Gardeners urged to never put 4 foods in bird feeder

Gardeners up and down the country have been making an effort to feed the birds that visit their gardens. A recent craze has seen bird-lovers creating 'chirp-cuterie' boards, inspired by the rustic charcuterie boards that typically feature meats and cheeses. This trend involves arranging bird-friendly snacks like seeds, berries and mealworms on wooden trays or slate tiles, styled like a miniature picnic.

While this is certainly a fun and cute trend, gardeners should be careful when feeding birds and ensure that they are providing them with the right sorts of food. With this in mind, the experts at Gardening Express have revealed the four foods you should not be leaving out on your chirp-cuterie board, and the foods that will have the birds flocking to your garden time and time again.

A spokesperson for Gardening Express said: "Chirp-cuterie boards are a fun and creative way to support garden birds, especially in the summer months when natural bird food can be harder to find.

"The whole family can get involved in creating them, so it's a great activity for the kids over the summer holidays. Just remember that not all human food is bird-safe, and even healthy ingredients need to be presented correctly to avoid choking or disease."

Foods to avoid on your chirp-cuterie platter:

Despite bread being a popular food to give to birds, experts have repeatedly warned against it, as it is low in nutrients and can even cause digestive issues - and yes, this is true for ducks too.

Whole peanuts are another food that should be left out for birds, as their size can pose a choking risk if eaten.

Sticky, sugary snacks and salted or seasoned foods are also unsuitable for birds.

Best foods to feed birds

• Sunflower hearts
• Mealworms
• Crushed peanuts
• Fresh fruit
• Suet pellets or fat balls
• Raisins or sultanas
• Cooked right or pasta
• A shallow water dish