Stop Throwing These Away — Birds Need Them in Winter
Some everyday kitchen scraps can help birds survive freezing weather.
But only when used the right way.
Here’s a simple, safe guide to what helps — and how to offer it responsibly during winter in the U.S. and Canada.
GUIDE: 4 Kitchen Scraps Winter Birds Can Actually Use
Feeding birds in winter isn’t just a kindness.
In extreme cold, it can be a lifeline.
1️⃣ Crushed Eggshells — Calcium Support
Birds, especially females, need calcium to keep their bones strong and form healthy eggshells during breeding season.
How to use safely:
- Rinse shells thoroughly
- Bake for 10 minutes at 250°F to kill bacteria
- Crush very finely (no sharp pieces)
- Mix into seed or scatter lightly on the ground
Helps: robins, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees
✔️ Accurate and beneficial when prepared properly
2️⃣ Apples (Without Seeds) — Quick Winter Energy
Cold weather forces birds to burn calories nonstop just to stay warm.
Fruit sugars provide fast, accessible energy.
Important note:
Apple seeds contain compounds that can be harmful in large amounts. The solution is simple.
How to use safely:
- Remove seeds and core
- Cut apple flesh or peels into chunks
- Place on feeders or under trees
Helps: waxwings, robins, thrushes, woodpeckers
✔️ Safe and helpful when seeds are removed
3️⃣ Orange Peels — A Reusable Feeder Base (Not Food)
Birds don’t rely on citrus peels as food.
But the peels can be reused as temporary holders for better foods.
How to use them:
- Scoop out the peel
- Fill with suet, seed, or an unsalted peanut butter mix
- Hang briefly or place on a branch
- Remove once empty to prevent mold
Helps: chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers
⚠️ Useful as a feeder cup, not as food itself
4️⃣ Unsalted Nuts — High-Fat Winter Fuel
Plain nuts are packed with calories birds need to survive cold nights.
How to use safely:
- Use only raw or dry-roasted, unsalted nuts
- Crush lightly
- Offer in feeders or scatter sparingly
Helps: jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches
(And yes — squirrels will show up too.)
✔️ Excellent winter food when unsalted and unseasoned
Why This Works
In winter, birds need:
- fat
- quick sugars
- protein
- calcium
- fresh, unfrozen water
Many of these essentials are already in your kitchen.
They’re just mislabeled as “trash.”
Small actions.
Real impact.
Especially when temperatures drop below freezing.
