Wildlife Feeding Guide: What to Feed Birds, Deer & Squirrels
Wildlife feeding is a hobby enjoyed by people around the world. And while it's relaxing, educational, and provides a connection to nature, it does come with a major concern: not all feeding practices are safe.
Certain foods can harm animals, and unsafe feeding practices can lead to disease or dependency.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite pastime. It simply means you should be aware of how to do it safely to avoid harm.
Whether you have a great backyard feeding setup or go to the local park, this guide provides detailed information on how to safely feed birds, deer, and squirrels.
Is It Okay to Feed Wildlife? What You Should Know First
There’s no straightforward answer to this.
On one hand, yes, it’s safe to feed wildlife when done with caution, to the right animals, and in compliance with regulations. On the other hand, it’s not okay to feed wildlife without understanding what they should be eating or following safe feeding practices.
For example, if you notice a piece of bread has mold on it, that doesn’t mean you should throw it in your backyard for a bird or squirrel to eat. There are different types of wildlife feed products designed for specific animals, and high-quality, nutritious food helps wildlife stay healthy and avoid harm.
In addition to understanding each animal’s nutritional needs, you should also consider local laws, as there may be rules against feeding certain wildlife or restrictions in specific locations, such as parks, depending on where you’re located.
Wildlife Feeding Safety Rules: How to Feed Wildlife Responsibly
As an animal lover, the ultimate goal should be to prevent the dangers of feeding wild animals, such as disease spread, unwanted pests, and animals becoming too comfortable around humans.
While each species has its own guidelines and dietary requirements, there are some general safety rules you can follow for any animal:
- Only feed wildlife foods designed for the specific animal species.
- Never give wildlife moldy, spoiled, or processed human food.
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent dependency on humans.
- Keep feeding areas clean to reduce the spread of disease.
- Place food in safe locations away from roads, pets, and human activity.
- Follow local laws and regulations related to wildlife feeding.
- Stop feeding if animals show signs of illness or aggressive behavior.
- Avoid feeding wildlife in public areas where it may be restricted.
Bird Feeding Basics: What Backyard Birds Actually Need
If you’re deeply involved in the world of wild bird feeding, or want to be, it’s important to understand the types of foods birds eat.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown.
Types of Bird Feeds
Birds require energy-rich foods, especially during certain seasons and stages of their lives. While different birds eat different types of food, here’s a list of foods that support healthy bird feeding:
- Nectar
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Insects
- Soft fruit
- Suet
- Proso Millet
- In-shell peanuts
- Shelled peanuts
- Bird-specific feed
Birds Need More Than Just Seeds
There’s a common misunderstanding that birds should only eat seeds. And while seeds are a part of many bird diets, an only-seed diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
Birds require a balanced mix of nutrients, such as fats, protein, and vitamins, to support feather health, immune function, growth, and energy.
Just as humans plan meals to meet their unique health goals, different bird foods support different needs. For instance, nyjer seeds provide essential oils and protein for high-energy diets, while proso millet is specifically suited for ground-feeding birds.
This highlights the importance of carefully choosing the right food based on the bird species and their nutritional needs.
What Birds Eat in the Wild
Natural bird diets typically include insects, berries, seeds, and nectar, among other foods.
That said, when feeding backyard birds, your goal should be to imitate this natural diet as closely as possible to support proper nutrition and natural feeding behaviors.
It also means avoiding harmful foods (we’ll discuss this more below), focusing on an all-natural diet, and choosing bird seed blends that promote overall health.
Different Birds Prefer Different Foods
As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, different foods cater to different species of birds.
