People with gardens are being urged to sprinkle chilli powder on their lawns this February.
Although it sounds strange, gardeners are being told it’s the ideal way to feed birds without other animals making off with their food.
Birds can go hungry, especially in the winter when they can’t find food for themselves, so following this important advice will help them survive.
For several years, people have reported seeing fewer birds in their gardens. This is because birds species are falling year on year.
Climate change and habitat loss has been blamed for the massive reduction in insect numbers, which are down as much as 80% in the last 20 years. This is then believed to be having knock-on effects right up the food chain, as birds have far less to eat, which is putting them at risk of starvation, especially over the colder winter months when food sources are more scarce, reports the Express.
That’s why gardeners are being asked to do what they can for birds and leave bird food out as the weather turns colder.
But one huge problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals – like squirrels – will try to steal it.
That’s where the chilli powder comes in. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something which you leave bird food on for the birds (and if you don’t have one, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apple out for birds to eat.
Bruised apples and pears are really attractive to birds, and household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can be used too – although you should avoid using too much of these, say the RSPB.
But lace all of it with a scattering of chilli powder and the birds will have the food all to themselves. That’s because birds aren’t at all affected by the spicy taste of chilli powder, whereas squirrels and foxes hate it. That way, all of the food is left for the hungry birds.
The RSPB says: “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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