# Bird feeding **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 1, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295 "2025-12-01T18:51:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/1 "2025-12-01T18:51:53Z")
I feeds the boids! Yes I do! I spend a fortune(😊 )on seeds for the critters flying around. (Squirrel thieves be damned). So…my question is: I know people throw corn meal down for wild animals. Is that safe for our feathered friends? ---
**Author:** ![Quondam\_Mechanic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quondam_mechanic/32/3404_2.png) [@Quondam\_Mechanic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quondam_Mechanic)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/2 "2025-12-01T18:57:03Z")
You’re saying chickenfeed don’t cost chickenfeed? Sorry, I’m easily tempted. Back to your regularly scheduled thread, already in progress. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/3 "2025-12-01T19:17:23Z")
Guess incoming: I think cornmeal would be OK for ground feeding birds such as pigeons, doves, or quail. But not so good for your typical Passerine birds that come to feeders like chickadees, sparrows etc. (perching birds) ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/4 "2025-12-01T20:09:25Z")
Isn’t cornmeal just ground up corn with no additives? Even the finely steel ground cornmeal is basically just sugary carbs. I grew up in cornfield county Ohio and never knew of birds not eating corn, let alone getting sick from it. As long as their are no additives (especially salt) I don’t see and issue, but I’m open to finding out more. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/5 "2025-12-01T20:15:31Z")
Cornmeal shouldn’t be remotely sugary. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/6 "2025-12-01T20:34:06Z")
I was afraid it would swell in their widdle tummies. Causing flight failure and eminent death by my not-so-angelic outdoor cats. Yeah, worrisome. Jojo the gross-cat has never caught a bird, I know of. But he drools and jaw clacks when the birds are buffet-ing at my feeders. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/7 "2025-12-01T20:54:40Z")
I wouldn’t. > **[Can Birds Eat Cornmeal? \[Updated 2025\] - Nature with Birds](https://naturewithbirds.com/can-birds-eat-cornmeal/)** > > Can birds eat cornmeal? This question is common among bird enthusiasts and homeowners who enjoy feeding wild birds. Cornmeal, made from ground dried corn, is **Potential Risks of Feeding Cornmeal to Birds** While cornmeal can be safe for some birds in small quantities, there are risks associated with feeding it improperly or too frequently. Cornmeal is a starchy carbohydrate with relatively low protein and fat content, which means it lacks many essential nutrients that birds need for long-term health. Relying too much on cornmeal can lead to nutritional imbalances and poor health. Another concern is how the cornmeal is served. Raw, dry cornmeal can be dusty and may irritate a bird’s digestive system or respiratory tract if inhaled. Wet cornmeal, especially when mixed with water or other ingredients, can clump and cause digestive issues or blockages. It’s crucial to avoid feeding cornmeal that is moldy or contaminated, as this can be harmful or even fatal. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/8 "2025-12-01T21:00:37Z")
Oh, thx. Just what I wanted. Most sites were saying essentially “not so much”. My concern with swollen bird bellies is not really the big issue, except unless it’s wet. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/9 "2025-12-02T02:14:19Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > widdle tummies Here is where you lose me. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/10 "2025-12-02T03:09:23Z")
Get back on the train, Mr. Fish. Little Stomachs/old fogey. widdle tummies/what the kids say. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/11 "2025-12-03T03:30:38Z")
Well, as long as we are talking bird feeding, our set up for years was just buying whatever birdseed was cheap. The problem was, we have two types of squirrel in the area, and they would ravage the feeder before many birds got to it. So, we switched to the very expensive hot pepper-coated seed, which has kept the squirrels away. Birds we commonly get: Finches, both gold and house Chickadees Nuthatches Titmouses. (Titmice?) Bluebirds in the summer Sparrows and doves The occasional ravenous and highly territorial blue jay A northern flicker, and some other kind of woodpecker. They hang upside down from the feeder, it’s entertaining. Juncos. More rarely: Catbird Cardinal (we’ve had a nesting pair, they just don’t like coming to the feeder most of the time) Grackles There’s something else that swarms a few times every summer, I’m drawing a complete blank on it though. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/12 "2025-12-03T03:52:13Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I was afraid it would swell in their widdle tummies. Nope, nor will rice cause pigeons to explode. Mind you a diet of just corn meal or too much could be bad. I also feed the birds- sunflower seeds and bird mix for the little guys, and peanuts for the ravens. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/13 "2025-12-03T12:37:50Z")
