Gardeners are being urged to leave out eggshells on bird tables throughout March to support local bird populations. According to Maureen Eiger, the director of Help Wild Birds, these shells are a valuable source of calcium, which is particularly beneficial for birds during the spring nesting season.
Eggshells are often discarded as waste, yet they are rich in calcium and minerals. Eiger highlights that many households throw away eggshells daily, overlooking their nutritional benefits. “Birds need additional calcium, especially after nesting season,” she explained. As birds prepare for the arrival of their chicks, providing them with this essential nutrient can significantly impact their reproductive success.
Birds have varying dietary needs throughout the year. In winter, their diets typically consist of high-fat foods that help them build energy reserves. However, during spring, female birds especially require calcium to produce strong eggs, increasing the likelihood of healthy hatchlings. According to Eiger, crushed eggshells can give chicks the best possible chance of survival.
While feeding birds eggshells is beneficial, it is important to handle them properly. Raw eggs can contain bacteria like salmonella, which can harm birds and lead to disease transmission among their chicks. To ensure safety, Eiger recommends baking the eggshells before offering them to birds.
To prepare eggshells, keep them in their carton after cooking. Once the carton is full, rinse the shells thoroughly under running water, taking care to wash away any residual raw egg yolk, which can attract pests. It is crucial to avoid using soap, as it can be harmful to birds.
Next, place the cleaned eggshells on a tray and bake them in the oven at 120°C for approximately ten minutes. Once they have cooled, they should feel brittle and can be crushed into small, gritty pieces resembling sand or gravel. This size is important; large pieces can be difficult for birds to manage and pose a choking hazard. Additionally, birds may mistakenly associate eggshells with food and begin pecking at nests, making it essential to feed them in small pieces.
Once prepared, gardeners can scatter the eggshells on their bird tables or throughout their gardens. This practice is especially beneficial for species such as blue tits, sparrows, blackbirds, chaffinches, and robins. By leaving out eggshells, gardeners may enjoy an increase in bird activity in their gardens throughout March, enhancing the local ecosystem and providing vital support to wildlife.
In summary, utilizing eggshells as a natural food source for birds is an easy and cost-effective way for gardeners to contribute to the well-being of these creatures during the critical spring season.
