- Brand: Peckish
- Sku: PK60051237
Peckish | Wild Bird Food | Natural Balance Energy Fat Balls
Description
- Consider providing clean, fresh drinking water alongside feeders. You can use a bird bath or a hanging Wild Bird Water Drinker to dispense the water. Providing a source of safe water not only encourages birds to spend more time in your garden, but also helps your local birds to survive, particularly through the Summer and Winter months, when other sources of water can dry up or freeze over and become inaccessible.
- If birds are visiting your feeders, consider continuing to provide food throughout the year. If local birds recognise your garden as a reliable source of food, they will be more likely to be make a habit of visiting you. Additionally, feeding throughout the year will aid your local wild bird population in the event of temporary food shortages, which can occur in any season.
- If you are new to feeding birds, please note that it may take some time before birds start to use your feeder.
- Refill feeders in the early morning, to ensure that there is always food available when birds are looking to eat to replace energy lost through the night.
- Protect your local bird population by helping to reduce the spread of disease between different birds. All food available to the birds should be fresh and dry; wet food should be discarded on a daily basis, as it can harbour harmful bacteria. Feeders and other areas where birds may gather within your garden, such as bird baths, should be cleaned on a regular basis, using a bird safe cleaning product such as Johnson's Clean 'n' Safe Bird Disinfectant.
Peckish | Wild Bird Food | Natural Balance Energy Fat Balls - Tub of 50 - FAQs
Q1: What are Peckish Natural Balance Energy Fat Balls?
A1: Peckish Natural Balance Energy Fat Balls are a popular type of wild bird food designed to provide a high-energy, nutritious supplement to wild birds' natural diets. They are typically made from a blend of suet (fat), seeds, cereals, and sometimes insects or other natural ingredients. This product comes in a large tub containing 50 individual fat balls.
Q2: Why are fat balls good for wild birds? A2: Fat balls are an excellent source of concentrated energy, which is crucial for birds, especially during colder months (winter) when natural food sources are scarce, or during breeding and nesting seasons when energy demands are high. The high fat content provides the necessary calories to help birds maintain their body temperature and fuel their active lifestyles.
Q3: What types of birds are attracted to these fat balls? A3: Fat balls are loved by a wide variety of garden birds, particularly those that feed on feeders or cling to surfaces. Common visitors include:
- Tits (Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Long-tailed Tits)
- Robins
- Wrens
- Blackbirds
- Starlings
- House Sparrows
- Nuthatches
- Woodpeckers
Q4: How should I offer these fat balls to birds? A4: You can offer fat balls in several ways:
- Specialized Fat Ball Feeders: These are metal cages designed to hold fat balls, allowing birds to peck at them while preventing larger birds from taking them whole.
- On Bird Tables: Place them directly on a bird table.
- Hanging from Branches: You can hang them directly from a sturdy branch using the net (if included) or string (though removing nets is generally safer, see Q7).
- Ground Feeding (in moderation): Some birds prefer to feed on the ground, but be mindful of attracting rodents and ensure food is consumed quickly.
Q5: Should I remove the plastic nets around the fat balls? A5: YES, it is highly recommended to remove the plastic nets. While convenient for hanging, these nets can pose a significant hazard to birds. Birds' feet, tongues, and beaks can become entangled, leading to injury, distress, or even death. Always place net-free fat balls in a proper fat ball feeder or on a bird table.
Q6: How should I store the tub of 50 fat balls? A6: Store the tub in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause the fat balls to melt or become very soft, making them difficult to handle and potentially messy. Keeping them in their original tub will help maintain freshness.
- Only put out enough food that will be consumed in a day.
- Clear up any uneaten food at dusk.
- Use feeders that minimize spillage.
- Store the main tub in a secure, rodent-proof location.
Q8: Are these fat balls suitable for year-round feeding? A8: Yes, while particularly beneficial in winter, providing fat balls year-round can help support birds, especially during breeding season when parents need extra energy for their chicks, and during autumn as birds prepare for winter.
Q9: Can these fat balls go rancid? A9: Yes, like any food containing fats, they can eventually go rancid, especially if stored improperly in warm conditions. Rancid fat balls will have an unpleasant smell and should not be offered to birds. Regular turnover and proper storage are key.
Q10: Is there any specific advice for feeding birds in Northern Ireland / UK with these? A10: The advice for feeding wild birds with fat balls in Northern Ireland is the same as for the wider UK. Focus on hygiene, remove nets, provide fresh water alongside food, and ensure feeders are cleaned regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to prevent disease spread. Supplementary feeding is especially appreciated during the colder, wetter months common in the UK.
Ingredients: Beef Tallow, Sunflower Seed (4%), Wheat, Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Red Dari, Ground Maize, Ground Mixed Seeds.
Please note that this product contains nuts. Store Energy Balls in a cool, dry place and use within 3 months of opening for optimum quality.
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Peckish | Wild Bird Food | Natural Balance Energy Fat Balls
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