Hold on before tossing those eggshells! That unassuming breakfast item in your kitchen could provide an amazing transformation for your backyard, creating a lively bird sanctuary. People who love birds are finding out this simple kitchen waste could help draw in more birds and improve their health.
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Check PriceEggshells and Birds
What is it that makes eggshells so special? It is all about Calcium, a vital mineral that wild birds lose a lot of during nesting season. Audubon states that to produce sturdy eggs, female birds need a high quantity of calcium. Since calcium is a resource that is often available in minimal amounts in the wild, it is not uncommon to see birds pillaging other nests to eat the eggshells.
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I have seen a lot of birding enthusiasts in backyards that only focus on feeding birds seeds and nectar. They miss a vital part of bird diet. When you offer crushed eggshells, you cut kitchen waste and offer a necessary resource. Your yard could become a popular spot for birds.
How to Make Eggshells Bird-Friendly
Making your own avian superfood is easy. There are just a few important steps to follow. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, bird safety as well as the appeal of the food are closely related to the prep work that you do. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
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To begin, clean your eggshells and then bake your eggshells for about 20 minutes at 250° F. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and will help you avoid problems later. Once your eggshells have cooled down, crush the eggshells until they are the size of a grain of rice, or smaller. When the eggshells are this way, birds shells become easier for birds to consume and process.
Your Backyard Can Become a Bird Haven
Here's an idea that combines crushed eggshells with your bird feeding routine. I suggest setting up a special feeding station where birds can feed on crushed eggshells and birdseed. Choose an area where birds can easily see approaching predators during feeding.
What is especially interesting is the timing of this offering. In spring, parent birds prepare to lay eggs and it's possible you will see more birds visiting your feeder. However, spring is not the only time birds need calcium. Birds benefit from calcium enrichment all year long.
Benefits That Will Surprise You About Your Garden
Here's a little extra bonus. Eggshells have a calcium-enriching soil benefit. Birds will eat the eggshells, but if not, the eggshells will break down and improve your soil! So, you are not only feeding birds but also doing something good for your garden. This is a good example of the surprising benefits of partnering with nature.
Eggshells are one of many ways to encourage birds to visit your yard. To create an appealing habitat that will bring birds back time and time again, offer fresh water, native plants and appropriate shelter.
Next time you crack an egg for breakfast, think about saving the shells. Instead of tossing them, they can be an important resource for a new ecosystem that starts in your backyard. Using this shell supports local birds and helps with waste reduction. You’re aiding in conservation of local wildlife, one eggshell at a time.
It’s hard to believe that just one kitchen scrap can change how you see birds in your backyard. It goes to show that some of the most effective methods are the simplest. Save your eggshells, and your bird friends will appreciate it!