I buy the bird mix from Costco and put it in the bird feeder. Then I buy raw unsalted pecans, walnuts and almonds from Costco as well and n place those on the deck railings, and mix in some of the bird seed. I get smaller birds going mainly to the feeder and an assortment of Blue Jay’s, Cardinals and Wood Peckers on the railing. I then toss walnuts pieces, pecans and a few few almonds on the deck itself. This keeps the squirrels and chipmunks busy on the floor level and allows time for the birds to eat most of the things on the railings and feeder. And I also feed my deer carrots and apples at the same time. They all are in my backyard now as I post this. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/14 "2025-12-03T12:44:23Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > The problem was, we have two types of squirrel in the area, and they would ravage the feeder before many birds got to it. > **[Amazon.com: Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/Cardinal Ring and...](https://www.amazon.com/Squirrel-proof-5-1-pound-Adjustable-Pole-mountable-SEPARATELY/dp/B08FDNBGQR)** > > Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/Cardinal Ring and 6 Feeding Ports, 5.1-pound Seed Capacity, Adjustable, Pole-mountable (POLE ADAPTOR SOLD SEPARATELY), Green Our squirrel buster feeder (smaller than this one) seems to do a good job of keeping squirrels off. That and siting it away from trees (difficult if your lot is entirely wooded.) Just realized I’ve never seen a squirrel on our thistle feeder. Both feeders hang from shepherd’s crooks. ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/15 "2025-12-03T13:00:00Z")
We do get an occasional bird at the squirrel feeders. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/16 "2025-12-03T13:02:38Z")
All too often, ours are cat feeders! 😲 ---
**Author:** ![MrAtoz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MrAtoz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrAtoz)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/17 "2025-12-03T13:06:50Z")
Since the question has been answered: > [@Quondam\_Mechanic](#): > > You’re saying chickenfeed don’t cost chickenfeed? I thought it was only tuppence a bag. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/18 "2025-12-03T13:23:03Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Our squirrel buster feeder (smaller than this one) seems to do a good job of keeping squirrels off. That and siting it away from trees (difficult if your lot is entirely wooded.) Just realized I’ve never seen a squirrel on our thistle feeder. Both feeders hang from shepherd’s crooks. It’s worth considering, and the reviews are incredibly positive. Though this series of updates did catch my attention: > IMPORTANT UPDATES – > > UPDATE 1: Squirrels managed to outsmart ME, not the bird feeder. They used their little hands to unhook the feeder from my carabiner and dropped the entire feeder onto the ground. The thing weighs a a lot, so shows me how strong these little buggers are. DO NOT use carabiners! Only use a metal chain that has a hard-to-disconnect latch. They WILL chew through rope and CAN unhook spring-loaded carabiners! > > UPDATE 2: Apparently 🦝raccoons​:raccoon: can unscrew U-bolts and slide things out of keychains. I’m honestly astonished. Most recently caught them at 1am before the feeder fell down. It’s an ongoing battle. The issue isn’t with this bird feeder, it’s with whatever is holding it up. Chains, rope, hooks, straps, nuts and bolts; That’s the weak point. These nocturnal critters have a lot of time to experiment. Unfortunately for them, so do I. > > My latest plan is using an automotive U-bolt bracket over the tree branch. The bird feeder’s hook is locked into the bracket via two nuts. I plan on using Loctite Blue thread locker soon to cement the bolts in place. Unless the raccoons have an electric impact drill, this should buy me some time. I suspect their next gambit will be chewing through the bird feeder itself or perhaps the tree branch. I’m sure this will give me an opportunity to try out Brome’s replacement part program. > > Update 3 – I fought the squirrels and the squirrels won. They chewed through, to the core. Am contacting Brome to see what we can do. > > – Last updated on May 14th, 2022 We would have to mount it on a pole outside our deck to be able to see the birds, and probably won’t do it, but it’s not 100% off the table. Very clever mechanism! (ETA: $300+ for the feeder, pole and weather guard…not quite there yet) ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/19 "2025-12-03T13:54:20Z")
Raccoons are amazing. I remember when we used to try to keep our seed in a bin outside, and my wife did battle with the little fuckers form a year before giving up! The total cost of $300 surprises me. I think a shepherd’s crok is pretty cheap. And not sure what a weather guard is. We don’t have one, and we get Chicago weather. Our feeder is much smaller than the one I linked to. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295/20 "2025-12-03T15:05:36Z")
I put out peanuts in the shell hoping to befriend my local crows after an “incident” a couple of years ago put us on bad terms. They appreciate it, but mostly it’s the scrub jays that take advantage. And take advantage they do. If I am not fast with refilling the feeder, I hear about it, at high volume. And if I decide I might like some peanuts for myself, it’s a race to eat them before they notice and relieve me of my snack. [![](https://i.ibb.co/5gbBGNZr/IMG-1179.jpg) ](https://i.ibb.co/5gbBGNZr/IMG-1179.jpg) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-feeding/1025295.md?page=2)