Pet Taxi and More

What kind of bird food attracts the largest variety of bird species?

I live in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and I’ve been fascinated by birds for as long as I can remember. Recently, my grandfather and I built two plastic-bottle birdfeeders. We don’t usually see a lot of blue jays, but they *do* live in the area. I want to attract as many different species as possible. Will standard mixed bird feed work, or is there anything special to attract specific birds in the area? A few examples of some of the birds that I want to attract are blue jays, robins, chipping sparrows, other sparrows, finches, doves, and common grackles (locally known as “blue-headed blackbirds”). It doesn’t have to be just those species, though.
Anyway, an answer would really be appreciated. Thanks for the help.

Well you will have different requirements for different birds. Many, like the robin, are meat eaters and won’t be attracted to the feeders unless you make a platform feeder and put meal worms or wax worms in it.

Standard wild bird mix is good as it contains a lot of different seeds that they will be attracted to. But also put out some specific feed such as thistle seed in a thistle feeder. There are many of the smaller finches that love this seed (American Goldfinch for one).

You will do well with providing cover in the area in the form of dense bushes, trees, shrubs, ground cover, high canopy, and medium canopy stuff. This way the different species will be comfortable in the area. Also put out different types of feeders. Cage feeders where helps the little birds compete for food as the large birds can’t get to it, platform feeders are frequented by almost all different types of birds, hanging “house”/tube/bottle feeders, suet feeder cage, and put out a sugar water feeder too (a humming bird feeder with a perch).

Many different birds require much different sources of feed and some only feed on the ground or something that simulates it (like a platform feeder). Others like to cling to the sides of the feeders so having a cage type feeder with black oil sunflower in it works well for these types of birds. The sugar water feeder will attract any hummingbirds in the area as well as orioles and sometimes various sapsucker/woodpeckers. Suet feed attracts a very large variety of birds from wood peckers all the way down to little finches and sparrows. Cracked or whole kernel corn is favored by many of the jay species as well as grackles. Black oil sunflower is a staple for quite a few birds as well and will attract a huge variety from sparrows to finches to nuthatches to.. etc etc.

Here’s a great site for some information on helping you identify the different birds in your area and also some information on them…. http://www.whatbird.com/ Also, contact your local audobon society as they will have a wide range of information for you too.

*EDIT*
In response to the first answer you received. This is totally untrue. They will still feed on the natural sources and many birds only use feeders as supplemental feed. It will not stop them from their natural foraging for food and only serves to help them by providing a positive food source in a location that requires little to no competition to achieve.

Martina Topley-Bird “Soul Food” (Charles Webster’s Slo Mix) 2004

Mills Brothers Song Bird No Waste Food in Easy Pour & Store Container $14.99 The preferred mix for song birds like Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, and Red Winged Blackbird. Contains sunflower chips, cracked corn, peanut pickouts, oat groats and white Proso millet. A good combination of high carbohydrates with protein and fat. Packaged in an easy to pour from storable container. A convenient no mess way to fill feeders and sealed for freshness so there’s no waste….

Mills Brothers Premium Wild Bird Food in Easy Pour & Store Container $20.00 A premium wild bird food mix of white Proso millet, black oil sunflower seed, red millet, safflower seed and Nyjer thistle seed. Specially formulated for birds of North America to provide birds with high carbohydrates, necessary protein and fat. Packaged in an easy to pour from storable container. A convenient no mess way to fill feeders and sealed for freshness so there’s no waste….

Lyric Wild Bird Mix 5# $5.06 Attracts a wide variety of birds including Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, juncos, sparrows, cardinals and finches….

Bird Creek House Blend Chicken and Fish Seasoning $5.00 4 oz. sealed glass jar, sifter and lid. Our herb and spice mixes are all natural and include no preservatives or artificial flow agents. There is never any MSG used in our products….

