Christmas leftovers...

Ok, so we all over indulge over Christmas, whether its too much turkey or one too many mince pies, but there is the age old dilemma of what to do with the leftovers. Rather than throwing these foodstuffs away, why not feed your feathered friends and give them a little Christmas present to remember. It goes without saying that not everything can be fed to birds, so you do need to exercise a little caution before putting certain things out. Below is a list of food scraps that can be fed as well as the food you should avoid putting out.

WHAT'S OK
Roast potatoes
Roast, baked and even mashed potatoes with added real fats are all suitable food for birds. Chips are rarely eaten by birds.

Mince pies crumbs
Pastry, cooked or uncooked, is excellent - especially if it has been made with real fats.

Christmas cake crumbs
Dried fruits, such as raisins, sultanas and currants are particularly enjoyed by blackbirds, song thrushes and robins.

WHAT'S NOT OK
Cooking fat from the turkey roasting tin
Fat from cooking any meat is bad for birds. The problem with cooked fat from roasting tins and dishes is that the meat juices have blended with the fat and when allowed to set, this consistency makes it prone to smearing, not good for birds' feathers. It is a breeding ground for bacteria, so potentially bad for birds' health. Salt levels depend on what meat is used and if any salt is added during cooking.

Salted food stuffs
Garden birds are practically unable to metabolise salt. It is toxic to them in high quantities and affects their nervous system. Under normal circumstances in the wild, birds are unlikely to take harmful amounts of salt. Never put out salted food onto the bird table.

Mouldy and stale food
Many moulds are harmless, but some that can cause respiratory infections in birds, and so it is best to be cautious and avoid mouldy food entirely. If food turns mouldy or stale on your birdtable, you are probably placing out too large a quantity for the birds to eat in one day. Always remove any stale or mouldy food promptly. Stale food provides a breeding ground for salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. At least one type of salmonella causes death among such species as greenfinches and house sparrows. Large quantities of food scattered on the ground may attract rats and mice. Rats can carry diseases that affect humans.

Why not tell us what Christmas leftovers your birds like?