Bird Food to Avoid

Nourish so that birds will flourish

Although it may be tempting to turn old carbohydrate-based food or spare fruit into bird treats, you've got to be careful when feeding birds. There are certain foods that are not good for them at all, and to keep them healthy and returning to your yard, you've got to be aware of what could hurt them instead of help them. If birds eat food that isn't good for them, it can cause intestinal disorders, skin and feather problems, allergies and other diseases. By feeding them properly, you'll make sure that birds coming back to your yard will come with good health.

Baked Goods and Salty Snacks

You may want to get rid of that stale Danish or doughnut, but sugary baked goods can be bad for birds. These contain high levels of fat, sugar and salt and can really hurt a bird's system. The best thing to do is to feed birds birdseed, suet or other approved bird food. Even approved baked goods should be fed sparingly. Like man, birds cannot live by bread alone and need more variety in their diets. Foods like chips, cheese puffs and other high-fat human snacks should be avoided altogether because they can destroy intestines and really malnourish instead of helping birds. Don't feed breakfast cereals, either - these are not good for birds. Any products containing white or bleached flour should be avoided.

Peanuts and Beans

Although beans and peanuts are often found in birdseed mixes, unshelled peanuts should not be served to birds, especially in the breeding season. Certain beans, like fava, lima and navy beans should not be offered either. In fact, if you see birdseed mix with dried beans and peas in it, it's best just to avoid it altogether, because you will be introducing foods that the birds would not normally eat. Peanut butter on its own is also a big no-no; birds love peanut butter, but you should mix it with fat so that they won't choke.

Fruits and Vegetables

Most fruit and berries are fine for birds, but don't offer avocado or rhubarb, as these contain poisonous elements that can seriously hurt them. Whatever fruit you put out, make sure that it's not bad or moldy, because this can make birds quite sick. If you are serving nectar, don't use red food coloring because it is thought to hurt hummingbirds and orioles. Always check any food you put out for signs of decomposition and change the food if you suspect a sick bird at your feeder.

Don't ever feed, under any circumstances:

• Carbonated beverages (in hummingbird or oriole feeders)
• Honey
• Chocolate or coffee-flavored food or drink
• Any fruit or vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides
• Raw rice or pasta
• Potatoes with the eyes still in

Take care when feeding birds and you will enjoy their company for years to come.