Today I’m going to share how to attract backyard birds with eggshells. Spring is the perfect time to share eggshells with our feathered friends. Spring when backyard birds will be migrating to a new home. So, don’t throw out those eggshells. I crack eggs by the dozen when my family is visiting or when I’m visiting them. My grandson eats 2 – 3 daily either in an omelet or cheesy eggs. Wondering what cheesy eggs consists of? Eggs combined with sharp cheese, milk and a little salt and pepper. He devours them. So, rather than throw the egg shells in the trash I look for ways to recycle them.
Since I love feeding the birds, I decided to include eggshells in my backyard bird feeding regime. I currently feed my backyard birds black oil sunflower seeds, saffron seed, peanut butter and suet. But, you can attract backyard birds with eggshells too. Furthermore, adding eggshells to the food regime is a good idea if you want to attract different birds.
Eggshells help supply female birds with calcium. Laying eggs just like childbirth can be exhausting. As a result, female birds are drained of calcium after laying their eggs. The eggshells help to restore calcium.
Attract Backyard Birds with Eggshells:
Birds that love eggshells are:
- Bluebirds
- Baltimore Orioles
- Scarlet Tanagers
- Tree Swallows
- Barn Swallows
- Eastern Kingbirds
- Finches
- Wood Warblers,
- Gnatcatchers
I have Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles, Barn Swallows, and Finches in my neighborhood. So, I they will enjoy this special treat.
If you want to add eggshells to your current bird seed regime or simply feed eggshells to your backyard birds, follow these instructions:
- Thoroughly wash out the inside of the shells after you crack the egg. Use warm water to remove any egg inside the shell. (Store the shells until you have acquired enough to use).
- I also use eggshells in my vegetable garden, so I accumulate quite a few shells. You can dry the shells on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet in my oven. I use the lowest setting for about 10 – 15 minutes. The eggshells should be brittle.
- Also, you can place the eggshells in the microwave for a few minutes if you don’t have a large number of shells. Be sure to use a microwavable dish, and monitor them while drying.
- Once dried, crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can place them into a gallon baggie and crush them with a rolling pin. Or, let the kids crush them.
Now that we have a supply of crushed eggshells, lets talk about how to attract the backyard birds. You can can attract backyard birds by simply placing them on the ground in your yard. I always enjoy watching the birds, so I place mind in a place where I can bird watch. Also, you can use a shallow dish, place them on a log or in a platform feeder. I have a platform feeder and I also have a bird feeding station that has a shallow dish. Both are perfect for holding eggshells. There has been times when I have left the shells uncrushed. The birds have an easier time retrieving the shells if they’re crushed. If you decide to crash them, don’t crash them so small that they are basically powder.
Furthermore, you can add the add eggshells to suet in the winter too. So, if you want to attract backyard birds with eggshells start cracking and drying them. Your backyard birds will thank you. You may also like Birdseed Peanut Butter Pinecones.
Very interesting. I recently read another blog talking about putting out eggshells for birds to get their calcium back I had no idea of this. I don’t think the other one said anything about microing or baking the shells first thought.
This is so interesting! I save coffee grounds and crushed cleaned eggshells and use them as fertilizer around my plants. I never knew the shell would also help the birds.
I use coffee grounds and eggshells in my garden too. I share my stash with the birds. They helps replenish the females calcium level after laying eggs. Place a few on the ground or in a shallow dish and watch them disappear, lol. Thanks for stopping by.
I have zero experience with birds, but so many are hanging out in the trees around our house and their songs make me so happy, spring is here. This post is quite educational for me. I’d love to do something for them. I am going to follow your tips (btw my son loves cheese eggs too, I just put lots of olive oil and no milk, but same concept:).
Good Morning. I’ll have to try the olive oil in the eggs instead of the Almond Milk. It will be interesting to see if he’ll eat them, lol. I started bird watching about 5 years ago, and I really enjoy it. My grandchildren enjoy watching them too. We make birdseed cookies and peanut butter pinecones for them. Here’s the URLs: http://mother2motherblog.com/how-to-make-bird-seed-cookies/ and http://mother2motherblog.com/birdseed-peanut-butter-pine-cones/ Thanks for stopping by.