Gardeners across the UK are being encouraged to leave eggshells on bird tables this spring and summer to support bird populations during the crucial breeding season. April, May and June are key months for birds as they raise their chicks, requiring extra food for themselves and their young to boost survival rates.
According to Really Wild Bird Food, crushed eggshells provide calcium for nesting birds and aid digestion, while chopped, cooked eggs offer essential nutrients. The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch this year highlighted declines in species such as starlings, which fell from third to fourth place in the most frequently spotted birds, with an 85% decrease in average numbers per garden since 1979.
Experts advise that kitchen scraps like stale cereal, oats (raw preferred), and plain cooked pasta or rice can also be beneficial, provided they are low in sugar and salt. However, it is vital to clear away uneaten food to prevent attracting vermin and spreading bacteria.
