Don't feed birds in summer.

[Skeptic]

Is it true that you should not put out feed for birds in summer, as it is supposed to make them dependent on your supply rather than looking for food elsewhere.

[Joostik]

As I've heard it, supposedly it's bad because you are feeding them seeds and such at a time when they should be feeding on insects.

[Spam & Cookies-mmm]

Originally Posted by Joostik

As I've heard it, supposedly it's bad because you are feeding them seeds and such at a time when they should be feeding on insects.

Not all birds like bugs, though.

The Audubon Society says it's ok to feed them, so I wouldn't worry about affecting their migration patterns or food hunting behavior.

Does feeding birds prevent them from migrating on time?
Seasonal changes in the length of day, rather than an abundance of food, determines when birds will begin to migrate. Migration begins in the fall as days shorten (when natural food is still abundant), and commences again in the spring as days lengthen.

Does backyard feeding create a population of "dependent" birds?
While research in this area is limited, so far studies suggest that backyard feeders are not creating a population of dependent wintering birds.

[Eddylizard]

RSPB advice on feeding birds

All types of bread are acceptable to birds, but ideally only if it is just one component in a varied diet. Bread does not contain the necessary protein and fat birds need from their diet, and so it can act as an empty filler. A bird that is on a diet of predominantly or only bread can suffer from serious vitamin deficiencies or starve.

Only put out an amount that birds will eat in a day. Bread left on the ground overnight can attract rats. Soaked bread is more easily ingested than stale dry bread, and brown bread is better than white. During the breeding season, crumble the bread into tiny pieces so that it is only eaten by the adult birds, and never put out an amount that will last more than one hour. Dry chunks of bread will choke baby birds, and a chick on a diet of bread may not develop into a healthy fledgling.

Crumbled bread is suitable in small quantities, but moisten if very dry. Brown is better than white. Although bread is not harmful, it should not be offered in large quantities, since its nutritional value is relatively low.

[Cervus]

Originally Posted by Joostik

As I've heard it, supposedly it's bad because you are feeding them seeds and such at a time when they should be feeding on insects.

Most birds who primarily feed on insects won't eat seeds, and vice versa.

[Dutch Angua]

Well, I heard we had a simillar problem a while back. The ducks were fed so much by the people that the males had too much energy, resulting in them mating with the females too much and too long. Apparently, this resulted in a lot of drowned and deadly exhausted female ducks.

[Brad from Georgia]

The local paper asked people not to put out bird feeders because the acorn supply is very low this year. Birdseed will attract bears, and they'll eat all our porridge.

[inkrose115]

I do know that wild birds can really benefit from high-fat seeds like sunflower seeds. But don't give more than a few a day to your domestic birdies.

[DawnStorm]

I only put out enough seed to last one day, but at this time of year, I always make sure there is water in the bird bath! It's been so hot around here lately that birds are using potholders to pull out worms!

[Spamamander]

I sure hope this isn't true... I put out seed on the ground almost every day in a bare spot of our property. It's a high-energy mix- sunflower seed, nuts, dried cranberries, etc, and it's gone in no time. I do it particularly for the quail, there's a lot of ground cover and a creek so we have a small flock that nests nearby and comes out morning and evening.

[inkrose115]

Originally Posted by DawnStorm

I only put out enough seed to last one day, but at this time of year, I always make sure there is water in the bird bath! It's been so hot around here lately that birds are using potholders to pull out worms!

Worms which have been conveniently flash-dried for easy transportation.
Since birds need water more then they need food, especially when it's hot, it can be more beneficial to make sure the bird bath is clean, and full; it can also be beneficial to try and keep the bird bath nice and unfrozen during the winter.

[Joostik]

Originally Posted by Cervus

Most birds who primarily feed on insects won't eat seeds, and vice versa.

As you said, primarily. That doesn't mean they'll let it pass when easily available. Also it depends on the season -- maybe not so much in Florida, but it does over here.

ETA: And ducks aren't supposed to eat bread, but they do anyway. All those carbohydrates aren't good for them.

[Troberg]

Not all birds like bugs, though.

So you don't believe the Anansi story about how Anansi fooled Bird into a pot, and how birds and spiders ever since has been enemies and birds eat spiders whenever they get a chance?

[Floater]

Originally Posted by Spamamander

I put out seed on the ground almost every day in a bare spot of our property.

The four-legged rats must love you for that (as well as the feathered ones).

[Spam & Cookies-mmm]

Originally Posted by Troberg

So you don't believe the Anansi story about how Anansi fooled Bird into a pot, and how birds and spiders ever since has been enemies and birds eat spiders whenever they get a chance?

I'm not really into Pokemon.

Originally Posted by Spam & Cookies-mmm

I'm not really into Pokemon.

Actually, that is Neil Gaiman book that I have yet to get a chance to read.

Pokemon....sheesh!