Did you know you can feed cooked pasta to birds? I didn’t either.
So while I was browsing the internet, I was working out What to feed the birds At this time of year, I was stunned by the suggestion RSPCAwebsite of. Cooked pasta is one of those food scraps that gets the nod of approval from an animal charity – and carbs have more benefits than I realized.
Here’s why cooked pasta—in moderation—can be a solid food source for garden birds.
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(Image credit: Getty Images / Alan Tunnicliffe Photography)
The RSPCA says birds love to eat cooked pasta – as long as it’s plain, of course, and not covered in sauce.
I already knew that You can add potatoes to your bird feederBut pasta was a carb I didn’t expect to see on an avian menu. To find out why the recommendation was made, I spoke to wild bird expert Danny Yeoman Pets Corner and the developer Peter and Paul Wild Bird Foods.
‘Yes, birds can eat uncooked pasta without harm, if it’s plain and unseasoned,’ he said. ‘It provides a source of carbohydrates, which can provide quick-release energy.’
This Argos to Gardman Wild Bird Feeding Station Includes two bird feeding trays, perfect for holding cooked pasta. Or, go for it Ground feeding trays like this Gardman Ground Feeder from Amazon For birds like blackbirds and robins.
As it is a good source of carbohydrates, it is especially suitable for cooked pasta Feeding birds during winterBut regardless of the season, it should never replace real bird food – rather than during the warmer months of the year.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Ballygally View Images)
‘It is not a nutritionally complete feed and lacks the fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals the birds need for long-term health,’ explains Danny.
In the spring, it is best to feed the birds a protein-rich bird food that aids in breeding and chick rearing. Danny recommends insects, mealworms or black soldier fly larvae. This Extra Select Grubs Up Black Soldier Fly Larvae from Amazon Bright for birds and hedgehogs.
If you choose to offer cooked pasta to birds as an occasional addition to your bird feeder, you’ll need to make sure it’s completely plain, unseasoned, unoiled, and unsalted.
‘Pasta should be soft and cut into small, manageable pieces so the birds are easy to handle and swallow,’ advises Danny.
‘As with any fresh food, uneaten pasta should be discarded before it spoils, especially in hot weather when it spoils quickly.’
What you will need
Guardman
Gardman Wild Bird Feeding Station
A great value feeding station with bird food trays.
B&Q
Maypole Adjustable Bird Table
This bird table has removable bases for easy cleaning.
Guardman
Gardman Wooden Ground Wild Bird Feeder Tray
Perfect for ground feeding birds.
So, although cooked pasta offers amazing energy benefits for birds, it should never replace real bird food. As Danny says, the goal should always be to support garden birds in a meaningful way—but an occasional treat won’t hurt. Wildlife.