The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book) $6.01 Features: paperback. 368 pages, 7 1/2 x 9 1/8. full-color photographs, full-color illustrations….

Avi-Cakes Gourmet Bird Food for Macaws and Cockatoos $11.99 Lafebers Classic Avi-Cakes Gourmet Bird Food for Macaws and Cockatoos is a nutritious bird food developed to stop birds from just eating seeds. Avi-Cakes are half seed and half pellets, a healthy alternative to loose seed and bound by a sweet molasses glaze that birds find irresistible. Designed to offer a fun, stimulating eating experience that makes it easier to get your bird eating right. Each bag of Avi-Cakes contains 15 individual squares to make feeding convenient. You may feed as a complete diet, used as a conversion diet or simply feed as a nutritious treat. Select Ingredients: Ground corn, canary grass seed, cracked corn, white proso millet, safflower, sunflower seeds, wheat flour, sugar, peanuts, red millet, soybean meal, ground limestone, dicalcium phosphate, canola oil, whole egg, hulled oats, corn gluten meal, propylene glycol ,cane molasses, gelatin, glycerine, iodized salt, L-lysine (an essential amino acid), dl-methionine (an essential amino acid), choline chloride, citric acid, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), manganous oxide, zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement (improved stability), vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, (source of vitamin K activity), niacin supplement, calcium dipantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, ascorbic acid, selenium. Size: 1 lb

Bene-Bac Bird Gel (15 grams) $10.99 Bene-Bac Bird Gelis recommended as part of the management program for birds and reptiles subjected to changing environmental or nutritional conditions or after antibiotic therapy. Directions for Use with Birds:Hand Feeding:Administer 1/2 g on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 and then once per week until after weaning from hand feeding. Mix with formula after heating, or dose directly into the feeding syringe or mouth. Growing Phase:Administer 1/2 g once per week for the first three (3) months. Maintenance:Administer every other week. Use 1/2 g for small species and 1 g for large species. Changing Conditions: Administer two (2) treatments, three (3) days apart before and after periods of environmental or nutritional changes. Use the levels recommended above. For Use with Reptiles:Growing and Maintenance:1/2-1 g, 12-24 hours before feeding and 2-12 hours after feeding. Administer by placing the gel on food or directly into the mouth.

Lixit Bird Quick-Lock Crock (10 oz) $8.99 The Lixit Bird Quick-Lock Crock (10 oz) is a removable food and water bowl for small pets such as cats, rabbits and birds. This crock holds up to 10 oz.

Lixit Bird Quick-Lock Crock (20 oz) $9.5 The Lixit Bird Quick-Lock Crock (10 oz) is a removable food and water bowl for small pets such as cats, rabbits and birds. This crock holds up to 10 oz.

Ed Hardy Bird Panther Cheach Scarf with Fringe $60 The  Ed Hardy Bird Panther Cheach Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has prin

Ed Hardy Bird Panther Silk Scarf $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Panther Silk Scarf   is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text grap

Ed Hardy Bird Panther Silk Scarf with Fringe $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Panther Silk Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed tex

Ed Hardy Bird Skull Silk Scarf $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Skull Silk Scarf   is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text graphi

Ed Hardy Bird Skull Silk Scarf with Fringe $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Skull Silk Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text

Ed Hardy Bird Skull Cheach Scarf with Fringe $60 The  Ed Hardy Bird Skull Cheach Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printe

Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Silk Scarf $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Silk Scarf is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text graphics wit

Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Silk Scarf with Fringe $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Silk Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text

Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Cheach Scarf with Fringe $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Tiger Cheach Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed tex

Ed Hardy Bird Rose Silk Scarf $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Rose Silk Scarf is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text graphics with

Ed Hardy Bird Rose Silk Scarf with Fringe $60 The Ed Hardy Bird Rose Silk Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed text g

Ed Hardy Bird Rose Cheach Scarf with Fringe $60 The  Ed Hardy Bird Rose Cheach Scarf with Fringe is a quality scarf from the Ed Hardy’s  Scarves Collection . This Ed Hardy scarf is made of a mix of Silk and features front graffiti style graphics print. It also has printed

Southern Mix Poster Print $14.58 Last Name: Ferralli. First Name: Antonio. Paper Width: 16. 000. Paper Height: 12. 000. Subject: Cuisine & Food. Color: Brown / Warm Colors.

