What Not to Feed Birds
Nov 05, 2025 • Behavior • 6 minute read
Feeding wild birds can be a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature, but not everything from your kitchen is safe for them. Some foods that seem harmless can cause serious health problems. In this article, we look at what you should avoid feeding birds and what to offer instead for their safety and wellbeing.
Why the Right Diet Matters
Birds have very different nutritional needs from humans. While they enjoy a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects in nature, processed human foods can upset their digestive systems or cause illness.
Feeding the wrong food may make birds dependent on handouts instead of foraging naturally, which can affect their long term survival skills.
By understanding what birds should not eat, you can help maintain a healthy and balanced local bird population.
Avoid Salty and Processed Foods
Foods like chips, salted nuts, and crackers contain high levels of salt and preservatives that can harm birds’ kidneys and cause dehydration.
Stick to unsalted seeds, plain oats, or chopped fruit instead of human snacks.
Never Give Moldy or Spoiled Food
Moldy bread, fruit, or seed can contain toxins that are dangerous to birds. Spoiled food also attracts pests and spreads disease among flocks.
Always check stored bird food and clean feeders regularly to prevent mold growth and contamination.
Keeping feeders dry and shaded will help reduce the chance of spoilage, especially during rainy or humid weather.
Avoid Bread and Junk Food
Bread fills a bird’s stomach without providing real nutrients. Birds that eat too much bread may become weak or suffer from a condition called angel wing, especially in young waterfowl.
Instead of bread, try offering oats, sunflower seeds, or mealworms that provide the protein and energy birds actually need.
Watch Out for Toxic Foods
Some foods that are safe for humans are poisonous to birds. Avoid feeding chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, avocado, or alcohol, as these can be deadly even in small amounts.
Raw rice and dried beans should also be avoided since they can expand or contain substances that birds cannot digest properly.
Processed meats, dairy, and sugary foods can cause serious digestive problems and disrupt a bird’s natural diet.
If you are unsure about a certain food, it is safer to skip it and offer something known to be bird friendly instead.
Healthier Alternatives to Offer
Safe foods include unsalted sunflower seeds, millet, chopped apples, berries, and mealworms. These options closely match what birds eat in the wild.
Providing clean water for drinking and bathing is just as important as food, helping birds stay hydrated and maintain healthy feathers.
