Hi All.
I live near the gravel pit lakes at Rickmansworth and have noticed that the birds seem quite keen to find out if I have food - even Moor Hens (normally fairly shy in my experience) have taken to following me around a little when I'm close to the lake (which is mostly frozen over). My question is:
Should one feed Coots, Grebes, and Moor Hens (ignoring the ducks and swans for this question) during cold times like this, or can they generally cope? If it's a good idea, what is suitable food for these creatures?
Thanks,
James.
Don't know the answer to this but I'd certainly be interested to find out what others say!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
I'd say if you can find a mix of food that would suit them to feed them. But stay clear of the likes of bread as it holds very little nutritional value, if any, to birds .
I never know which types of food should be fed, i.e grain so in order to prevent problems I don't bother. I have seen coots coming for bread when feeding ducks & swans though.
Unknown said: I never know which types of food should be fed, i.e grain so in order to prevent problems I don't bother. I have seen coots coming for bread when feeding ducks & swans though.
You can get duck and swan food though, so perhaps that? Unless of course, its supposed to be soaked in water first, as I understand it most of it sinks so they have to pick it up from the bottom of the water, like they would naturally.
You can buy food for them, which people buy for their own lakes/ ponds. I find it in just one garden centre with a large bird food section. I haven't checked if the RSPB sell any.
Hi James and welcome to the RSPB Forum
Yes, you can buy Swan food for sure ( I have some myself - the pellets are brown and circular like chocolate minstrels) and others brands suitable for Wildflowl. I am sure I have seen food for 'Ducks' in one of the bird food outlets {not to say that the RSPB will not have some as you have said, Brenda}
The Swans are touch, and go whether they eat the Swan food as they are used to humanised food and that is not good to be honest.
Please avoid doughy bread/sugary foods as it gives birds angel wing if they eat too much of it
Once they have angel wing they cannot fly and protect themselves.
We have a Canada Goose which lives around The Great River Ouse in Bedford and the poor birds wings are crippled.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Waterfowl will eat a large variety of different things. Its important to ensure that they are provided with foods which give them protein, fats and/or vitamins and minerals. Although bread will fill them up as mentioned it doesn't give them the nutrition needed to help maintain energy reserves.
You could use waste veg or fruit scraps. Cabbage leaves or potatoes and carrot peelings etc.. Chopped fruit and berries sultana's and raisins. Also corn (or other grain) mixes. Seeds and even cereals such as dry porridge oats (straight out of the packet) or muesli and the list goes on.
Incase its of interest I've also attached our leaflet on "foods fit for birds" :-)
That's an extremely useful leaflet - thanks Lloyd.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Thanks Lloyd, I had never thought of feeding waste veg. I had only fed the bought products.
Thanks for the info Lloyd. Will have to remember it :o)