Wild grouse are game birds that can be found in many parts of North America. While they forage for food on their own in the wild, backyard bird watchers often wonder – what can I feed wild grouse in my yard? Understanding the dietary needs of these birds can help attract them to your property.
What do wild grouse eat?
Grouse are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet varies somewhat by species, but typically includes:
- Seeds and nuts
- Buds, shoots, leaves, flowers, fruits and berries of trees and shrubs
- Insects
- Spiders
- Worms
- Mollusks like snails and slugs
During the spring and summer, grouse chicks require high protein foods like insects to sustain their rapid growth. Come fall and winter, their diet shifts more towards fruits, seeds and buds.
Best foods to feed wild grouse
If you want to supplement the natural diet of grouse visiting your yard, here are some of the best options:
Food | Notes |
---|---|
Black oil sunflower seeds | High in fat and protein |
Cracked corn | Source of carbohydrates |
Millet | Tiny seeds packed with nutrition |
Oats | Whole or hulled |
Wheat | Sprouted is easiest to digest |
Berries | Such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries |
Chopped fruit | Apples, melons, bananas |
Leafy greens | Kale, spinach, lettuce – chopped |
Live mealworms | High in protein |
Chopped hard boiled eggs | Also a good protein source |
Offering a combination of fruits, veggies, grains and high protein foods will give wild grouse a nutritious supplemental diet.
Best practices for feeding wild grouse
If you want to feed wild grouse, follow these tips:
Provide clean water
Grouse need to drink regularly, so put out a shallow bird bath or water dish. Refresh it daily.
Offer grit
Grit like sand, fine gravel or oyster shell helps grouse digest food and obtain minerals. You can buy commercial bird grit blends.
Elevate feeders
Use elevated platform feeders designed for game birds. This allows grouse to feed while watching for predators.
Avoid spoiled food
Clean feeders regularly and remove any wet, moldy food. Don’t allow produce to rot.
Provide shelter
Grouse appreciate brush piles, evergreens and other natural shelters nearby when feeding.
Start early
Get feeders set up in early spring or even late winter so grouse become accustomed to the food source.
Use proper feeders
Platform and tube feeders work well. Avoid open trays that allow food to get wet and dirty.
Consider suet feeders
Suet provides fat and protein. Commercial suet cakes are easy to use.
Discourage predators
Don’t attract grouse to areas frequented by cats, hawks or other predators. Set up feeders in more secluded spots.
Provide a variety
Offer seeds, fruits, greens and insects to mimic the grouse’s natural diet. Rotate different foods.
Following these tips will create a safe, appealing backyard habitat for wild grouse near your home.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about feeding wild grouse:
What’s the best time of day to feed grouse?
Early morning and late afternoon are when grouse are most active and likely to visit backyard feeders.
Should I leave food out at night?
No. Remove any leftovers at dusk to avoid attracting rodents and other nocturnal pests.
How much should I feed the grouse?
Start with about 1/4 cup of feed per grouse daily. Adjust amounts based on consumption. Don’t leave piles of excess food to rot.
Do I need to provide calcium supplements?
No. The foods suggested above give grouse sufficient calcium. Offering oyster shell grit provides extra calcium.
Will feeding make grouse dependent on me?
No. Grouse will still forage naturally. Backyard feeding provides a supplemental food source only.
What if other animals or birds eat the food?
Expect that squirrels, other birds like doves and sparrows may eat some of the feed. Use feeders designed just for grouse to limit this.
Can I feed grouse year-round?
You can. Grouse will appreciate the ready food source especially in winter when natural food is limited.
What if I run out of my normal grouse food?
Improvising with ingredients like old bread, chopped veggies, oats or barley will work in a pinch.
Is it okay to feed wild grouse by hand?
Hand feeding is not recommended. Grouse may mistake fingers for food. Use proper feeders instead.
Conclusion
With some planning and the right supplies, you can provide supplemental food for wild grouse visiting your property. Attract them by offering their preferred foods like berries, seeds and insects. Follow tips like elevating feeders and providing grit and fresh water. Be sure to clean up any leftovers at night. Feeding backyard grouse can allow you to observe these magnificent game birds up close as they enjoy a nutritious daily diet.