The winter season can be a difficult time of the year for birds to find food, and some gardening enthusiasts have been urged to put grated cheese in their gardens to help them
UK households are encouraged to sprinkle a bit of cheesy goodness around their gardens this January as it could be a lifesaver for birds.
Gardeners make it tough for our feathered friends to find their usual nibbles like berries, seeds, and insects because the natural larder is bare and the ground too frosty to peck through. To give them a much-needed energy and warmth boost, wildlife enthusiasts suggest leaving food and water out and about regularly.
Alongside the traditional bird seed and mealworms, experts advise tossing out a bit of grated cheese – yes, you heard that right! Cheese is packed with protein and fat, which is just the ticket for birds braving the big freeze, and the likes of wrens, robins, and dunnocks can’t get enough of the stuff.
But before you raid the fridge, take heed of advice from the wise folks at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): “A bird’s gut is not designed to digest milk, which can cause a serious stomach upset or even death. Birds can, however, digest fermented dairy products such as cheese, which attract robins, wrens and dunnocks.”
Stick to mild, grated cheddar or other hard cheeses, and steer clear of soft ones like brie and blue – they’re no good for our beaked buddies, reports the Express. Gardeners are cautioned against overfeeding birds, as excessive food can draw unwanted visitors like rats, squirrels, and pigeons, making it challenging for smaller birds to access the feed.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust advises: “Site feeders close to trees or bushes, so that birds can dash to cover if required; but not close enough that a cat or predator can pounce on them from the tree.
“Remember not to overfeed as a surplus of food can attract unwanted visitors such as rats. By supplementing the diets of birds you are essentially creating a falsely high population in your garden, therefore if you suddenly stop there could be life-threatening consequences for them.”
For those keen on supporting their feathered friends, the Trust recommends planting suitable trees and shrubs in addition to providing food, ensuring a steady supply of resources for birds throughout the year.
