Garden Birds

Garden birds bring life, colour and cheer to your garden. Whether you’re looking for high-energy bird food for the cold winter months, a safe nesting box for the breeding season, or a practical feed silo: at Hermie you’ll find exactly what you need. Feeding and providing shelter for wild birds not only helps them stay in top condition, but also gives you the chance to enjoy titmice, sparrows, robins and finches up close. Discover our full range, choose the right products for your garden and turn your outdoor space into a real bird paradise. 

How do you choose the right products for garden birds? 

Creating an animal-friendly garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a few basic factors into account, you’ll soon attract more birds:

• Seasonal bird food: Birds are hungry all year round, but their needs change. In winter, they need plenty of fat and calories (think fat balls and bird peanut butter). In spring, during the breeding season, they are actually looking for protein (such as mealworms) to feed their young. Scatter feed containing sunflower seeds is an excellent all-rounder. 
• Feeding systems: Choose a bird feeder or silo that suits what you’re feeding and which birds you want to attract. A feeding silo with small openings is perfect for small titmice and finches, and keeps larger birds such as crows or pigeons at bay. A bird feeder on a pole or a feeding table, on the other hand, is ideal for blackbirds and robins, which prefer to eat from the ground or a flat surface. 
• Protection: When choosing bird feeders, also consider protection against predators and rain. Ensure the feed stays dry to prevent mould.

FAQ

• Can I feed garden birds all year round?
  Yes, you certainly can. People used to think that feeding birds made them lazy, but that’s a myth. By feeding them all year round, you’re helping them to get enough energy. Do make sure, though, that you choose the right type of food for the season: fatty foods in winter, and protein-rich foods in spring and summer. 
• Where is the best place to hang a birdbox?
  Hang a birdbox in a quiet spot, out of reach of cats (at least 1.5 to 2 metres high). Make sure the entrance faces north, north-east or east, if possible. This will prevent the box from being exposed to the bright midday sun or getting drenched by the rain.
• Why aren’t any birds coming to my bird feeder?
  Birds sometimes need a little time to get used to a new feeding spot. Make sure the bird feeder is placed in a safe spot, preferably near a bush or tree. That way, the birds will have an escape route if danger threatens. Be patient; as soon as the first bird has discovered your feeding spot, the rest will follow naturally.
• Can I feed bread to birds?
  No, it’s best not to feed them bread. Bread contains too much salt, has too little nutritional value and attracts pests such as mice and rats. Always opt for specialised bird food, seeds or fat balls that are tailored to the bird’s needs.
• When and how should I clean a birdhouse?
  The best time to clean a birdbox is in the autumn (September or October), once the last chicks have fledged. Remove the old nesting material and clean the inside with a stiff brush and hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning products.