What to Feed Baby Birds (And What NOT to Feed Them)

  April 01, 2026

Late spring is the time of year when many gardens feel full of life - and it’s also when people start noticing baby birds. You might see young birds hopping about on the lawn, sitting quietly under shrubs, or calling loudly from a low branch. It’s natural to want to help, but it’s also important to know what baby birds actually need, and what can accidentally do more harm than good.

First, it helps to understand that many young birds you see outside the nest are not abandoned. As they grow, many species go through a stage called "fledging", where they leave the nest before they can properly fly. During this time they may look vulnerable, but their parents are usually close by, feeding them and keeping watch. Often the best thing you can do is give them space, keep pets away if possible, and make your garden a safe environment for them to learn and grow.

That said, you can support baby birds indirectly by feeding the adult birds. Parent birds need to find huge amounts of food throughout the day, and a garden with reliable feeding options can make their job easier. One of the best foods to offer in chick season is mealworms. They are high in protein and are close to what many birds would naturally feed their young. Robins, blackbirds, starlings and even some smaller birds will often take mealworms straight back to the nest.

Soft, nutritious foods are generally best during spring and early summer. Sunflower hearts are another excellent option because they are easy to eat, rich in energy, and suitable for many bird species. They can help adult birds stay strong while they’re working constantly, and they’re also ideal for young birds once they begin feeding themselves. Suet products such as fat balls and suet blocks can still be useful in May, particularly during cooler spells, but it’s best to offer them in a proper feeder and make sure they’re fresh and not melting in hot weather.

It’s also important to be careful about what not to feed birds during this season. Bread is one of the most common foods people offer, but it is not a good choice for young birds. It fills them up without providing the nutrition they need, and it can contribute to poor development. Milk should also be avoided, as birds cannot digest it. Salty foods, cooking scraps and anything mouldy should never be put out. If you offer peanuts, make sure they are in a proper feeder and consider using crushed peanuts rather than whole ones during chick season, as whole peanuts can be a choking risk for young birds.

Fresh water is another simple way to help. Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and during breeding season they visit water sources more often. A shallow dish or bird bath topped up daily can make your garden far more supportive for both adult and young birds.

If you want to help baby birds thrive, the best approach is to create a safe, nourishing environment. By providing high-quality food like mealworms and sunflower hearts, keeping feeders clean, and making sure birds have access to fresh water, you are supporting the whole family - and giving fledglings the best possible start as they begin life outside the nest.