Can I make my own bird seed?

Making your own bird seed at home can be a fun and rewarding project for bird enthusiasts. With some simple ingredients and materials, you can create customized feed mixes that provide balanced nutrition for the birds in your yard. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of homemade bird seed, the basic steps for putting together your own mixes, and tips for storing and using your homemade feed.

What are the benefits of making my own bird seed?

There are several advantages to making your own bird seed at home:

• You can customize the seed mix specifically for the birds in your yard. Different species have unique nutritional needs so you can cater the ingredients for your local birds.
• It allows you to avoid fillers and low-quality ingredients commonly found in commercial mixes. You can select high-quality seeds, nuts, fruits, etc.
• You can avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and other additives used in store-bought mixes. Homemade seed is all-natural.
• It’s often more economical than buying specialized mixes from the store. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make large batches.
• You have total control over the quality and freshness of ingredients. Store-bought mixes can sit for months but homemade seed is very fresh.
• It’s fun! Blending your own bird seed recipes can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for avian enthusiasts.

Overall, making your own bird seed allows you to provide the highest quality nutrition for local birds while customizing the mix to their needs.

What basic ingredients do I need for homemade bird seed?

The core components of any bird seed mix are grains and seeds. Here are some of the most common ingredients used:

• Millet: This tiny, round white seed is a favorite of many small birds. It’s high in carbohydrates and fat.
• Cracked corn: A cheap source of energy that’s enjoyed by larger ground feeders like doves.
• Sunflower seeds: A bird favorite, sunflower seeds provide protein and fat. Go with black oil sunflower seeds.
• Safflower seeds: Small white seeds with a high fat content, safflower is loved by cardinals, finches, and chickadees.
• Nyjer seed: Small and black, nyjer seed attracts finicky birds like goldfinches.
• Peanuts: Offer peanuts in the shell or shelled bits for an energy-dense treat.
• Oats: Whole or crushed oats supply carbohydrates and fiber for energy.
• Cracked corn: Larger birds like starlings and jays will gobble up this cheap grain.

Beyond basic seeds and grains, you can add diversity with:

• Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, etc. provide natural sweetness.
• Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, etc. add protein and healthy fats.
• Mealworms: Dried or freeze-dried mealworms offer a meaty protein kick.
• Suet: For fat and calories, add hunks or melted suet.

What equipment do I need to make homemade bird seed?

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make basic bird seed mixes at home. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:

• Container for mixing – A large bucket, plastic bin, or even a wheelbarrow works well.
• Ingredients – See above for key mix-ins.
• Measuring cups
• Funnel (for transferring to storage containers)
• Storage containers – Sealable plastic bins, jars, zipper bags, etc.
• Masking tape & permanent marker (for labeling containers)
• Scoop or cups for dispensing seed

Optional but handy equipment includes a colander or mesh strainer (for sifting ingredients), a food processor (for chopping nuts), and a scale for weighing portions.

What is the basic process for putting together a homemade bird seed mix?

Here is an overview of the simple steps for blending and storing your homemade bird seed:

1. Choose ingredients: Select anywhere from 2-6 ingredients to create your customized mix based on the birds you want to attract.
2. Measure portions: Use measuring cups to portion out the amounts of each ingredient you want to use. Follow recipe ratios if using a set formula.
3. Combine and mix: Place all seeded ingredients into a large container and stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
4. Funnel into containers: Use a funnel to pour your finished mix into plastic containers for storage.
5. Label containers: Use tape and a marker to identify the seed mix and date on the containers.
6. Store in cool location: Place containers in a cool, dry spot away from rodents until ready to use.

Be sure to mix up your bird seed in batches small enough to be used up in a month or two so the ingredients stay as fresh as possible.

What are some example recipes for homemade bird seed mixes?

You can create diverse mixes by playing with proportions of various ingredients. Here are a few suggested recipes to try:

All-Purpose Mix

• 3 parts black oil sunflower seeds
• 2 parts millet
• 1 part safflower seeds
• 1 part cracked corn

No-Mess Mix

• 3 parts shelled sunflower seeds
• 2 parts shelled peanuts
• 1 part nyjer seed
• 1 part oats

Fruit & Nut Mix

• 2 parts sunflower seeds
• 1 part peanuts
• 1 part raisins
• 1 part dried cranberries
• 1 part chopped walnuts

Mix up small test batches first to tweak recipes to your birds’ preferences. Observe which seeds and ingredients they favor most in your yard.

How much homemade bird seed should be put out at a time?

Avoid dumping out a huge amount of seed at once. Offer small amounts often to reduce waste from seeds getting waterlogged or sitting too long. Here are some general guidelines on quantities to put out at a time:

• Feeder trays: 1-2 cups total spread between feeders
• Hopper feeders: Refill when half empty, about 1-2 inches deep
• Tube feeders: 3/4 – 1 cup per tube
• Platform feeders: Scatter up to 2 cups lightly over the tray
• Ground feeding: Sprinkle up to 1/4 cup seeds in multiple areas

Check feeders daily and refill as needed. Sweep or rake excess accumulations from the ground to reduce waste.

How should I store my homemade bird seed to keep it fresh?

Proper storage of your homemade mixes helps retain seed freshness and nutritional value. Follow these tips:

• Use sealable plastic containers or buckets with tight lids.
• Glass jars also work well but should be kept out of direct sunlight.
• Keep containers in a cool, dry spot ideally between 40-75°F.
• Avoid storage in hot garages, attics, or sheds.
• Use up seed mixes within 1-2 months.
• Freeze any extras you won’t use right away.
• Check regularly for moisture and discard any moldy seed.

Properly stored, most homemade seed mixes will stay fresh for up to 4-6 weeks. Refrigeration can help extend shelf life a bit longer when making large batches.

What are some tips for using homemade bird seed effectively?

Here are some tips to use your homemade seed mixes most effectively:

• Offer in multiple feeder types to attract different birds.
• Try platform, hopper, tube, and tray/table feeders.
• Mix it up by combining seeds, fruits, mealworms, and nut pieces.
• Go heavy on sunflower seeds, nyjer, and safflower which birds covet.
• Lightly sprinkle millet, cracked corn, and oats which most birds only like moderately.
• Turn feeders frequently to prevent waterlogging during rain.
• Feed year-round including winter months when birds need extra energy.
• Clean feeders regularly to avoid buildup of bacteria and mold.
• Situate feeders to provide birds cover and shelter as they visit.

Experiment to see which seeds and feeding methods work best to attract birds to your yard. Observe their preferences and adjust your mixes accordingly. Enjoy watching your feathered friends feast on your homemade creations!

Conclusion

With just a few basic ingredients and supplies, you can easily create nutritious, cost-effective bird seed in your own home. Customizing seed mixes allows you to cater to the unique needs of birds in your yard. While it does require some time invested upfront, the ability to control ingredients and skip artificial additives makes it worthwhile for devoted birders. Be sure to store and handle your homemade mixes properly to preserve freshness. Follow the tips above and you’ll be rewarded with happy, healthy birds flocking to your feeders for their tasty, tailor-made meals.