Bird feeding FAQs.

Why feed wild NZ birds?

More than ever we are noticing the creatures that we kohabit with. It’s a joy to encourage them into our garden. But more than that, it's important to support our local wildlife and encourage biodiversity.

Environmental changes such as loss of natural habitat, pollution, intensification of farming and changes in weather patterns all have an effect on the wildlife around us and play a part in its decline. By supporting NZ birds and other wildlife, and offering bird food and birdhouses we are able to help them thrive. And connecting more with nature can help with our own emotional wellbeing, too. It's a win-win!

Some people might say it is unnatural to get involved in wild birds’ ecosystems. As long as you are not overfeeding birds, feeding them the wrong things (see below) or encouraging complete dependence (like a caged bird), we believe supplementation is a really positive thing.

How do I feed the birds?

If you want to feed the birds that are great, and it doesn’t always need to be in your garden. You can offer bird food wherever you spend time: outside your office window, by your local bus stop or even along your walking route. You can enjoy the magic of kohabiting in a number of ways! As a rule the more varieties of food you offer, the more birds you will attract and a greater variety of species.

Bird species like to eat in different places and in different ways, and Kohab caters for this diversity. Our Kohab Wild Bird Seed has been designed to cater for a large range of wild NZ birds that you find in your garden. We offer Kohab Bird Nectar for birds such as Tui, Silvereye and Bellbirds. We also have a range of different bird feeders that supports the different ways birds like to eat.

Which bird food should I choose?

Each species that visit your garden will like different foods, and eat them in different ways. Generally, the more types of bird food on offer the greater the diversity in your garden will be. Tui will gobble up sweet nectar from a feeder, while the speckled Song Thrush will eat from the ground or a platform feeder and the finch will eat from a hanging feeder. And like us humans, each individual bird will have different likes and dislikes too.

Because of this, Kohab offers the Kohab Wild Bird Seed that caters for all seed eating NZ birds you will find in your garden.

Take a look at our Bird Guide to find out what your favourite visitor will like the most.

When should I feed the birds?

Birds use up a lot of energy every day and need lots of calories to survive. By offering high-energy foods you are helping birds to thrive all year long. You are also giving a reliable source of food that they will remember and come back to again and again, offering great support during their most challenging times of the year such as cold snaps, nest building or feeding their family.

You can feed every day or every so often - depending on what suits you. Consistency is best so that birds know what to expect. If you overfeed birds, you’ll find the food is unused and wasted (or you’ll be inundated with fighting birds) so we recommend a consistent and moderate approach.

What shouldn’t I feed the birds?

It’s simple to interact with nature by feeding wild birds, but it's important to only feed them food that will help them thrive and nothing that will cause them, and their young any harm.

Don’t feed bread to birds, it provides very little nourishment and can lead to them becoming malnourished. Cooked oats or porridge is another food to avoid, it can dry hard on a bird's beak making it impossible for it to continue to eat (uncooked natural oats are fine). Never put out foods that include salt, as these will cause harm to the birds as they aren’t able to process salt. And don’t offer honey or honey water, it will attract bees which can cause the spread of bee diseases. Remember to keep your feeders clean to avoid any spread of germs or diseases and wash them regularly between top-ups.

Kohab offers a range of simple foods that are natural and nutritious and designed specifically for the birds you’ll find in New Zealand gardens. Shop food now.

What type of bird feeder should I use?

Different bird species eat in different ways. Some species are ‘clinging’ birds like Silvereyes, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and House Sparrow and will hang off a feeder with ease. These birds will like to eat from a hung bird feeder and tend to like smaller seeds.

Ground-feeding birds such as Blackbirds, Song Thrush or Dunnock have softer bills so eat from the ground, or a ground feeder (a tray that's designed to sit on the ground but keeps their food tidy), a bird table or a Kohab Bird Feeder.

Kohab Wild Bird Seed has been designed to cater for all NZ birds you will find in your garden.

Nectar-feeding birds such as Tui, Bellbirds and Silvereyes will gobble up food from a nectar feeder stocked with Kohab Nectar.

The Kohab Bird Feeder can be used for seed or nectar. It’s a feeding platform that you simply add your own bowl to so it’s easy to keep clean and you can change what you feed with ease.

Take a look at our Bird Guide to find out more about how the visitors to your garden like to eat.

Why don’t the birds use my new feeder?

It can take a while for birds to find and enjoy a new feeder. Once they do, and if you keep it well stocked, they will become regular visitors. If they don’t find it after a few days, check that you have your feeder in a safe place and free from predators. See “where should I place my feeder” below…

Birds also need a water supply to drink and bathe in. Adding a birdbath near to your feeder will give birds an additional reason to visit.

Why does Kohab Nectar have beetroot in it?

Our glucose-based Kohab Nectar includes the superpower of beetroot. Not only does this give our Nectar its beautiful and most importantly natural red colouring it also attracts birds making it easy for them to find and enjoy. Beetroot is rich in nitrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help the birds thrive and maintain their energetic lifestyle. Some other brands of nectar have artificial colourings in them, which is not ideal for birds.

How often should I wash my bird feeders?

You need to wash bird feeders frequently to help limit the potential for the spread of any germs or diseases. We recommend you use a 5% disinfectant solution and give your feeders and birdbaths a good scrub outside followed by a thorough rinse.

Always wear gloves when handling feeders, birdbaths or birdhouses. Birds can carry infections that can be dangerous to humans so good hand hygiene is essential.

Where should I place my feeder? How do I keep the birds safe from predators?

When garden birds are busy eating, they are vulnerable to attack. Where you place your feeder can make all the difference. Make sure your feeder is close to thick shrubs or trees to give them a safe place to escape from predators if they appear. Ensure the ground under your feeder is clear and give at least 2 metres of clear ground cover around any ground feeders, as this will make it harder for cats to hunt birds while feeding.

If you own a cat, be responsible and ensure they wear a bell so that the birds can hear them coming and have time to flee. Kohab has a range of attractive Cat Bells to help keep your visitors safe from your BFF - Best Furry Friend.

Is bird food safe for cats and dogs?

Yes, Kohab Wild Bird Seed is safe for cats and dogs. But some bird foods may contain dried fruit. Even small amounts of dried fruit can cause serious renal problems in cats and dogs, so take extra care to keep your pets safe.

How else can I attract birds to my garden?

If you are offering good quality food, you are already creating an environment that birds will frequent. It is also important to provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe in, so think about adding a birdbath to your garden (or even just a ceramic bowl filled with water somewhere safe from predators).

You can also put up nesting boxes like Kohab Birdhouses to provide a safe place to nest and rear chicks. And you can enjoy watching their comings and goings while they build their nest and raise their family.

Birdhouses are sometimes used to roost or shelter from bad weather too.