Four Paws Mite & Lice Bird & Cage Spray (8 fl. oz.) $4.99 Four Paws Mite & Lice Bird & Cage Spray (8 oz.) protects your bird from pesky mites and lice. Use directly on your bird, or spray cage for fast relief from those yucky parasites! Your bird will thank you!Instructions: From a distance of about 12-18 inches, spray your bird lightly, avoiding the eyes and face. For the cage, remove all food and water bowls and spray 12 inches away, moderately throughout the entire cage. You can treat twice a week, make sure you clean your bird’s cage thoroughly on a regular basis.

Traditional Cozy White Cottage Bird Feeder $59.91 Cozy details and easy-to-use design make this a great bird feeder choice. This hanging bird feeder offers charming style and great function. Clear acrylic sides let you see and maintain the food level easily. Slide the roof up the heavy-duty nylon cord to refill. Comes hand-painted with a cedar shingle roof. Hand-painted finish. Nylon hanging cord. 13″ high. 8″ wide. 8″ deep.

Life Extension’s Dog Mix 100gm $19.5 Description Animals have unique physiological structures, and therefore need specific food and nutrients to keep them in optimal health. No longer considered just animals, household pets require special attention. Filling the need, the pet food industry has grown tremendously over the years. But are you getting the best for your dog or cat?Dogs, Thought to be derived from several wild species of mammals, dogs are domesticated carnivorous animals that now enjoy a place of pride in American homes. ?Man?s best friend? is a perfect companion who can live a long active life if properly cared for. Just like human beings, dogs need carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced diet to stay healthy. Unfortunately, most dog foods on the market are not necessarily the best choice. In fact there have been claims that some pet foods contain meat that is unfit for animal consumption.Dogs can tolerate plant-based food, but since they are essentially meat eaters, they need a good amount of meat protein in their diets for their unique systems. Like people, dogs (and cats) suffer from the same conditions related to the aging process and thus may benefit from certain nutrients. Carnitine is an essential nutrient. An amino acid found in meat, it is especially important for the heart and vascular system. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C are also vital for your dog?s health, as are vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, and carotenoids.An excellent source, So how can you be assured that you are giving your pet the best in nutrition? Besides high quality commercial foods that are nutrient-enriched, feed supplements are the best option to make sure your pets are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to live long healthy lives. Life Extension Dog Mix and Life Extension Cat Mix are among the best products for protecting your animal?s health. Just two scoops per day provide the vitamin insurance your pet needs to stay healthy and strong. Life Extension Dog Mix contains significant amounts of high grade nutrients usually reserved for the most expensive human supplements. It contains flavonoids, amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics, essential fatty acids, methylation enhancers and more.In fact, many commercial pet foods do not contain the vitamins, amino acids, phytonutrients, and advanced antioxidants found in Life Extension Dog Mix and Life Extension Cat Mix. The Life Extension pet supplements contain the same pharmaceutical-grade nutrients used in the products consumed by Life Extension Foundation members.Please Refrigerate.Suggested Use For dogs weighing 20 – 30 pounds, mix two scoops a day into your pet’s food or a treat.Adjust amount according to weight.Supplement Facts Supplement Facts Serving Size: Two Scoops Two Scoops Provide: Antioxidants Vitamin C 50 mg Vitamin E (succinate) 25 IU Super Nutrition Labiatae Extract ( from rosemary, thyme and sage ) 30 mg Essential Vitamins B1 ( thiamin HCI ) 2 mg