Avian experts urge gardeners to add a potato to their bird feeders this spring, with one important warning

As spring arrives in our yards, so do many wonderful birds who migrated for winter or simply stayed hidden from the cold weather. It's around this time you may be wondering what is best to feed them? Well, bird experts say you should put cooked potato in your bird feeder.

Cooked potatoes can be a nutritious snack for birds, and a vital way to help garden birds in summer and spring. When it comes to bird feeders, it's also vital to know what not to feed birds so you don't cause any harm to the wildlife coming to your yard. And potatoes must be prepared in the correct way for birds, otherwise it can be unsafe for them to eat.

Here's why you should feed birds cooked potato, how to do it correctly avoid causing them any harm.

Why should you feed birds potato?

Whether you're feeding birds in winter, creating a natural bird feeder, or making a DIY bottle bird feeder, you can feed birds potato to add some more nutrition to their diet.

'Cooked potatoes can be a safe and nutritious occasional treat for wild birds,' says bird feeding expert Isabelle Manseau. 'Carbohydrates provide quick energy, especially beneficial in cold weather. Vitamin C supports immune health, and potassium is good for for nerve and muscle function,' she adds.

However, Isabelle notes you must provide potatoes correctly to avoid harm to birds:

How to feed birds potato

'The potato must absolutely be cooked,' Isabelle says. 'Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin harmful to birds,' she adds.

When ingested, solanine can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological issues, and even death. For this reason, Isabelle notes you should also 'remove the skin since they contain residual solanine.'

It may sounds obvious, but butter and seasoning make the list of what not to feed wild birds, so you should also ensure your potatoes are plain for birds.

To help attract birds to your bird feeder, Isabelle says: 'Potatoes are best served mashed or finely chopped to make it easier for small birds to eat.'

You also shouldn't use potato as a constant food source for the birds in your yard, as this would be a wildlife garden mistake. 'Moderation is key. Too much can lead to weight gain, due to the high starch content,' Isabelle advises.

Instead, use it as an occasional treat to watch birds enjoy your outdoor space, alongside other bird feed options like these suet balls from Amazon and this fruit and nut bird seed from Amazon.

Essentials for feeding birds potatoes

Isabelle Manseau

Isabelle is a bird-lover and the founder of Birdzy, a company which specialises in hand-made bird-feeding products.

FAQs

Are potatoes safe for all types of birds?

Cooked potatoes are a treat many bird species enjoy, including magpies, starlings, and blackbirds. They are safe for the majority of birds, so long as they're cooked and prepared properly. It's unlikely you will find hummingbirds eating potato, as their diet mainly consists of nectar. However, there are plenty of other ways to make hummingbird food for your yard.

Can I feed birds spoiled potatoes?

No, you shouldn't feed birds spoiled potatoes. Raw, moldy, and spoiled potatoes are all toxic to birds and can cause them a number of health issues and even death. Instead, you should use cooked, in-date, peeled potatoes to give garden birds an occasional nutritious treat.

Can you feed birds any type of potato?

Yes, you can feed birds any type of potato, so long as they are cooked and peeled. It's wise to also cut up potatoes, or mash them, to make it easier for birds to eat, especially if you are using larger potato varieties.

'A better alternative is sweet potatoes,' says Isabelle. 'They are higher in vitamin A,' she says. Sweet potatoes (from Walmart) don't contain solanine, but it's wise to still cook, peel, and mash or cut them up to make it easier for birds to eat.

If you don't feel confident with feeding birds potato, try bird feeder alternatives instead. This includes filling garden borders with berries and nectar.