Birds have an expansive diet that consists of small insects, seeds, worms, nuts, and small fruits.
Birds can eat raisins as well. They eat raisins the same way they eat similar dried fruits like currants and sultanas. If anything, wild birds are known to be very fond of raisins.
Raisins are grapes that have been dried for a certain period, mostly three weeks. These dry fruits are pretty nutritious and contain adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins.
While birds can eat raisins throughout the year, the dried fruits come in handy, especially during winter, when there is a general scarcity of bird food.
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Which Birds Eat Raisins?
Most birds eat raisins, but wild birds enjoy these dried fruits the most. Examples of wild birds that would never pass up an opportunity to eat raisins include blackbirds, song thrushes, mockingbirds, orioles, woodpeckers, cedar waxwing, scarlet tanager, and robins.
Some types of small garden birds also like their frequent raisin treat, so lay them out for them in the garden.
Other types of birds that are particularly fond of raisins are common British birds like crows, moorhen, stonechat, willow warbler, and starlings.
If you keep a pet parrot, be sure it will appreciate the occasional raisin as a treat or healthy snack. For all these birds, raisins add necessary nutrients to their diets.
During spring and summer, it helps to soak the raisins so that they are soft enough for the birds to consume.
Are Raisins Healthy for Birds?
Raisins are absolutely healthy for birds, provided the birds do not eat too much of them. Excess raisins can cause digestive problems for birds, so they are safest when taken in moderate proportions.
As such, it is best to feed birds raisins after main meals or as snacks at some point during the day.
Additionally, raisins have a high nutritional value as they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. They also have a high content of natural sugar which provides birds with energy, especially during winter when birds need to maintain body heat.
Also, raisins have a lot of fiber and little proteins, which is perfect for the growth and development of birds. Therefore, raisins are completely healthy for birds, but only if taken in healthy proportions.
What Are the Best Raisins to Feed Birds?
There are no limits to the types of raisins you can feed birds as they are all edible. As long as they are taken in moderation, raisins cause no health issues and are an excellent source of fiber for the birds.
Still, you want to avoid store-bought raisins as they usually contain additives like extra salts, sugar, and chocolate.
If you have to get your raisins from the supermarket, then go for the ones in the baking aisle, as these tend to be as natural as they can get, meaning no additives.
Besides plain raisins, the best types to pick are muscat raisins and monukka raisins.
The best raisins to feed birds are natural seedless raisins obtained from sun-dried seedless grapes. In other words, the more natural raisins are, the safer and more nutritious they are for birds.
If you intend to store your raisins, you can freeze them for up to a year. Ensure you thaw them out properly before laying them out for the birds.
How Do You Feed Raisins to Birds?
Birds like raisins a whole lot, especially raisins that are dark or purple. When feeding birds, choose raisins that are almost natural, if not entirely natural. The ones used in baking are good enough as they contain zero additives.
Before you feed your birds with raisins, soak the dry fruits in hot water for several hours until they become sufficiently moistened and soft.
Moist raisins give the birds a better and smoother eating experience. While soaking the dry fruits is optional, it is vital to moisten them during spring and summer when the temperatures are high.
Alternatively, put a few spoonfuls of raisins in suet cake. Suet cake has different ingredients which can be mixed and adjusted, and the composition can even attract different types of birds, depending on the birds’ preferences to the ingredients.
When you are done getting them ready, place the raisins in a convenient place that will easily attract the birds. A table feeder would be a perfect place as wild birds will easily access the raisins.
If you have the time, you could chop the raisins into smaller pieces for the smaller birds. Mix the raisins with mealworms or a few crushed nuts to make them even more enticing.
What Is the Nutritional Value of Raisins?
Raisins are a healthy snack for humans. People take them in their raw form or use them as ingredients while baking and making cuisines. Just as raisins are healthy for humans, they are also healthy for birds.
As aforementioned in this article, raisins have a high nutritional value. For one, they have high fiber content and just enough protein to keep a bird healthy.
Raisins are also rich in minerals and vitamins, which are essential for the development of birds. Furthermore, they contain a good amount of natural sugar, which provides them with much-needed energy, especially during winter.
Even so, raisins lack out in fats, which are essential for birds. Therefore, be keen to compliment raisins with other foods so that birds get nutrients that are absent in raisins.
Thus, feed the birds a lot of nuts such as peanuts and fat ball feeders. Also, keep in mind that raisins work best as treats and snacks instead of main meals.
Final Words
Birds can eat raisins, just like they eat other dry fruits like currants and sultanas. Raisins are a favorite for wild birds, the likes of mockingbirds and robins.
Not only are these dry fruits tasty, but they are also very nutritious. Raisins are rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals, and natural sugar.
Any time of the year is a good time to feed birds raisins. Just ensure that you soak the dry fruits, especially when it is too hot so that the birds can have an easy time eating them.
Also, avoid raisins laced with additives like salt, sugar, and chocolate.
