Who knew birds
have such a sweet tooth? Birds love grape jelly!
Grape jelly is attractive to them because of its high sugar content. It has a texture similar to fruit flies and the other insects they like
to eat. The deep bright color of grape
jelly makes it easier for birds to see when daylight is low or there are
poor weather conditions.
Drawn to jelly,
they are attracted to the sugar for the energy it provides them. The sweetness
of grape jelly provides energy boosters that help them survive for lengthy
periods of time without eating. The ideal time to put out jelly is during spring and fall migration periods, when the birds need extra energy. Like humans though, too much sugar for birds can create
health problems for them. Jelly should be reserved for use as an occasional treat
or to initially attract them to your yard. To cut down on the sugar content, you can also substitute pureed fruit for the jelly or try making your own. For overall health once they are attracted to your feeders, switch to regular feeding that includes foods that provide them with more sustenance for their everyday existence.
Birds also
like to eat grapes and berries from feeders or leftovers on the vines after
harvesting. For food with more substance,
especially during winter months, include apples and oranges on a feeder or
plate and include foods with less sugar, like mealworms, crickets or other
dried insects.
Often overlooked food sources include bananas and melons. You can put melon pieces out as-is or include the seeds. They will eat pumpkin and squash seeds fresh with the flesh or baked in the oven until they are dried out. Akin to their fresh food counterparts, they will also eat raisins and cranberries. Eat your vegetables does not necessarily apply to birds. They have trouble digesting raw vegetables, but will eat peas, sweet corn and potatoes (if the skin has been removed).
You can also put out common breakfast items found in many kitchens. Bran flakes, toasted oats, plain Cheerios, corn flakes or plain sugar-free cereals with fruit and nuts. Be mindful that birds will have trouble swallowing large chunks, so crush them with a rolling pin before putting them in a feeder or on a plate. For their health, do not feed them sugar-coated cereals or ones containing marshmallows.
During cooler months, unsalted and unsweetened all-natural nut butters without additives are a good source of protein and fats for birds. Chunky peanut butter is a common favorite. It is important that the butters used do not include any added sugar or fats. The butters should be reserved for cooler months and winter and not in warmer months when the birds have natural food sources available to them. Butters should not be left out long enough to turn rancid due to the health risks for the birds. To prevent the butter from becoming too sticky, you can mix it with cornmeal or oats for easier eating. If it is too sticky there is a risk of choking for the birds when they try to swallow it.
Last, but not least, birds can eat dog biscuits and dry organic dog foods (avoid those made for special canine diets due to specialty additives)! They should be broken up into small pieces and soaked in water to soften them first. The nutrients can benefit birds as long as the biscuits or food are not taken from the same bowl or dispenser that is used to feed the pets. Contamination with parasites normal for canines is detrimental to birds' health and should be avoided.
To first attract
birds to your yard, make sure there are no other food sources available in the
yard like seed or corn feeders, or suet.
Then add jelly to your feeder, along with slices of apples
or oranges for added appeal. Place this in the middle of your yard area for
easy visibility. Once they start visiting you can easily add other feeders and allowable food sources. Enjoy them throughout most
of the year but avoid leaving out jelly or high sugar content fruits during the
warm summer months when their natural environment will provide them with native
food sources that don't have high sugar contents.
Below are a few feeder styles that will accommodate jelly, nectar, fruit, and other treats:
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