Tour the Outdoors Archives ... see our Birds and Gardens page

Extra Calcium Builds Strong Birds

Spring is almost here and so begins a busy time for most North American birds.

One of the many ways you can assist your backyard birds all spring and summer is to put out eggshells. Calcium is important, especially when females are producing eggs and when both parents are raising nestlings. The extra calcium helps mother birds produce stronger eggs, and also replaces what is lost during egg production and laying.

Unsterilized eggshells may contain harmful Salmonella bacteria. Be sure to rinse them throughly in cool water and bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 250 degrees. (You can also use the shells from boiled eggs.) Once the shells have cooled, break them into small pieces and place on the ground or at feeding tables.

Don't get discouraged too quickly. It might take awhile for songbirds to recognize this new food source. Be diligent and both you and your backyard friends will be rewarded.

ALSO SEE ...

Plant An Alabama Butterfly Garden

Plant A Garden "For The Birds"

Extra Calcium Builds Strong Birds

Tour the Outdoors Archives ... see our Birds and Gardens page