We all love watching birds visit our feeders and we love to provide nourishment to them. However, much like grandparents spoiling grandkids with too many cookies, we can actually harm birds by over feeding them. Here are some clear signs that you are over feeding birds.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check Price1. Seeds Going to Waste Under Feeders
Seeing seed build up under your feeders? That is an indication you are putting too much out! This can be wasteful and create unwanted pests in the area, like rodents. It can also create mold which can be dangerous. Consider putting out less seed and cleaning up any mess there is more frequently.
Save this article for later so you don't lose it. Enter your email and I'll send it to you now—plus you'll get my favorite backyard birding tips delivered to your inbox.
2. Birds Look Unusually Plump
Many people consider a chubby little bird to be a healthy bird, however, excessive weight can impact a bird's ability to fly and as a result, make them more at risk to predators. A bird that is noticeably rounder than the typical wild bird may need to be put on a bird feeder diet.
3. Feeders Are Never Empty
When you were little did your mom ever say “just wait until dinner” before dinner? The same goes for birds. They don’t need food available all of the time. Having food stations empty for short periods is good because it urges birds to forage for insects and native seeds on their own.
4. Large Crowds Gathering
It's wonderful to see all the birds that visit your property. However, as birds over-crowd your feeders, there will be increased competition and stress. When birds are congregating, it's also easier for diseases to spread. You can reduce the number of birds at each feeder by placing several feeders at different locations.
5. Increasing Aggressive Behavior
When observing certain situations in life, if you notice about as many fights as on a school playground in the 60s, there is definitely an issue. Too much food makes birds fight amongst themselves. The issue can be easily solved by reducing the amount of food placed out and most likely will result in a more natural feeding pattern.
Get our free Hummingbird Attraction Guide! Plus, we'll send you our best tips for attracting more birds to your yard.
6. Dominant Species Taking Over
If you provide too much food, larger species like grackles or starlings may monopolize your feeders and outcompete smaller songbirds that are more desirable to watch. Using portion control and specially designed feeders can help maintain diverse populations of birds.
7. Seed Going Rancid
Birdseed, just like the bread in our bread boxes, can go bad if it sits for too long. If you smell something musty or see mold in your feeders, you are putting out too much at once. It is important to have fresh birdseed for the health of the birds.
8. Unwanted Visitors Increasing
A lot of food does not only attract birds. If you see visits from squirrels, raccoons, or even bears, it's time to reduce food offerings. These unwanted visitors can become feeder-dependent and cause issues for the entire community.
9. Birds Overlooking Natural Food Sources
When birds begin to neglect the food sources around them like berries and insects, that's a problem. Birds will develop a strong reliance on your feeders and will be less healthy because they will not have a varied diet.
10. Droppings Becoming Excessive
Is your patio furniture covered in paint? You're overfeeding. Bird droppings can spread disease among birds and create unsanitary conditions in your yard. Feeding birds in moderation will help keep your yard clean and safe.
11. Birds Visiting at Unusual Hours
Birds that arrive at your feeders during early mornings and late evenings are starting to become too reliant on your feeders. Although they are not complicated, bird feeders do change the feeders` feeding schedule in the same way that family dinners dictate people's schedules. Providing a constant source of food can change an animal's normal behavioral patterns.
12. Reduced Natural Foraging Behavior
When wild birds begin visiting bird feeders instead of foraging for natural foods, it shows they have become over-reliant on human hand-outs. Birds should be foraging in trees, shrubs, and on the ground for natural food sources. If they lose the instinctual habit of performing these natural behaviors, it is time to cut back on food sources you provide.
