15 Ideas on What to Feed Birds From the Kitchen

Last updated on June 11, 2025

Discover kitchen-friendly options to keep your feathered neighbors pecking and happy without leaving your home.

Peeking into your pantry can feel like opening a treasure chest for our feathered friends. Who knew your kitchen held a banquet of tasty options that could delight birds and entertain you in ways you never expected?

Forget the standard birdseed. Let’s play culinary roulette with snacks that tweet-worthy critters will adore—and maybe even make you their honorary flock member.

Key takeaways:

Nut butter on pine cones entertains birds.
Crushed cereal provides low-sugar crunch.
Chopped fruits offer energy boosts.
Cooked pasta fuels bird adventures.
Dried fruits give quick energy and delight.

What's Inside

Nut Butter Spread On Pine Cones

Nut butter on pine cones is like a bird’s version of a sticky, nutty feast. It’s messy fun, turning these natural feeders into party central for your feathered friends. Birds love the protein, and the mess keeps them entertained for ages!

Crushed Cereal As a Snack

Crushed cereal can offer a crunchy treat for birds that’s both easy and delightful. Just ensure the cereal is low in sugar—birds aren’t big fans of sugar crashes. Plus, watching them peck at tiny cereal pieces can be quite the breakfast entertainment.

Uncooked Oats for Foraging

Uncooked oats are like a treasure trove for birds, offering them vital nutrients and a bit of a crunchy thrill. They mimic the foraging experience, letting birds pick and peck at their leisure. Plus, they’re as convenient as sending a text—just sprinkle and watch the show!

Chopped Apples or Pears

Birds love the juicy sweetness and natural sugars in these fruits. They offer a quick energy boost for our feathered friends. Watch out for eager beaks pecking with pure delight!

Grated Cheese Treats

Birds love small morsels they can easily peck at, and grated cheese offers just that. Ensure it’s unsalted and only in moderation to keep their feathered tummies happy. A treat fit for avian royalty—without the attitude of a demanding chef.

Whole Wheat Bread Cubes

Birds mostly love pecking at these small, satisfying bites. Rich in fiber, they make a healthier alternative to white bread. Just remember to keep them dry for the ultimate avian snack attack!

Cooked Rice or Pasta

Birds find cooked rice or pasta not only appetizing but also easy to digest. Carbs provide energy for their flappy adventures. Just skip the sauce—birds aren’t big fans of marinara!

Stale Crackers Crumbs

Stale crackers transformed into crumbs make an irresistible snack for birds. Their crunchiness and bite-sized appeal are perfect for a beak’s delight. Scatter them under trees and watch as the feathery party begins!

Sprouted Lentils or Beans

Sprouted lentils or beans offer birds a protein-rich treat that mimics the plants they’d forage in the wild. Birds love their flavor and texture, much like their close cousin, birdseed. Plus, they’re versatile and can be mixed with other bird-friendly foods for a delightful buffet.

Dried Fruit Pieces

Packed with natural sugars, dried fruit offers a quick energy boost for birds. Raisins and cranberries are popular choices. Just be sure all fruits are free of added sugar or preservatives.

Seedless Watermelon Snacks

Birds love these juicy treats, especially in the summer. They’re low-calorie and full of hydration. Just make sure they’re seedless, or you might start a bird family reunion!

Popcorn (unsalted, Unbuttered)

Birds absolutely love the light and airy crunch. They’ll be popping with joy as they peck away. It’s like hosting a tiny avian movie night, minus the TV drama.

Roasted Unsalted Peanuts

These crunchy delights are a protein-packed powerhouse for feathered friends. Birds will find them irresistible, making them flap in peanut-fueled joy. Just ensure they’re roasted and unsalted—no salty surprises, please!

Boiled Egg Crumbles

Rich in protein and easy to digest, these crumbles provide an energy boost for our feathered friends. They can peck away happily while getting essential nutrients. Plus, they’re an eggcellent way to minimize kitchen waste!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Birds love the creamy texture and natural sweetness. Packed with vitamins, they offer a nutritious feast. Just remember, birds want sweet potatoes, not dessert, so hold the marshmallows!