Why Wild Bird-Lovers Should Choose Top-Of-The-Crop Natural Feed by BPT - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Why Wild Bird-Lovers Should Choose Top-Of-The-Crop Natural Feed

By BPT,
May 23, 2016 at 08:22am. Views: 232

Have you ever wondered what’s in one of your favorite packaged foods, grabbed the box from your pantry, read the ingredients list…and realized you still didn’t know what you were eating? The ingredients in some processed foods can read like a chemist’s shopping list. Now imagine if your backyard birds could read. What would they say about the ingredients in the food you feed them? A growing number of Americans are choosing natural foods for their pets. People who feed wild birds care about them just as much as their four-legged pets and want to know they’re feeding their backyard birds the most natural and nutritious options available. It’s hard to feel that confidence when reading the mystifying ingredient list on the feed bag makes you feel like a bird brain. Here are some tips from wild-bird experts for ensuring you’re feeding your feathered friends a healthy, natural diet that they’ll appreciate: 1.Avoid seed blends that are full of cheap fillers, like oats and red milo. Fillers not only lack nutritional value, birds will kick them right out of the feeder. Select natural feed comprised of top-of-the-crop seeds and pass by seed coated with chemicals and mineral oil. 2.Take note of ingredients you can't read, often it’s an indication the ingredient is a synthetic or lab engineered. Ingredients like Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex and Thiamine Mononitrate aren't found in natural food, they’re man-made versions of vitamins. Since wild birds normally get all their vitamins and nutrients from natural sources, adding a synthetic version is questionable at best. The rule of thumb for buying all natural is if you can't read it, don't feed it! 3.Focus on serving feed with an ingredient list you can read and understand. For example, Cole’s Sunflower Meats contains nothing but shelled sunflower seeds. Easy, right? It’s a favorite feed to a wide range of backyard birds, too. 4.Either get to know the types of birds visiting your feeder and research feed they prefer, or buy feed from a reputable company who has already done that work for you. When you know and serve what your backyard birds prefer, you’ll keep them coming back to your feeders. 5.Feel free to supplement seed and feed with natural food you already have at home. For example, jays and woodpeckers love raw peanuts, while mockingbirds and orioles love fruit, and chickadees, blue jays and cardinals savor suet. Soak raisins and currants in water overnight, then place them on a table feeder, or purchase blends with a dried fruit and nut mixture. To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer halved oranges onto a spike near your feeders for a special treat. 6.Don’t forget the importance of the right type of feeder. Dish and bowl feeders are great for serving fruits, while most birds will appreciate a terrific tube feeder for seeds both large and small. Traditional tube feeders are great all-purpose feeders, and a must-have for backyard bird feeding. 7.Buy feed from companies who specialize in wild bird food. Some companies offer bird feed as a side product to their main business of pet products or grass seed.

Related Articles

JW North High School Athlete of the Week: Escess Coony
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 244

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Your Home-Grown, “Budget Watchdog,” Councilman Doug Wilson, Is Still On The Job!

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 273

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

As Corporate Restaurants Retreat, Timber Ridge Bets on Local Ownership, Hospitality and People
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 231

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 170

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Business Summit Brings Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders Together
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 239

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates the Culture, History and Contributions That Help Shape the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 355

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 352

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Moreno Valley Expands Volunteer Opportunities for Residents Ready to Give Back
Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 186

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Moreno Valley Begins Fall Fire Hazard Inspections
Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 199

Pet of the Week: Lady
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 171

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Kaiser Permanente Helps Give New Life to Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service
Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 353

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Walmart and Sam's Club Help Strengthen Food Access Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 183

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->