Ever wondered if the almonds in your pantry are something you could share with your feathered friends? While almonds are a delicious and nutritious snack for humans, can birds eat almonds safely, and are they beneficial to their diet? Let’s dive into this nutty topic.
Table of Contents
Can birds eat almonds? Is it safe?
Yes, birds can eat almonds! In fact, a study on Australian birds found that almond orchards attracted a higher diversity of bird species compared to other agricultural crops.
Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They’re an excellent source of energy, especially for wild birds who need to store up fat reserves for colder months or migration. Almonds also contain essential vitamins such as Vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, which can support a bird’s overall health.
Types of Almonds Birds Can Eat
Raw vs. Roasted Almonds for Birds
When it comes to feeding birds almonds, raw is always better. Raw almonds retain their natural nutrients, which are crucial for the health of birds. Roasted almonds, on the other hand, may lose some of their nutritional value during the roasting process and could contain added oils that aren’t healthy for birds.
Salted and Flavored Almonds: Are They Safe?
No! Birds should never be given salted or flavored almonds. The high salt content and artificial flavorings can be harmful to birds, leading to dehydration and other health issues. Stick to plain, raw almonds for your feathered friends.
Shelled vs. Unshelled Almonds for Birds
Birds like parrots or larger wild birds can crack open almond shells, making it a fun activity for them. However, smaller birds may not have the beak strength to break through the shell, so it’s best to offer them shelled almonds or small, broken pieces.
Can birds eat other types of nuts?
Yes, many birds can eat other nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and cashews, but always ensure they are raw and unsalted.
What else can you add to your bird feeder?
Seeds
Seeds make a great addition to your bird feeder. Some great choices inculde:
- Sunflower seeds, both striped and black. Black oil sunflower is especially popular due to its oil content and easy-to-break thin shells. Bigger birds with sharp beaks are better suited for the thick-shelled striped sunflower seeds.
- Safflower seeds are similar in look to the sunflower seed, except they are white. You will notice that safflower is a bit pricier than sunflower seeds. It can have a bitter taste, which works for birds but not for other small animals like squirrels or raccoons.
- Millet is very small seeds that are perfect for smaller birds. They are chockfull of nutrients and are a great filler for your bird feeders. All kinds of birds love this seed, especially among ground-feeding birds, so you can scatter this on the floor as well.
- Sorghum, a reddish grain, also provides some nutrition, but less than millet. Still, it acts as a decent filler for your bird feeder and is generally well-liked by a variety of birds.
- Nyjer or thistle seed is another favorite snack of small birds. They are typically black in color and elongated like rice grain, down to how lightweight the seed can be. They have a lot of oil, fat, and protein, making them a nutritious feast for birds.
- Rapeseed or canola is another seed that is oil-rich since this is the seed that is used to produce the popular cooking oil. The black round seeds are also good for small birds.
- Canary seed is a brown seed that looks similar to grains of rice. When the hulls are removed, the seed is a darker brown. They are typically sold for pet birds, so they are also good for wild birds and your feeders.
Many larger birds have the capability to crack open seeds with their sharp beaks or talons. However, some small garden birds will not be able to partake in this meal. If you have an idea of which birds you want to invite to your feeder, take this into account when shopping for bird feed.
Corn
Cracked corn or whole corn kernels are a great addition to the bird’s diet. You can choose to leave the entire corn cob, removed from the husk into the feeder. Birds are known to peck the kernels off the cob itself, so it’s no issue for them, and you don’t need to make the extra effort.
Be wary about the corn that you buy, because some corn is dyed to indicate it’s meant for planting, which means they have been treated with special chemicals that are not good for bird consumption. Aflatoxins in corn, caused by fungi, should also be avoided.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a great source of protein. They are larvae of beetles, and a lot of them can be bought and stored away. You do need to make sure they don’t escape their container, or you might find yourself in the middle of a mealworm infestation!
These worms don’t just offer fat and protein, but they provide hydration. This is especially important for baby birds who cannot drink water.
Suet
Suet is animal fat that is found around the kidneys and loins. Beef and mutton are their typical source. This is an excellent food to put out during the winter season, where the birds appreciate that extra energy to burn throughout the colder climate. It is an excellent source of energy.
Suet feeders are usually made of a simple mesh box with accessible holes. This contraption defends food from other animals like squirrels but is safe for birds to land on and hang around.
In summary
Can birds eat almonds? Yes, almonds are a great addition to your bird feeder alonf with other nuts and seeds. THappy bird feeding!
