When it comes to feeding backyard birds, homemade birdseed mixes allow you to control the ingredients, tailor the mix to local species, and save money versus buying commercial mixes. But with so many potential ingredients to choose from, how do you know what makes the best DIY bird seed mix? The optimal homemade blend will attract a variety of bird species, provide essential nutrition, and suit your budget. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to create nutritious, cost-effective homemade birdseed to bring feathered friends flocking to your yard.
What are the most attractive ingredients to include?
Here are some of the top ingredients to include in homemade birdseed to lure a diversity of bird species:
- Sunflower seeds: A favorite of chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, cardinals, and more. Black oil sunflower is recommended over gray striped sunflower.
- Safflower: Cardinals, finches, and chickadees relish these nutritious white seeds.
- Nyjer seed: Finches and pine siskins crave this tiny, black seed.
- Peanuts: Jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice will seek these out.
- Millet: Ground-feeding birds like sparrows, juncos, and cowbirds appreciate this small round seed.
- Cracked corn: Doves and quail will gobble up this grain.
- Oats: Dove and sparrows enjoy whole or hulled oats.
- Raisins and currants: These dried fruits add a touch of sweetness to appeal to robins, woodpeckers, thrushes, and mockingbirds.
Aim for a mix of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits to provide carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Including 3-4 of the ingredients above will entice a range of species. Be sure to tailor the blend based on birds frequenting your yard.
What proportions of each ingredient work best?
The ideal proportions of each ingredient in a homemade birdseed mix depends on local bird preferences. However, here are some general guidelines for combining components:
- 50-70% sunflower seeds
- 10-20% safflower
- 5-10% nyjer seed
- 5-10% peanuts
- 5-10% millet
- 5% cracked corn
- 5% oats
- 1-5% raisins/currants
Always start by researching the bird species frequenting your yard and their food preferences. Then adjust proportions based on what those birds like. For example, more nyjer and safflower seeds for finches or more peanuts for woodpeckers. Avoid fillers like wheat, milo, or oats which are unappealing to many birds.
Should ingredients be mixed or layered?
You can either thoroughly mix together all ingredients or layer them in the feeder. Each approach has pros and cons:
Mixed:
- Ensures each bird gets some of every ingredient in each bite
- Requires less maintenance than layered
- Can lead to wasted uneaten filler ingredients
Layered:
- Lets birds selectively feed on their favorites
- Prevents desirable ingredients getting buried
- Promotes diet diversity as birds move between layers
- Requires more effort to maintain layers
For most backyard birders, a thoroughly mixed birdseed blend is the simpler approach. But layering can work well too. Just be sure to regularly stir up layers to expose fresh ingredients.
How much homemade birdseed should be provided?
When setting up feeders, provide enough birdseed so birds don’t fully deplete the supply between refills but not so much that large amounts get discarded. Aim for the following daily amounts based on number of birds visiting:
Number of Birds | Amount of Seed Per Day |
---|---|
Up to 10 | 1-2 cups |
10-20 | 2-4 cups |
25+ | 5+ cups |
Monitor to see if seed is lasting from fill up to fill up. Adjust amounts as needed. Provide extra during peak activity times such as winter and spring migration. Place multiple feeders in different locations to help accommodate more birds.
What techniques help maximize freshness?
To maximize the freshness and nutritional value of your homemade birdseed, here are some useful techniques to implement:
- Store ingredients properly: Keep seeds/nuts in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
- Purchase ingredients in small batches: Buy just enough to last 1-2 months to ensure freshness.
- Check for stale ingredients: Inspect for mold, rancid smells, or insect infestations before mixing batches.
- Use quickly after mixing: Mix up only as much as will be used within a few weeks.
- Avoid wet conditions: Discard seed that gets wet to prevent mold.
- Clean feeders routinely:Weekly cleaning removes old, soggy seed and hulls.
Making small batches, keeping dry storage conditions, and practicing first-in-first-out usage will ensure your home-mixed birdseed stays fresh for maximum nutrition and appeal.
What are the estimated costs of homemade versus store-bought mixes?
Homemade birdseed can provide significant savings over commercial mixes. To compare costs:
- Calculate ingredient amounts needed for a 1-2 month supply for your feeder usage.
- Research prices per pound for each ingredient you plan to include.
- Factor in any shipping costs if buying online.
- Weigh out ingredients and calculate the total cost for your batch.
Compare this cost to similar amounts of pre-mixed birdseed blends sold at local stores. Most people find 50-75% savings by mixing their own versus buying retail mixes. Savings realize depend on the seed types, proportions, quantities, and sources used.
For example, here is a cost comparison of a hypothetical 10 lb homemade mix versus a store-bought mix.
Ingredient | Weight | Unit Price | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Sunflower Seed | 5 lbs | $1.50/lb | $7.50 |
Safflower Seed | 2 lbs | $2.25/lb | $4.50 |
Peanuts | 1 lb | $2.50/lb | $2.50 |
Millet | 2 lb | $1.00/lb | $2.00 |
Total | 10 lbs | – | $16.50 |
The total cost for the above 10 lb homemade mix is $16.50. In comparison, 10 lbs of a comparable pre-mixed blend costs approximately $30 at retail stores. So the homemade version provides $13.50 or 45% savings in this example.
Amounts, proportions, and ingredient prices will vary. But mixing your own birdseed is almost always more economical than buying pre-made. Plus you get the benefit of controlling quality and customization!
How can you customize mixes for birds in your area?
To make your homemade birdseed mix as enticing as possible for local species, tailor the blend to match their known food preferences:
- Consult local bird guides: Check books, web resources, or with nature groups on species and their preferred foods in your region.
- Observe feeder activity: Note which seeds and ingredients birds in your yard gravitate towards most.
- Adjust proportions: Increase amounts of ingredients favored by target species.
- Eliminate fillers: Avoid oats, milo, wheat if not actually eaten to maximize nutrition.
- Try specialty ingredients: Offer items like suet, dried mealworms, fruit for special local species.
Adapting the mix based on observations of neighborhood birds will increase interest and satisfaction for both you and your feathered visitors.
How can you avoid potential issues with homemade mixes?
While homemade birdseed offers many benefits, here are some potential pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Staleness: Use small batches and frequent mixing of fresh ingredients.
- Spoilage/mold: Store seeds correctly in cool/dry areas, discard any moldy bits.
- Pests: Freeze seeds for 72 hours before mixing to kill larvae, eggs.
- Waste: Start with small amounts to gauge consumption. Only increase if seed fully eaten between refills.
- Imbalance: Vary ingredients for nutrient diversity. Don’t rely too heavily on one seed type.
- Allergens: Avoid ingredients like peanuts if neighborhood children may access feeders.
With some care and common sense, potential downsides can be avoided to gain all the advantages of quality homemade birdseed. Educating yourself on proper bird feeding practices helps maximize benefits too.
Conclusion
Crafting your own custom birdseed mix provides great flexibility, nutrition, and cost-savings versus commercial blends. Follow basic guidelines on seed types, proportions, storage, and customizing. Observe activity at your feeders and make adjustments. With some experimentation, you can come up with an irresistible seed blend to delight both backyard birds and your budget!
Getting started is easy. Simply choose quality seeds and grains tailored to your birds, combine in appropriate ratios, and serve up this homemade bounty in your feeders. Soon your yard will become the hottest restaurant in town for local feathered friends!