Granola can be a tasty treat for birds, but it’s important to be selective about the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what’s good and what’s not in granola for birds, and which bird species might enjoy it.
Good Ingredients in Granola for Birds
- Whole Grains: Oats, barley, and wheat found in granola are excellent for birds.
- Nuts: Many birds enjoy nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and others are great for birds.
- Dried Fruits: Small amounts of unsweetened dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apple pieces can be a nice treat.
Ingredients to Avoid in Granola
While many of the ingredients in granola mixes are good for birds, some things are not–and one item commonly found in many granolas is toxic.
The main offender in some granola mixes is chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to birds; if your granola has bits of chocolate in any form, remove it before putting it out at your bird feeder.
Also, if the granola is has too much salt–either in the granola itself or in salted nuts–that can be harmful to birds.
Birds That Might Eat Granola
- Chickadees and Titmice: They enjoy seeds and nuts and might pick these out of granola.
- Woodpeckers: They are attracted to nuts and might sample granola if it’s put in a suitable feeder.
- Nuthatches: Like woodpeckers, they enjoy nuts and could be drawn to granola.
- Finches and Sparrows: They might eat the seeds from the granola.
- Jays: Known for their love of nuts, jays might be interested in granola with a high nut content.
When offering granola to birds, it’s best to provide it in moderation as a part of a varied diet. Ensure that the granola is free from harmful ingredients and consider breaking it into smaller pieces to make it easier for the birds to eat. Also, be mindful of the potential for granola to attract unwanted pests if left out for too long.
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