Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this December for a crucial reason. It may seem odd, but this technique is the ideal way to provide food for hungry birds without it being snatched by other animals, particularly during winter when wildlife struggles to find sustenance.
Bird populations have been facing challenges for several years, with gardeners reporting fewer sightings than usual. The drastic decline in insect numbers – down by as much as 80 percent over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change – is believed to be impacting the entire food chain, leaving birds with less to eat and increasing their risk of starvation, especially during the colder months when food is scarce.
That’s why gardeners are being urged to help out by leaving bird food out as the weather gets colder. However, one major issue with leaving bird food out is that other creatures, such as squirrels, will attempt to steal it, reports the Express.
This is where the chilli powder comes into play. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or any place where you leave food for the birds (and if you don’t, consider getting one), you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms, and fruit slices like apples for the birds to enjoy.
The RSPB has shared a clever tip for ensuring that birds get their fair share of food in your garden. They suggest that bruised apples and pears are particularly appealing to our feathered friends, and household leftovers such as pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs can also be offered – though it’s best not to overdo these.
To keep the feast exclusive to birds, sprinkle the offerings with chilli powder. Birds are immune to the fiery taste of chilli, while squirrels and foxes detest it, leaving more for the birds.
The RSPB advises: “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.
“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.”
“Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like Tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren’t bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can’t put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone.”
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