Lots of people are used to giving some bread or bread crumbs to birds.
While birds are usually more than happy to eat it, it doesn't mean that it's healthy for them.
Feeding bread to birds, particularly wild birds, is not recommended for several reasons.
Lack of Nutritional Value
Bread is not a natural or suitable food source for birds. It lacks the essential nutrients and vitamins that birds need to maintain a healthy diet.
When birds consume bread, they may fill up on it without getting the necessary nutrients, leading to malnutrition.
Digestive Issues
Birds have delicate digestive systems that are not adapted to process processed human foods like bread.
Feeding bread to birds can cause digestive problems, leading to conditions like "angel wing," where the wings develop abnormally and prevent the bird from flying properly.
Mold and Spoilage
Bread left out for birds can quickly become moldy or stale, which can be harmful or toxic to birds if consumed.
The presence of mold on bread can lead to various health issues and infections in birds.
Displacement of Natural Diet
Regularly feeding birds bread can disrupt their natural foraging behavior and cause them to become dependent on human handouts.
Birds may lose the ability to find and consume their natural food sources, impacting their survival skills.
Attraction of Predators
Leaving bread out for birds can also attract predators, such as rats and pigeons, which can create imbalances in the local ecosystem and become a nuisance.
Overcrowding and Aggression
Feeding bread in public areas can lead to overcrowding of birds, causing aggression and competition for food.
This can result in injuries and stress among the bird population.
