Our native wild birds are finding it increasingly difficult to forage. More and more semi-natural habitats are being converted into agricultural land.

Monocultures and the use of insecticides and pesticides are limiting food diversity. Particularly in winter and during the breeding season, the animals have to struggle with a lack of food in some areas.

This is less of a problem for birds, which have a wide food spectrum. They can choose from a variety of food sources and always find something to eat.

Birds that are limited to only certain food sources, however, are out of luck. It is not uncommon for these wild bird species to end up on the Red List of threatened species.

Every animal and nature lover can help to preserve native species diversity. It is not difficult to make titmouse dumplings yourself. Lovingly designed feeders with a rich supply of wild bird food help birds find food.

It’s quite easy to make titmouse dumplings yourself. You don’t have to buy the commercial tit dumplings, which are often expensive and of poor quality.

With our following tips, you can prepare nutritious and high-quality bird food according to the animals’ needs. Because wild birds have a different nutritional requirement during the breeding season than in winter. This way, you can support your feathered friends in their search for food at any time of year.

Making Tit Dumplings Yourself Has Many Advantages

Tit dumplings can be hung almost anywhere and do not have to be cleaned regularly, such as a birdhouse. The dumplings can also be equipped in many ways.

For example, birds need significantly more protein in their bird food to raise their young than they do in winter. You can take this into account when making wild bird food.

Use Tit Dumplings Without A Net

Buying tit dumplings is convenient. However, they are almost always packed in plastic nets. Birds can get tangled and injured in the plastic mesh.

Therefore, use only tit dumplings without netting. This way there is also no plastic waste, which additionally harms flora and fauna.

The Basic Recipe

When making tit dumplings yourself, fat and feed mixture are mixed in a ratio of 1:1.

Suitable types of fat are beef tallow, pork fat or even coconut fat. Heat the fat slowly until it melts. Then mix in the coarsely chopped birdseed.

Suitable feed mixes are:

• Oat flakes or wheat bran
• Millet and seeds
• Various seeds and nuts such as sunflower seeds, walnuts or peanuts
• Raisins or other dried fruit
• Dried insects such as mealworms for a higher protein content in the feed

The mixture can be poured into small clay pots or feed dispensers that serve as feeding bells

Alternatively, balls can be formed or small figures made with cookie cutters. These can then be hung with a string pulled through (coconut cord or raffia).

Conclusion

With the right food supply, you can help numerous birds get through the year well and healthy. Tit dumplings can be varied in many ways, are hygienic and can be hung up almost anywhere.

And with a little luck you can observe one or the other rather rare guest at your feeding place.