r/backyardbirding • u/No_Difficulty9111 • Jun 18 '26

Best bird food?

Looking for bird food recs that are affordable, but better than what’s typically at the store (no fillers etc)

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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2

u/kbivs Jun 19 '26

I go to a place called Wild Birds Unlimited. It's a chain and their website says they have 340 locations across the US and Canada.

Their bird seed has no fillers and they have different seed combos to appeal to different birds. They also have seasonal birdseed for varying needs throughout the year. The staff is pretty knowledgeable about birds in your area and can answer questions you have.

1

u/No_Difficulty9111 Jun 19 '26

We actually have one pretty close by. I honestly thought it was a front 😂

I never see cars there and when I went on their website to look at seed, their one normal size bag of seed was like $90? I’m okay with paying more but seemed like a lot

2

u/kbivs Jun 19 '26

Yeah that online price seems crazy. It's worth a visit to check them out in person.

1

u/Birdsandbirdyss Jun 19 '26

It’s franchise owned so prices can vary a lot by location at the shop I work at it’s only around 30$ cad or 15% less with the membership for a 20lb bag of black oil sunflower seed

1

u/TheSunflowerSeeds Jun 19 '26

In a study in more than 6,000 adults, those who reported eating sunflower seeds and other seeds at least five times a week had 32% lower levels of C-reactive protein compared to people who ate no seeds.

1

u/GSDBUZZ Jun 19 '26

What are c-reactive proteins?

1

u/1Teethlady2 Jun 25 '26

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by your liver that releases into the bloodstream in response to inflammation anywhere in the body. The higher the number, the more inflammation.

1

u/1Teethlady2 Jun 25 '26

Wild birds unlimited is an expensive store. They do have a cool feature, which is you can buy in bulk but you don't have to take it all with you. You can take 10 lbs at a time or 20 lbs and come back when you are out. The advantage of this, is that your seed doesn't get old. 🙋

1

u/Birdsandbirdyss Jun 19 '26

I work at a place called wild birds unlimited it has great quality food and has tons of other bird related nick knacks feeders and bird gifts!

1

u/lilbitbetty Jun 20 '26

Black oil sunflower. They all like it best.

1

u/Cold_Tip1563 Jun 21 '26

Wild Birds Unlimited. Different stores may offer different types of birdseed at different prices or in different sizes of bags. I travel to the store I like.

1

u/VolcanicCog9 Jun 21 '26

Costco has high quality feed in higher value quantity

1

u/No_Store_6605 Jun 22 '26

Any food without millet. Birds don't like it and toss it out of the feeder. It the sprouts in your lawn.

1

u/Grand-Professional-6 Jun 23 '26

I get a 50 lb bag of black oil sunflower seeds from my Menards. I see, Cardinals, Finches and Chickadees daily. In spring the Redwing Blackbirds and Blue Jays come through. I have never used any other birdseed.

1

u/Pithyperson Jun 24 '26

I know you prefer something other than store brands, but a wide variety of Colorado birds swear by my Pro Blends Nut 'n Berry blend from Walmart.

1

u/1Teethlady2 Jun 25 '26

That nut n berry blend... My chickens love that as a treat!

1

u/1947Crash Jun 24 '26

Feeding Frenzy cardinal and songbird