to attract birds to your yard. It's fun, saves money, and is good for the environment. So get started, and enjoy the show!

Remember to check what birds are common in your area and adjust your mix accordingly. Happy birding!