Attract and Protect Feathered Friends During the Winter

One of the best ways to enjoy wildlife in Kenosha County from the comfort of your home is by keeping bird feeders full all year long. You’ll be amazed at the variety of birds that will visit your feeders throughout the year if you put out a variety of foods. Bird feeders also make great gifts for individuals that work from home, retirees or homes with children looking to create a lifelong appreciation for wildlife.  

When determining the best products and feeders for your backyard it’s best to visit a locally owned wildlife store like Jerry Smith Feed and Seed Station centrally located in Kenosha County for expert guidance. Feeding birds high fat food during the winter increases their chance of survival and contributes to a healthy spring population.

Recommended Foods

Recommended foods that are all available locally at Jerry Smith Feed and Seed Station include:

• Sunflower seeds are a high fat option so help provide good energy; seeds are small and thin-shelled enough for small birds to crack open.
• Peanuts are best offered in tube-shaped metal mesh feeders designed for peanuts and offer a high protein option for birds and also squirrels.
• Suet cakes are high in calories to provide birds more energy and are traditionally squares or spheres to fit in standard-size suet feeders.
• Nyjer seed or thistle is a good source of energy and attracts colorful finches to winter feeders.
• Cracked corn is rich in both protein and fiber and an excellent supplemental choice for backyard birds.
• Mealworms are naturally part of a songbird’s diets and provide protein, fat and fiber.

As with any wild animal it’s important to not feed birds any foods that will cause harm, including salted peanuts. Other foods that are toxic for birds include avocado, fruit pits or seeds, chocolate, potatoes, breads, oats and table scraps. We recommend getting advice from trained wildlife professionals like the team at Jerry Smith Feed and Seed Station to determine the best diet and feeders for the birds you’re looking to attract to your backyard. 

Feeder Placement

Feeder placement is also very important because birds are most likely to eat where they feel safe from predators. This means placing feeders away from trees and shrubs where predators can easily hide and consider placing wire or thorny branches at ground-level around feeders. 

Whether you’re in the city, suburbs or county, the best refuge for your feathered friends is a place that offers food, shelter, water, protection from toxic sprays and safety from mowers.

Jerry Smith Feed and Seed Station, located at 7115 38th Street in Kenosha, is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 4pm. They’re your one-stop shop for pet and wildlife needs. They proudly offer American Natural Premium, Fromm, Victor, Nutri Source, Pure Vita, Ziwi dog foods and Somers Harvest CBD treats for pets and people!