Can you feed birds with bread? That is what the expert advises

A highlight as a child: feeding birds on the pond with bread. But is that good for the animals at all? We have Luise Schenk, a committed conservationist in NABU Burgstädt e. V. (Saxony), asked about the topic in an interview.

Our expert

As the future head of the NABU regional group in Burgstädt, Luise Schenk is already taking care of the Herrenhaide nature conservation station on a voluntary basis alongside her studies. With many volunteers, she is actively committed to nature conservation in the region. The work and concerns of NABU are brought closer to the people in regular, interesting events.

Can you feed birds bread and why?

Luise Schenk: “No, bread is not suitable for feeding birds. One should keep in mind that natural food is neither cooked, salted or seasoned and the organism is not prepared for it. In particular, the salt and baking agent contained are not good for the animals. In addition, the dry bread swells up in the stomachs, clumps and prevents further absorption of water and ultimately leads to death. In bird feeders it also attracts rodents and molds quickly when it is damp. "

Where does the misbelief come from?

Luise Schenk: “It is not clear to us where the misbelief comes from. However, it can be said that feeding the birds bread is usually done out of love for animals. Young and old like to feed the cute little animals that even come very close for a piece of bread or a roll. The consequences of this action are often not observed and therefore the wrongdoing is not recognized either. "

What are suitable alternatives?

Luise Schenk: "Seeds such as sunflower seeds, hemp, poppy seeds, linseed, millet, wheat, also in Connection with fatas in tit dumplings are your best choices. The trade has many suitable offers ready here. Meanwhile, you can also feed mixes with dried insects (e. Buy mealworms, crickets, silkworms, etc.). These are also very suitable for year-round feeding. A cut apple is gladly accepted by thrushes. You shouldn't neglect the cleaning of the feces from the feeding table at certain intervals in order to rule out epidemics. "

When should you support birds with additional food?

Luise Schenk: “Feeding is particularly important in extreme weather conditions with black ice and high snowfall. Our feathered singers find themselves in increasing need during the rest of the season. Great tit, blue tit, robin, nuthatch and Co. are very soft-eaters and depend on insects. The availability has been decreasing for years due to human activity. They therefore need additional protein-rich food, especially during the exhausting breeding and rearing period. "

What about the bird population and their health in 2020?

Luise Schenk: “Based on the National Bird Protection Report, which is sent every six years by the Federal Government to the EU Commission, our domestic bird life is increasingly bad. In particular, the populations of lapwing, skylark, turtle dove and other bird species in agricultural landscapes have continued to decline. But there are not only downsides. In some places you can see that nature conservation has been successful. Black stork, sea eagle and crane were successfully reproduced. The total number of breeding birds in Germany also remained relatively constant. Forest and settlement birds have even increased in some cases. Such positive news is the incentive to keep going in conservation to promote and protect endangered bird species.“

What can each individual do to protect native birds?

Luise Schenk: “The concern for our bird life does not end at the bird feeder. The help of each and every one of us in supporting our cave breeders is not insignificant. By adding nest boxes and half-caves in gardens, parks or in the forest, we increase the breeding opportunities. Climbing protection on trees can prevent cats, martens, raccoons and others from predatory attacks. "

What role does NABU play in bird protection?

Luise Schenk: “We at NABU-Burgstädt e. V. have made it our task to draw attention to the grievances again and again through environmental education. We have passionate volunteers who have specialized in ornithology of their own accord. With them we were able to install and maintain many different bird houses and feeding places in and around the grounds of the Herrenhaide nature reserve. Themed events are also held within the station. Together with young and old we take part in bird counts such as the “hour of winter birds”. Here we also try to impart knowledge of species, because: What you don't know, you don't protect! We are currently in charge of the renovation of a stork's nest in Altmittweida. "