How to Feed Cheerios to Finches
Finches require a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains. Commercial bird feed may only supply one or two types of these nutrients, leaving an imbalance. Whether they are wild birds -- or a pet in your home -- feeding finches a varied diet is essential to their overall health.
A recommended diet for finches, and other small birds, contains 50-percent grain and 45-percent fruits and vegetables. Dairy and calcium should also make up a small portion of the diet. Supplementing the finches' diet with Cheerios is an ideal way to add these nutrients.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper towel roll
- Hole punch
- Twine
- Butter knife
- Peanut butter
- Cheerios
- Wax paper
- Bird seed
Instructions
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1
Make two holes in the top of the paper towel roll with a hole punch. Position the holes evenly to ensure the finch feeder hangs properly.
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2
Pass the twine through the holes. Loop the twine back on itself and tie a series of knots. Twine resists weather rot, unlike yarn which may cause a malfunction in the feeder.
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3
Spread peanut butter on the outside of the paper towel roll. Use a butter knife and spread the peanut butter 1/4-inch thick. Spreading a thick layer of peanut butter provides a mortar bed for the Cheerios.
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4
Crush one cup of whole grain Cheerios. Spread the Cheerios on wax paper. Position the paper towel roll above the Cheerios and use a blotting motion to pick up the Cheerios crumbs. Add Finch pellets to the mixture for color and variety, if desired.
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5
Hang the finch feeder in a tree, or place it in the bird cage.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Choose whole grain Cheerios to provide the right amount of nutrients.
Use a peeled and cored apple in place of the toilet paper roll to add fruit to the diet.
Add crushed oyster shells or grit to the mixture for a balanced treat.
Remove fruit pits which contain cyanide, from all fruit given to finches.
References
- Photo Credit purple finch image by Ronnie Howard from Fotolia.com
