Blackbird food

[barquar]

Bought some food for the blackbirds at the Weekend to put in the garden. Boy do they love it two saucers full off the feed gone already. Its called Softbill and insect seed mix. It says irresistirble to Blackbirds thrushes and other fruit eaters. Its a Honey - based mix blends dried fruits with high protein insects and shrimps. My blackbirds are fattening up now. does anyone know off other softbill food mixes about.
Barquar

[ChrisJB]

There are a few of these 'softbill-type' foods on the market. I buy one from CJ Wildbird Food, Hi Energy Groundblend I think it's called. The Blackbirds, Robins, Starlings, Hedge Sparrows and Collared Doves are big fans of it in our garden.

Regards, Chris

[barquar]

I havent seen any around were i live as we bought this while away for a couple off days at the weekend. Most off our stores have just wild bird seed not Softbill and insect feed.
Barquar

[Kayleigh]

Haith's do a blackbird and a robin mix and wildlife for Hedgehogs,Badger and squirrels

Buy Wildlife Foods from Haiths Wild Bird Foods

[Tobyh]

This sounds interesting but ....we got normal pigeons in our garden (as neighbours put out bread..GRRR!) - I assume they would be on this straight away? If collared doves go for it i'm afraid that in my garden the Blackbirds wouldn't get a sniff

I just put out fruit for them

[Kayleigh]

I don't buy a special food for the blackbirds they eat the seeds and home mad fatball thing I put out.

It consists of crushed peanuts,suet,bread,wild birdseeds, dried fruit when available then melted lard poured over..If you cut both ends off a small baked bean tin but keep a lid for the bottom you have a decent mould..and its easy to remove..

[jcd123]

I have never bought any special mix, but blackbirds seem to like sultanas alot

John

[Susie]

Originally Posted by jcd123

I have never bought any special mix, but blackbirds seem to like sultanas alot

John

I was going to say the same thing. Most supermarkets do an economy version of sultanas and the blackbirds love them. It is a lovely treat that only costs pennies.

The only caveat I would add is that it is best to soak the sultanas first because too much dry fruit isn't good for them.

[LoveT]

I bought some stuff called 'Mealworm Crumble' which my blackbirds really enjoy - they even fly up to the bird table for it, even though I put some on the ground for them. All the birds that visit my garden seem to enjoy it.

Seems easy enough to make yourself (I'm going to have a go) - crush up some peanuts nice and small (through a food processor would be good, but make sure it doesn't turn to paste ), then break up some dried mealworms and add some sultanas for a treat - all the birds seem to love it; the pigeons and doves aren't really a problem as I try to make sure there is something for all tastes.

I also put out apples for them - having stomped on them first (the apples, not the blackbirds ), so that they are nice and slushy! The blackbirds really love these too, but they only get them as a treat when I've got some that can be put out.

Thea

[muckshifter]

The only caveat I would add is that it is best to soak the sultanas first because too much dry fruit isn't good for them.

ah yes, 30sec in a microwave with the Brandy of your choice, really delicious. one must wait the obligatory 1min before cool enough to eat.

no joke, I really like my sultanas that way.


OK OK, on a more serious note, I never new there was such a thing as 'softbill' food for birds.

We, I, learn something new everyday on WAB.

[Astra]

Originally Posted by Tobyh

This sounds interesting but ....we got normal pigeons in our garden (as neighbours put out bread..GRRR!) - I assume they would be on this straight away? If collared doves go for it i'm afraid that in my garden the Blackbirds wouldn't get a sniff

I just put out fruit for them

If pigeons and doves are a problem you can buy a ground guardian from CJ Wildbirds.
They come in two mesh sizes.
Large - which keeps out pigeons and doves/ magpies and crows etc but lets in blackbirds, starlings and smaller birds (and unfortunately squirrels)
Small - only lets in robin -sized and smaller.

I use mine over a ground feeding tray filled with softbill food and it works very well - as you can see in the pic below.

[barquar]

Originally Posted by Astra

If pigeons and doves are a problem you can buy a ground guardian from CJ Wildbirds.
They come in two mesh sizes.
Large - which keeps out pigeons and doves/ magpies and crows etc but lets in blackbirds, starlings and smaller birds (and unfortunately squirrels)
Small - only lets in robin -sized and smaller.

I use mine over a ground feeding tray filled with softbill food and it works very well - as you can see in the pic below.

What a great Idea must try this one out.
The Softbill food I bought from WWT Martin Mere, never seen it on sale anywere else. But the Blackbird loves it.
Barquar