How to Make Your Own Wild Bird Seed

Attract desired birds to your yard with custom-made wild bird seed.

Many people like watching wild birds, and do all they can to attract these flying creatures to their yards, including setting out bird feeders filled with bird seed. But many commercial bird seed mixes contain fillers, such as grains, that the birds do not eat. Commercial bird seeds often have 4 to 5 percent inedible materials, such as sticks and other debris, and may be sprayed with oils to reduce dust. Avoid these undesirable ingredients in your wild bird seed by creating your own bird seed mixes. Additionally, when you make your own bird seed, you can tailor the mix to attract the bird species you want to see.

Things You'll Need

• Large bowl
• Black oil sunflower seeds (not shelled)
• Nyjer or thistle seed
• Safflower seeds
• Chopped nuts
• Other assorted seeds

Instructions

1. Determine what birds you would like to attract to your yard. Different species of birds are attracted to different seeds and other foods. You can find charts with this information online using phrases like "wild bird food," "bird watching," "wild bird watching" and "homes for wild birds."

2. Gather the seeds and other foods that will attract your desired birds. Black oil sunflower seeds are the single most popular bird seed and will attract a large variety of wild birds.

3. Mix 2 parts black oil sunflower seeds with 1 part of each type of desired bird food in a large bowl.

4. Fill your bird feeder with the seed mix. Store any extra seed mix in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Empty and refill your bird feeder every month.

References

• Wild Bird: Bird Food and Feeders
• Bird Watchers Digest: Backyard Bird Food Chart
• Wild Bird Watching: Types of Wild Bird Seed
• A Home For Wild Birds: Wild Bird Food Recipes
• Wild Bird: Bird Food