I hope this is the right place to put this question. I'm new to BYC and I do know there are a few things you shouldn't feed your birds. My Barred Rocks have discovered my bird feeders and are reaping the rewards of what falls on the ground. So, is that ok for them to eat wild bird seed ???
Wild bird seed mixes are NOT balanced or adequate nutritionally, but okay as treats. The problem is that if your wild birds will have mites and/or lice often, and share with your flock. That will happen if they get in your coop, too, and I find myself treating for mites a couple time a year because of them. A very big issue is if the wild birds bring a disease like Mycoplasma, causing respiratory disease that never goes away without depopulating every bird. Never want to do that! My wild bird feeders are located where my chickens can't visit, and last winter a sick finch showed up there. Immediately I removed all the feeders, and kept my chickens locked in. No more bird feeding for a couple of months, and no more sick visitors. Just be aware that it can happen, and be ready. Mary
