Best Seeds For Birds

The best bird seeds for wild birds will meet the calorific and nutrient needs of the birds visiting your garden. Like any other animal, they require a range of different food types to stay fit and healthy. A staple to feeding garden birds if having a mix of seeds that can cover most of their diet at once and won’t have you shopping around for individual elements of a diet. Bird seed mixes like the Peckish Complete 12 Seed & Nut Mix No Mess contains a number of different ingredients to feed a range of different bird species and keep everyone happy and healthy. 

Birds will need a source of carbohydrates for quick release energy, which most bird seeds are rich in. They need fats to maintain body temperature and more slow releasing energy. Many bird species need a source of protein for growth and development that often comes in from seeds like peanuts or from adding insects into the mix. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are present in many seed mixes and are vital to keeping birds healthy. A source of calcium will keep bones nice and strong, but during breeding months, it becomes even more important.  

In spring, selecting the right bird seeds for our feathered friends in the UK becomes crucial to support their increased activity during the nesting and breeding season. While the warmer weather and blossoming plants might trick you into thinking there’s plenty of food about but spring is only marginally easier than winter. As birds struggle through the winter, when the weather changes and we go into spring, there is still a delay in how much food is available.  

Seed mixes with added fruits and berries in and is great for providing birds with the natural sugars they need. Seed mixes like Johnson's Wild Bird Black Sunflower Bell aren’t only good for colder months, but in spring, birds will still need the extra boost of protein from the black sunflower seeds. Peckish Daily Goodness Nuggets are also a great option if you want to give your local wild birds some extra calcium to get them ready for egg laying.  

As the sun graces the British skies, the nutritional needs of our avian companions undergo a seasonal shift. During the summer months, it's crucial to provide wild birds with seeds that align with their heightened energy demands. Summer is a busy season, so mixes that have plenty of carbohydrates to offer are a great source of sustenance for hurrying around and keeping baby birds fed. You should avoid mixes that are high in fats, and you can add extra protein to your seeds with the addition of LFJ Millers Dried Mealworms. 

A seed mix like Jollyes Wild Bird Food should be a staple for any bird feeder in summer. It’s packed full of everything birds need to thrive, including red millet that will provide your feathery friends with lots of energy. Being a parent is hard, and not only do they have young to look after but the end of summer is usually when moulting begins, which takes up even more of their energy.  

After a busy summer, autumn isn’t a period of relaxation. In fact, as soon as they’re done raising their young, they have to start preparing for winter. Birds can struggle to find enough food in summer to keep themselves as well fed as they should be just because they are so active. If you feed your local birds all year round, then they’re likely doing quite well and don’t need too much support. As the temperature drops, you can consider adding some extra fats to their diet in preparation for winter. Building up some reserves now can make all the difference when food becomes a lot more scarce in the colder months.  

You can continue feeding a well rounded and versatile seed mix like the Jollyes No Mess, No Grow Wildbird Food. All of the husks have already been removed, making it less taxing for your garden birds to eat and less messy for you! Introducing a source of fat like Suet Shop Bird Food, Suet Pellets Peanut with Berry can help build up your visitors' fat stores and prevent them from getting cold.

Winter is when the birds visiting your garden are going to need the most help. Not only is the weather colder, but with trees and bushes being stripped of their foliage, they have to look harder for places to shelter. Winter can be a tough time, and without proper support, many wild birds won’t make it through the harsh months. Food is practically non-existent but you can help your local birds flourish by keeping them well fed. Cold months mean birds need calories so you should concentrate on providing as much as you can. Fat balls and suet blocks are great for giving them extra insulation from the cold. LFJ Millers Kibbled Peanuts are a great source of both fats and proteins to add to your bird feeders.  

Nyjer seeds are also a great addition to provide in the winter. They’re a calorically dense food, so adding a little can make a world of difference. Honeyfield's Nyjer Seed Wild Bird Food are also a natural anti-inflammatory helping to heal injuries and boost the immune system.  

Providing birds with the right seeds for each season will ensure they get proper nutrition and keep them visiting your garden year-round. You can adjust your feeder offerings based on birds' seasonal needs, but there are some staples that are suitable to provide all year round too. You don’t have to change out everything you feed every season. You can find a good all-season mix and then add a few extra components depending on the seasonal needs of your local birds. 

Jollyes Everyday Bird Seed Mix is a well rounded and nutritionally dense seed mix that can help to sustain your feathery friends all year round. You don’t have to go hunting for individual seeds but you can always boost it with treats and additions throughout the seasons. Shop for the best bird seed for each season now to attract more colourful birds to your garden!