To feed or not to feed...

[Bobbie Ireland]

"Feeding wild birds during the winter could harm the success of any chicks born in the following spring, says new research."


http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/news/story.aspx?id=1494&cookieConsent=A

[Donna]

This has been going on for a while. Until they come up with 100% facts, I will continue to feed the birds, until I receive a summons!

[Bobbie Ireland]

This has been going on for a while. Until they come up with 100% facts, I will continue to feed the birds, until I receive a summons!

Yup.

[MAK]

   Pffft! That doesn't even make sense. 

[Dumpsterkitty]

Maybe it was the high fat diet that was the problem. And additional vitamin E? What's that supposed to do? Too much fat soluble vitamins aren't good for anyone.


My backyard birds get black oil sunflower seeds. I don't bother with suet etc.  I have a healthy crop of house finches and goldfinches learning how to eat from a feeder right now.

They seem to be doing OK by me.

[Bobbie Ireland]

Oh, I am going to keep feeding "my" birds too! Just thought this was an interesting piece. I make my own suet cakes in the winter, as I assume these HAVE to be better than the shop ones with a long shelf life and who-knows-what in them. We don't feed much during the summer months - living in the countryside, there is lots for them in the hedgerows. And I also reckon that the birds will eat the critters I do not want on my veggies.