Why Feed Wild Birds?

Feeding wild birds in your garden is one of the most rewarding things you can do for local wildlife. It supports bird populations year-round — especially during cold snaps and the breeding season when natural food sources can be scarce. With the right food and feeders, you can attract a wide variety of species, from robins and blue tits to sparrows and greenfinches.

The Best Foods for Garden Birds

Peanuts

Peanuts are one of the most nutritious and popular foods you can offer garden birds. They're packed with protein and fat — perfect for fuelling birds through cold weather or supporting chicks during nesting season. They're loved by blue tits, great tits, nuthatches, and greenfinches.

Important: Always use high-quality, aflatoxin-tested peanuts designed for birds. Never offer salted, dry-roasted, or flavoured peanuts — these can be harmful. We recommend serving them in a proper mesh peanut feeder to prevent large pieces being taken by adult birds to feed chicks who could choke.

Try: Johnston & Jeff Peanuts or Henry Bell Peanuts (2kg) — both are premium quality and trusted by bird lovers across the UK.

Wild Bird Seed Mixes

A good seed mix is a brilliant all-rounder that attracts a wide variety of species. Look for mixes containing sunflower hearts, millet, and nyjer seed — these are high in energy and low in husk waste. Avoid cheap mixes filled with wheat or barley, which many birds simply leave behind.

Browse our full range of Wild Bird Food & Seed to find the right mix for your garden birds.

Suet & Fat Balls

Suet products are an excellent high-energy food, particularly in winter. Fat balls, suet pellets, and suet blocks can be placed in specialist feeders or on a bird table. They're especially popular with robins, starlings, and long-tailed tits.

Mealworms

Dried mealworms are a fantastic protein source and are irresistible to robins, blackbirds, and thrushes. They can be offered in a shallow dish or a dedicated mealworm feeder. Soak them briefly in warm water before offering to make them easier for birds to eat and digest.

What NOT to Feed Wild Birds

• Bread – It fills birds up without providing much nutrition. A very small amount of wholemeal bread occasionally is acceptable, but it should never be a staple.
• Salted or seasoned nuts – Salt is toxic to birds in even small amounts.
• Desiccated coconut – Can swell inside a bird's stomach.
• Cooked porridge oats – Can harden around a bird's beak.
• Avocado, onion, or chocolate – All toxic to birds.

Tips for a Bird-Friendly Garden

1. Use the right feeder – Match the feeder to the food: mesh feeders for peanuts, tube feeders for seeds, ground trays for mealworms and fruit.
2. Keep feeders clean – Wash feeders every 1–2 weeks to prevent the spread of disease. Use a mild disinfectant and rinse thoroughly.
3. Position feeders safely – Place feeders at least 2 metres from bushes or fences where cats could hide, but near enough to cover so birds feel safe.
4. Feed year-round – Birds benefit from supplementary feeding in all seasons, not just winter.
5. Provide water – A shallow dish of fresh water for drinking and bathing is just as important as food.

Shop Wild Bird Food at PawMits

We stock a wide range of wild bird foods, feeders, and accessories — all carefully selected for quality and value. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, explore our full Wild Bird range to find everything you need.