Feeding Wild Birds...?

Question

Is it true that if you start feeding wild birds in the winter that you have to continue doing so all winter? I was told that if you stopped that they would starve since they know that spot as a place for food.

Answer 1

It's a good idea to keep feeding them all winter but don't worry. It's not true that they'll starve to death if you stop. The feeders are just supplementing their diet. If you stop feeding they'll go somewhere else to find another feeder or natural food source. Most birds make a daily circuit of feeders (like restaurant hopping!) If you stop feeding them, they'll just go on to the next feeder.
But if you keep feeding them every winter, the birds will remember your feeder and will come back each year!

Answer 2

The only way that would possibly happen is if you feed them constantly all year round for several generations .If baby bird is just taught to feed only off your feeders and that is the only feed the parents have known (its possible ) But even then I think it is unlikely because birds naturally will fly around and pick at things that look eatable .So I think they would find natural sources anyway . Mostly if food sources are hard to find in nature in winter you will probably be keeping weak birds from dieing or getting sick or from the bird population from growing to big if the natural sources of food arent available to them .Even healthy birds can starve in the winter with deep snow or ice covering and freezing wild seeds so they cant get them in very cold weather .Birds need food to keep the heat in their bodies like all animals .I have seen birds frozen ,dead on a tree branches before in minus zero temperatures when there has been deep snow cover and they could not get food .I would say it might be best not to feed birds to heavy in summer and fall to make sure the parents teach young birds to forage in the wild naturally .But they can use all the food you can give them in winter if you live in a northern region ..

Answer 3

Birds always die over winter mostly from disease, parasites and cold. It IS a good idea that if you begin feeding stations to keep going as it is true many will become quickly dependant on a regular food source. There are blocks of suet and seed that fit inside a wire holder that many birds flock to over winter; its high fat content helps the bird maintain weight and insulation from the extreme cold of winter...

I honestly dont think any would starve; but a WEAK bird; or very young one certainly could die of other problems if it does not have a good source of food near to where it lives... Outdoor bird food is cheap, I say, "DO IT!", lol...

Answer 4

I really think that the birds are very resourceful and if they find that your feeder is empty they will look to find another one. They will check your feeders occasionally to see if you have put food in your feeder-I really doubt that they will starve because of one person not putting food in the feeder!( a great idea for feeding the birds if I have a older apple that is kindof getting a little soft or brused I slice it i half put peanut butter on it and dip it in wild bird seed and lay it on one of my feeders the birds seem to know it's out there right away and they love it)

Answer 5

I have been feeding garden birds for years but am responsible about it as a surplus of food could encourage vermin and also get rotten and harm the birds. Get squirrel proof feeders as this will deter them from the feeders and less mess will be created underneath. Do not refill the feeders until all dropped seed has been cleared. Have fun and be sure to keep your camera nearby.

Answer 6

I've heard that before, It makes sense, I try to act in a way, keeping that statement in mind. If I start putting feed out, I continue to do so til spring. I have no intention of starving birds, However, I think Jesus can provide for them quite well.

Answer 7

yes...since you are supplementing their diets and attracting more into your garden there is simply not enough food in the wild during the winter to support them......

Answer 8

Yes they come to depend on you.I wouldn't feed them in the summer. I let them do what they are meant to do, eat insects and pollinate flowers.

Answer 9

why would you stop? its not true -- they are very adept at finding food -- your birdfeeder is just an easy target and that is a pragmatic excuse for not bothering with a birdfeeder in the first place.