Bird Snacks: Fat Balls, Mealworms and Millet Spray to Nibble

Bird Snacks: Small Extras for the Feeding Station

Alongside the daily seed mix, garden birds enjoy a bit of variety. Fat balls deliver plenty of energy and hang up quickly on a branch or in a holder, dried mealworms are popular with soft food eaters, and millet spray gives seed eaters something to nibble. That keeps the feeding station interesting, and over the day you will see more visitors at the feeder.

Fat balls loose and in a bucket

The safest way to offer fat balls is without netting, because birds can catch their toes in a net. Simply place the loose Agrarzone fat balls from the pack of 100 into a holder or a feeding column. Erdtmanns offers fat balls in a bucket, a summer variety for the warmer months and extra large balls in XXL format, plus fat balls in nets if you prefer that form. The Futterherz fat ball holder keeps several balls openly available and hangs easily on a tree or a hook.

Mealworms and millet spray for variety

Dried mealworms from Kerbl are rich in protein and are taken above all by soft food eaters such as robins and blackbirds. During the breeding season they are a useful addition, because the adults then need plenty of animal protein. Millet spray from Austria is a treat to nibble and keeps birds busy for longer than loose seed does. Offer snacks in small amounts and clear away leftovers, then the station stays clean and the food stays fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Fat balls with or without netting?
Without netting is the safer option, because birds can catch their toes in a net. Simply place the loose balls into a holder or a feeding column instead.

When do mealworms make sense?
Dried mealworms suit spring and summer especially, when adults supply their young with animal protein. Soft food eaters also take them gladly in winter.

How do I offer snacks best?
Use a holder or a feeding column and hang it where rain cannot reach it. Offer smaller amounts and remove old leftovers, so the feeding station stays hygienic.