12/20/2025
Some everyday kitchen scraps can help birds survive freezing weather —
but only when used the right way.
In winter, birds burn calories nonstop just to stay warm.
Safe supplemental food can mean the difference between exhaustion and survival.
Here’s a simple, responsible winter guide for the U.S. and Canada:
🥚 1) Crushed Eggshells — Calcium Support
Birds (especially females) need calcium for bone strength and future eggshells.
How to use safely:
• Rinse shells thoroughly
• Bake 10 minutes at 250°F to kill bacteria
• Crush very finely (no sharp pieces)
• Mix into seed or scatter lightly
Helps: robins, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees
✔️ Safe and beneficial when prepared properly
🍎 2) Apples (No Seeds) — Quick Winter Energy
Cold forces birds to burn calories constantly.
Fruit sugars offer fast, usable energy.
How to use safely:
• Remove seeds and core
• Cut flesh or peels into chunks
• Place on feeders or under trees
Helps: waxwings, robins, thrushes, woodpeckers
✔️ Safe only when seeds are removed
🍊 3) Orange Peels — Feeder Base (Not Food)
Citrus peels aren’t food — but they make excellent temporary feeder cups.
How to use:
• Scoop out peel
• Fill with suet, seed, or unsalted nut mix
• Hang briefly or place on a branch
• Remove once empty
Helps: chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers
⚠️ Use as a holder, not as food
🥜 4) Unsalted Nuts — High-Fat Fuel
Fat is critical for surviving long, freezing nights.
How to use safely:
• Raw or dry-roasted only
• No salt, seasoning, or coatings
• Crush lightly before offering
Helps: jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches
✔️ Excellent winter fuel (expect squirrels too)