How to Cheaply Feed Wild Birds

by Kelsey Erin Shipman

Overview

A yard full of birds can be one of the most comforting sights all year. A variety of food offerings can keep different types of birds coming your way, and having a garden full of flowering and fruiting plants is the easiest way to do that. If your pocketbook is suffering from feeding your own nest, take simple steps to feed your feathered friends on a budget and keep your backyard singing all year long.

Step 1

Save your bacon grease. You can put used bacon grease in a small plastic container and place it on a feeding tray for wild birds to eat. Only put small amounts out at a time to prevent other animals from taking over the feeding station.
Step 2

Plant birds' favorite flowers. Once the plants go to seed, leave the seed pods for the birds to find on their own or collect them and disperse them throughout the year. Favorite flowers are sunflowers, cosmos and zinnias.
Step 3

Put out fruit. Look for bruised fruit at the grocery stores or put out your leftovers. Birds especially love apple cores, but be sure to clean up after the birds or you will attract other, less-welcome visitors.
Step 4

Buy cracked corn in bulk. It is much cheaper than conventional bird seed and wild birds love it just as much. If you buy a large amount at once, it will be cheaper in the long run and last throughout the year. Try your local feed store to buy in bulk quantities.
Step 5

Save your melon and squash seeds. Dry or bake seeds from watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkins and squash to prevent sprouting. Then sprinkle them in your yard and the birds will come in droves.

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Put out a hummingbird feeder and keep it filled with sugar water.
Put out a hummingbird feeder and keep it filled with sugar water.
Do not feed birds any leftovers that contain chocolate as it is hazardous to their health.
Do not feed birds any leftovers that contain chocolate as it is hazardous to their health.