If you enjoy watching birds from the comfort of your back garden then feeding them is one way to get them to trust you and visit again. Feeding birds is not only noble but it can also be a source of enjoyment for you.
When feeding birds you always need to feed them foods that will not cause them harm. If you’re thinking of feeding birds digestive biscuits and want to know whether this is a good idea then you’ve come to the right place.
This article explores the question of “can birds eat digestive biscuits”
Birds can eat digestive biscuits. These biscuits are similar to regular biscuits, the only difference being is that digestive biscuits contain baking soda. Baking soda is only harmful to birds if given in large amounts. When feeding birds these biscuits, remember to only feed them as a treat.
Table of Contents
Can birds eat digestive biscuits?
Ingredients in digestive biscuits:
Yes, birds can eat digestive biscuits. The difference between digestive biscuits and regular biscuits is that digestive biscuits contain baking soda. Baking soda can be helpful if you are experiencing heartburn as it is an antacid.
Baking soda is not harmful to birds, it is only harmful if the bird gets exposed to extraordinarily large amounts, this would be the case with any other ingredient.
Another ingredient that is present in these biscuits, is whole wheat flour, this keeps you regular and contributes to a healthy gut biome. This flour is better for birds as well.
Feeding birds digestive bisuits:
The above is all well and good, however, just as with regular biscuits, digestive biscuits don’t offer birds much nutritional value. If you do give your birds these biscuits, and your bird is responding well to them, limit how many biscuits they eat.
These biscuits may be filling to the bird, but they are not nutrient-dense.
If the biscuits contain ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or fruits then this will be of benefit to the bird. Other ingredients in digestive biscuits such as flour, milk, and oil, benefit the bird to some extent by providing energy, small amounts of calcium and fat,
How to serve digestive biscuits to birds?
When feeding your birds any food it is important to remember that anything too large will choke the bird, especially if the food is served dry. Always feed them small pieces of food to ensure that it goes down well.
To avoid the bird choking on this food, crush the biscuits up into a powder before serving.
If the digestive biscuits become hard and almost rock-like, they will be difficult to eat. In this case, you can soak them in water before you serve them to birds.
Leave the biscuits on a clean table outside if you are feeding backyard birds. Note: your pile of biscuits can attract other animals so it’s best to leave them out we’re only birds can reach them.
What to avoid when serving digestive biscuits to birds
Digestive biscuits that contain salt: Avoid feeding birds digestive biscuits that contain salt, birds can process small amounts of salt but larger amounts can be dangerous and can even kill the bird
Digestive biscuits with too much sugar: Sugar can be an energy source for birds but too much sugar can give the bird diabetes. In addition, refined sugar offers almost no nutritional value to birds
Chocolate-covered digestive biscuits: Chocolate may be delicious to humans but it can cause the bird to vomit, develop diarrhea, seizures, or even die.
Digestive biscuits that contain garlic: Garlic is an ingredient present in some digestive biscuits, this vegetable contains allicin. Allicin can cause birds to become weak and cause them to develop anemia.
Are regular biscuits good for birds?
No, regular biscuits, just as digestive biscuits, are not necessarily good for birds. They may be tasty but they are empty calories. This food can offer the bird some nutrients but birds will need to be fed other foods in order to achieve a well-rounded diet.
You can choose to feed your bird digestive biscuits or regular biscuits occasionally, but these must be paired with nutrient-rich food options.
What baked goods can you feed birds?
Other baked goods such as bread, cakes and cookies can be fed to birds but these should be given as a treat not as a major part of their diet. Baked goods are generally filling but not nutrient-dense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, birds can eat digestive biscuits but these should be served as a treat. Because these biscuits are not nutrient-dense they should be paired with nutrient-dense foods to achieve a well-rounded diet.
Avoid digestive biscuits that contain a lot of sugar or salt, and do not feed birds digestive biscuits that contain chocolate or garlic. To avoid choking, feed birds biscuits that are crushed into a powder or soaked in water.
Other baked goods that you can feed your bird include bread and cakes
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other bird related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Can birds eat sugar?, Can birds eat fruit cake?, Can birds eat ginger?, Can birds eat green beans?