Feeding birds: tips and more
We listened to various opinions, scoured blogs, and studied expert knowledge. It may be true that feeding birds isn't actively contributing to species conservation, but the fact is: it doesn't harm anyone! And you get the chance to attract native birds and observe them up close. This is a fantastic experience, especially for kids. Equipped with a telescope, they take up the observation post and learn about different bird species and their behavior. Environmental education at its finest, yet somehow also a small contribution to species conservation, right? After all, what you value, you protect!
If you are looking for instructions on how to make the macramé for the 4-piece suet balls, you can find the video at the end of this post.
When should you feed birds?
Generally speaking, birds enjoy food in the garden from November to the end of February. However, there are now also voices advocating year-round feeding. If you start feeding in late summer, you can be sure that the birds will already know where to find something tasty and will return by winter. But please: Once you start feeding, stick with it! Because once you've attracted guests, the birds will soon rely on their feeders...
What should you feed?
What always works: sunflower seeds. Unhulled or hulled doesn't matter, as long as they're unsalted! The unhulled version gives you more time to observe. The birds pause for a moment and crack open the sunflowers right at the bird feeder. The downside: After a while, a mountain of sunflower husks accumulates around the feeder, and you have to sweep them up.
Different types, different needs:
Birds' feeding preferences also vary depending on the species. Roughly speaking, our native wild birds can be divided into two categories: seed eaters and soft-food eaters. Seed eaters, as the name suggests, prefer kernels and seeds. They have no problem cracking open the shell with their powerful beaks. You can keep soft-food eaters happy with oatmeal, bran, and raisins. Besides these two "extremes," there are also flexible birds that simply eat whatever is available, regardless of whether it's seeds or not. If you're unsure what your birds like, stop by the Nature Conservation Center. There you'll find a clear overview of suitable foods for your birds. 
Little tip:
Birds need water even in winter. Not only are they naturally thirsty, but bathing is also one of their basic needs. Therefore, place a shallow bowl near the feeding station and ensure the water is always fresh and clean. In winter, when the water freezes, you can simply pour some boiling water over it every now and then. This will also keep it edible!
What should you definitely not feed?
Please no bread, and please nothing else "made." You shouldn't test your cooking and baking skills on the birds ;-) And we personally don't think suet balls in nets are the best invention either. Birds can easily get tangled up in them.
Place the feeder correctly
Hang your bird feeder high above the ground instead of placing it directly on the ground. Ideally, it's easily visible to birds and gives them a good view of their surroundings. This way, the birds won't be surprised by predators and can flee to safety in time if one approaches. Another advantage: rats, mice, and other rodents won't be attracted if the feeder is hung higher and out of reach.
A bird-friendly garden
Just like hedgehogs, birds thrive in natural gardens. If you want to do your feathered friends a favor, don't completely clear-cut the area in the fall, but instead trim hedges, trees, and shrubs in the spring. Many insects live in the branches – a feast for your birds. Evergreens are also welcome. Birds find a safe haven in deciduous hedges to rest and sleep. They're just like us: They love green!
DIY: Food dispenser
A bird feeder like this is simply perfect. It's easy to hang, the food is protected from greedy rats, moisture, and snow, and the birds won't trample on their own food or defecate on it. Are you convinced and want to expand your buffet? Then simply build your own bird feeder. All you need is an old fruit crate, a glass bottle, and these instructions.
Suitable bird food for your feathered friends...
...can be found in our pet food range . Not only birds and squirrels will find something tasty here, but we've also catered for hedgehogs . 
The open-air buffet hangs at a lofty height
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