Forgo setting two one-dollar-valued fruits on bird feeders in May, as there's a crucial caution not to disregard: a potential lethal substance could be present in those foods, endangering the avian population.
Gardeners can delight in the popular pastime of bird feeding, inviting avian visitors to their backyards. Typically, seed mixes offer balanced nutrition for birds, but occasional fruit treats can provide a nutrient boost. Suitable choices include apples and pears, packed with vitamins that support birds' overall health.
However, it's essential to consider some recommendations when offering these fruits to the birds in your garden.
Advantages of Apples and Pears for Birds
Much like incorporating rice or pasta into bird feeders, apples and pears can deliver a nutritious snack rich in vital vitamins and minerals. Apples, for example, offer a source of carbohydrates for energy, fiber for proper digestion, and protein for muscle strength, making it an advantageous treat during the winter when birds utilize additional energy to stay warm.
In addition to these benefits, apples include vitamin A for improved eyesight and vitamin C to aid stress management. They also provide magnesium and potassium essential for heart and brain health.
Similarly, pears serve as a good water source, keeping birds hydrated during hot weather, and contain sugars for energy. They also offer vitamins C and K and fiber, contributing to digestive health.
Overall, both fruits are suitable alternatives to food items like salted nuts and seasoned foods that should be avoided in bird feeders.
Warning Regarding Fruit Seeds
When leaving out apples and pears for birds, it's crucial to be aware of the fruit seeds, according to Homes & Gardens' Content Editor, Thomas Rutter. Both apple and pear seeds contain traces of cyanide, a toxin toxic to birds. To mitigate this risk, seeds should be removed from apples and pears before serving them to the birds in your yard.
An apple corer tool, such as the one available on Amazon, can simplify the process of seed removal. In addition, you can plant the resulting seeds to attempt growing your own apple or pear tree.
It's also essential not to rely solely on fruit in a bird's diet. Thomas recommends a balanced diet of seeds and grains found in commercial bird food. Offer pieces of apple and pear to bird feeders every few weeks as a treat, ensuring they are cut into smaller, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Other bird feeder alternatives, such as shrubs with berries, can offer additional food sources for a more diverse diet.
Thom, the Content Editor for the Gardens Team, brings expertise in gardening and garden writing to our website. He gained experience at numerous renowned gardens in the UK and Italy during his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, London, and his subsequent employment at private estates in Tuscany.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Apples for Birds: Crab apples and cooking apples are recommended for birds, as they are less likely to have been treated with chemicals and are thus safer for the birds' health.
- Feeding Birds Potato: Cooked potato, rich in carbohydrates, can provide birds with energy. However, it's essential to note that uncooked potato can be harmful.
By incorporating these guidelines, you can safely provide apples and pears as a nutritious treat for your garden birds during the summer months, ensuring their health and well-being.
When offering apples and pears to birds in your garden, it's crucial to remove the fruit seeds since they contain traces of cyanide. To simplify the process, an apple corer tool can be used. Additionally, following Thom's advice from the Gardens Team, offer a balanced diet of seeds and grains found in commercial bird food, and include pieces of apple and pear as occasional treats, ensuring they are cut into smaller, manageable sizes.