Here’s a quick guide to help match common bird species with the foods they prefer most:
- Cardinals → Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds
- Blue Jays → Peanuts, safflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds
- Indigo Buntings → Nyjer seed, millet, peanuts, fruit
- American Goldfinches → Nyjer seed, black oil sunflower seeds, millet
- Finches → Sunflower hearts & chips, nyjer seed, millet
What NOT to Feed Birds
| Avoid These Foods | Why It’s Not Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bread | Low nutritional value and may cause digestive and nutritional issues. |
| Milk / dairy | Most birds can’t digest lactose properly, which can lead to stomach upset. |
| Chocolate | Can be toxic to birds and should be avoided entirely. |
| Avocado | Contains compounds that can be harmful to many bird species. |
| Salty snacks | High salt can disrupt a bird’s natural balance and overall health. |
| Sugary foods | Can cause nutritional imbalance and may lead to digestive problems. |
| Moldy seeds | Mold can carry toxins that may seriously harm birds. |
How to Set Up a Safe Bird Feeding Station
So, what do you need to do to set up a great bird feeding station?
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Location: Keep your bird feeder away from high-traffic areas, as people and other animals can disrupt the environment. For a more enjoyable experience, choose a location that’s easy to access and observe (after all, the goal of having a bird feeder in your garden is to enjoy the view).
- Choose the right feeder: Consider which birds you want to attract, the food you’re using, and feeder features when selecting an option that supports safe and effective feeding. The right design can reduce waste, limit contamination, and make feeding safer for birds.
- Keep the station clean: To prevent the spread of disease, it’s important to keep your bird feeding station clean. Regularly discard old food and debris and clean your feeder on a consistent schedule.
- Maintain proper spacing: If you use multiple feeders, space them out to reduce crowding. This helps limit aggressive behavior and lowers the risk of disease transmission when feeding backyard birds.
- Use fresh, high-quality food: Avoid moldy or damp seed, which can be harmful to birds. Store bird food in a dry, sealed container and refill feeders only with fresh, nutrient-rich food to support safe wild bird feeding.
- Provide clean water nearby: Birds need water for drinking and bathing. A shallow birdbath placed near (but not directly under) the feeder supports bird health and keeps feeding areas cleaner.
- Adjust feeding with the seasons: Birds’ nutritional needs change throughout the year. As we’ll discuss below, high-energy foods are especially important during colder months, when birds burn more calories to stay warm and food sources are limited.
- Watch for predators: Place feeders far enough from bushes, fences, or low branches where predators may hide. A clear line of sight helps birds escape quickly if needed.
Deer Feeding Guide: Should You Feed Deer?
Deer feeding is more controversial than bird feeding. It’s often discouraged due to its potential to increase the spread of disease and disrupt a deer’s natural feeding habitat, even changing their behavioral habits.
That said, using the right wildlife feed and following safe feeding practices can help support a healthier environment.
What to Feed Deer
Deer feed should never aim to replace natural foraging. It should only supplement a deer’s diet when appropriate and in a way that does not disrupt natural behaviors.
If feeding is allowed in your area, place feed away from roads and human activity to reduce the risk of accidents and stress on deer.
When done responsibly, the following foods are generally considered safe options for deer:
- Natural vegetation: This includes browse, leaves, acorns, and other native plants.
- Apples and carrots: Apples and carrots are great treats for deer, but they should be given in moderation and not as a main food source.
- Oats/alfalfa: Oats and alfalfa are suitable in some areas and seasons, depending on local conditions.
- Deer-specific feed: Commercial deer feeds or grains such as premium whole shelled corn kernels or organic cracked corn may be offered sparingly and in small amounts as a seasonal supplement, depending on local conditions and regulations, and should never replace natural forage.
What NOT to Feed Deer
| Avoid These Foods | Why It’s Not Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bread & baked goods | Low nutritional value and can upset a deer’s sensitive digestive system. |
| Processed foods | Often high in salt, additives, and preservatives that aren’t safe for deer. |
| Moldy produce or grain | Mold can contain toxins that may cause serious illness. |
| Too much corn (or sudden corn) | Excessive amounts or sudden introduction can cause digestive acidosis. |
Tip: Deer have very sensitive digestive systems, so even common household foods can cause serious harm. For safe deer feeding, it’s best to avoid these options altogether.
