feeding birds

[havanatiz]

just now we have a lot of chaffinch's in our garden and ive been feeding them nuts which they love, but i heard that feeding nuts during breeding season that the chicks would choke on the nuts that the mum would ffed them if this is true whats the best food to put out??????

[kangarooz]

Whole nuts yes, but if you but them in a bag and crush them to smaller pieces it will be safer.

Other foods I think may be best for birds in general: Sultanas, Currents, Meal Worms, Suet Pellets, Sunflower Hearts, all of which can be easily bought on high street.

[Littlesparrow]

Does anyone know if cook rice is O.K for the birds, I went to put a little out, then my son said he thought it was bad for them?

[Elizabeth B]

According to the RSOB - "Cooked rice, brown or white (without salt added) is beneficial and readily accepted by all species during severe winter weather. Uncooked rice may be eaten by birds such as pigeons, doves and pheasants but is less likely to attract other species".

More info here: The RSPB: Advice

[Littlesparrow]

Thank you Elizabeth, if the dog hasn't had all the cooked rice now I will put a little out.