Soft Foods for Ground Feeding Birds

Hand-crafted soft bird foods - freshly made daily. 

No one makes soft bird food for Robins like Haith’s – we practically invented them.

Softbill foods are different from our collection of seed mixes. As the name suggests, these unique diets are made with soft, nutritious, natural ingredients, rich in things not commonly found in average wild bird food. They're specially designed to provide the extra energy and nutrients that softbills like robins, blackbirds, and thrushes need to thrive.

Because of their soft nature, these foods are best fed from a soft food feeder or sprinkled directly on the ground. Ground feeding mimics the birds' natural foraging behaviour and provides enrichment, encouraging species like robins and blackbirds to search for food just as they would in the wild. Ground feeding is widely supported as a responsible way to help birds, with even government-backed initiatives encouraging it on farmland during the winter months. With a little care and good hygiene, your garden can provide the same vital support for species in need.

To ensure safety when feeding on the ground:

  • Vary feeding spots regularly to prevent the build-up of droppings or leftover food.
  • Provide only as much as birds can eat in a day to keep feeding areas clean.
  • Consider using Safe4 Disinfectant to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of disease.

Shop our unique soft foods for wild birds and help them stay healthy and happy, naturally: 

Male Blackbird on the ground looking for food.

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I Love Robins Feeder - Haith's

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Feeders are easy to clean and are good for feeding soft bird foods and mealworms.

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Softfood Experts

Here at Haith’s, we’ve blended the finest, unique softfoods for birds since the 1930s. We carefully grade each ingredient to be soft enough for some delicate garden birds like Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds. Each soft food is unique and delicious – many are glossed in natural oils, fruits, insects, mealworms or berries and some even contain Bakers’ Honey. 

Tip! Our advice is to keep feeding the regular bird seed mixes and make softfoods available for the more discerning birds. 

Benefits of Supporting the Breeding Season

  • Fledge Support:

    Fledge is specially crafted to cater to the unique dietary requirements of fledglings. By providing them with the right blend of nutrients, you're giving them a strong start in life, promoting healthy growth and development.

  • Peace of Mind:

    With our premium-quality softfoods and Fledge mix, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're providing the best possible care for your birds during this critical stage of their lives. Invest in their health today and enjoy the rewards of a successful breeding season tomorrow.

  • Support Conservation:

    By actively participating in the breeding season preparations and providing essential nutrients for your garden birds, you're contributing to broader conservation efforts. Healthy breeding populations are vital for the conservation of avian species, and your efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding their future.

Advantages of Soft Bird Foods

Softfoods are not just another option in bird feeding; they offer unique benefits that can make a significant difference in the health and happiness of your garden birds.

Ideal for Robins and Other Delicate Birds

Robins, Wrens, and Blackbirds have a particular fondness for softfoods. The soft texture and rich nutritional profile make it easier for these birds to digest, providing them with the energy they need to thrive.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

Softfoods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients not commonly found in regular bird seed mixes:

  • Mealworms:

    These are packed with protein, essential for feather growth and overall health. They also contain vital minerals like potassium and sodium, contributing to a bird's well-being.

  • Fruits:

    Our softfoods include a variety of fruits that are rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients help boost the immune system of birds and provide them with the energy they need.

  • Insects:

    Insects like ants and beetles offer additional protein and are a natural source of essential amino acids. They also provide calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and beaks. There's dried insects in our Hi-Energy Insect Suet Pellets.

  • Berries:

    Berries like blueberries and raspberries are included for their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants help fight off free radicals, reducing stress and improving overall health. We put berry pellets in our Fat Robin mix.

Easy to Store and Serve

Softfoods are not only nutritious but also convenient. They are easy to store and have a longer shelf life compared to fresh fruits and other perishable bird foods. This means you can buy in bulk without worrying about quick spoilage, saving you both time and money. Additionally, their versatile form allows for effortless serving—simply place them in a shallow dish or mix them with other bird seeds in a feeder, and you're good to go.

FAQs for SoftFoods

Are softfoods suitable for Robins?

Softfoods are particularly well-suited for Robins. Unlike other bird species that may prefer harder seeds or grains, Robins have a softer beak and digestive system that benefit from the gentler, more easily digestible ingredients in softfoods. The moisture content in softfoods also helps keep Robins hydrated, especially during the drier months. So, if you're keen on making your garden a haven for Robins, adding softfoods to your bird feeding routine is a step in the right direction.

What are Softfoods?

Softfoods are specially formulated feeds designed to cater to the dietary needs of garden birds, particularly appealing to songbirds. Unlike traditional seeds or grains, these foods are made to be easily digestible, moist, and rich in nutrients, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of avian species, from the tiniest of finches to the more robust thrushes.

The Benefits of Feeding Softfoods:

Feeding softfoods to garden birds offers numerous advantages, not only for the birds themselves but also for the environment and conservation efforts. Here are some of the key benefits:

Support for Fledglings: As young birds prepare to leave the nest, their dietary needs are critical. Softfoods provide a perfect transition diet, offering the necessary energy and nutrients in a form that's easy for fledglings to consume and digest. This support is vital for their growth and survival during these vulnerable early stages of life.

Nutritional Boost for Parent Birds: During the breeding season, parent birds are under tremendous pressure to feed their young and themselves. Softfoods supply a concentrated source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, helping parent birds maintain their health and strength as they care for their offspring.

Aids in Conservation Efforts: By supplementing the natural diet of garden birds with softfoods, we contribute to the conservation of avian species. This is particularly important in urban and suburban areas, where natural food sources may be scarce or seasonal. Providing softfoods can help sustain local bird populations and support biodiversity.

Enhanced Garden Biodiversity: Regularly offering softfoods in your garden attracts a variety of bird species, some of which may not typically visit bird feeders stocked with seeds. This diversity not only enriches the garden ecosystem but also provides endless opportunities for bird watching and enjoyment.

Incorporating softfoods into your garden feeding routine is a simple yet impactful way to support the health and diversity of garden birds. It's an investment in the well-being of our feathered friends and the overall health of our local ecosystems. Whether you're an avid bird watcher, a conservation enthusiast, or simply enjoy the presence of birds in your garden, providing softfoods can make a significant positive difference.

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