Squirrel Feeding Guide: Should You Feed Squirrels?
Squirrels are resourceful, meaning they don’t require human assistance to survive. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally offer them a treat, whether you want to attract them to your backyard or enjoy watching them at local parks.
As with other guidelines for food for animals and birds, this should be done carefully to avoid dependence on humans and competition at bird feeders.
What to Feed Squirrels (Healthy Options)
If you’re feeding squirrels, sticking to simple, natural foods is best.
This includes:
- Peanuts
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Squirrel-specific feed
What NOT to Feed Squirrels
| Avoid These Foods | Why It’s Not Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bread & baked goods | Low nutritional value and can upset a deer’s sensitive digestive system. |
| Processed foods | Often high in salt, additives, and preservatives that aren’t safe for deer. |
| Moldy produce or grain | Mold can contain toxins that may cause serious illness. |
| Too much corn (or sudden corn) | Excessive amounts or sudden introduction can cause digestive acidosis. |
Tips: Deer have very sensitive digestive systems, so even common household foods can cause serious harm. For safe deer feeding, it’s best to avoid these options altogether.
As you guessed, there are foods that squirrels should not consume. While they may eagerly accept almost anything offered, some foods can upset their digestion or cause long-term health issues.
This includes:
- Sugary foods
- Processed foods
- Salty snacks and nuts
- Dairy products
- Junk food
- Bread
- Moldy food
Wildlife Feeding by Season – Practical Guide
Wildlife feeding can vary by season. While feeding may be helpful during certain times of the year, it can be risky during others. For example, during disease outbreaks, feeding can lead to overcrowding and increase the risk of illness. In hot summer months, food can spoil quickly, so feeding should be done carefully.
Bird feeding is a great example of how seasonal feeding can be beneficial. In winter, shorter days, colder temperatures, and limited natural food sources make survival more challenging. Providing a nutrient-rich food source during this time can help support a healthy environment, with high-energy foods helping birds maintain body heat and energy levels.
In warmer seasons, lighter foods and smaller feeding amounts are generally more appropriate, as natural food sources are more readily available.
Because each species has different needs, it’s important to consider how and when wildlife feed can best support animals throughout the year. Adjusting food types and feeding practices by season helps reduce risk while supporting wildlife in a responsible way.
Conclusion
Wildlife feeding offers a range of benefits, but choosing the right food for wildlife is essential for supporting the health of different species.
At Old Potters, we craft wildlife feed using U.S.-grown ingredients to provide a natural, balanced diet that supports local agriculture.
And since we know each species has different needs, we offer wildlife feed formulated to attract a wide range of animals, from birds and squirrels to deer and more.
Contact us to learn more about our products and how they can support local wildlife.
FAQs about Wildlife Feeding
1. What is the best wildlife feed for backyard animals?
The best wildlife feed for backyard animals is a natural, species-appropriate mix made with high-quality ingredients. To find the right option for your specific animal’s needs, explore our wildlife feed selection.
2. Is bird feeding safe year-round?
Yes, bird feeding can be safe year-round when done responsibly. Cleaning feeders regularly and using fresh food helps reduce the risk of spoilage or disease, especially in warmer months.
3. What food attracts the most birds?
Black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts & chips, and other natural, high-quality seed blends attract the most birds.
4. How often should I clean bird feeders?
Bird feeders should be cleaned every few weeks, or more frequently during warm, wet weather or when they appear dirty, to help prevent the spread of disease.
5. Do birds become dependent on feeders?
Generally, birds do not become dependent on feeders. Feeders supplement natural food sources, and most birds continue to forage naturally even when feeders are available.
6. What do squirrels eat naturally?
Squirrels typically eat nuts, plants, fruits, seeds, and vegetables.
7. Can I feed deer apples and carrots?
Yes, apples and carrots are great treats for deer, but they should be given in moderation and not as a main food source.