Birds are in transition. Parental duties will soon be a memory. For many birds, old and worn feathers are giving way to a fresh set of new plumage.
For molting birds, growing an entire body of new feathers is intense. During a four-to-eight-week process, the need for protein, the main component of feathers, is through the roof! As is the need for enough energy to drive the entire process.
There is little room for error when it comes to obtaining the proper nutrition for molting. Healthy, functional feathers are critical for survival. Failure is not an option. So, devouring foods that are high in fats and proteins is a bird’s absolute priority this time of year.
What is a feather made of? Amazingly, feathers are structurally similar to human hair; they are primarily composed of protein. Over 90% of a feather, or a hair, is made up of a tough protein called keratin. In fact, a bird’s feathers contain over 25% of the total protein found within its entire body. Every molting bird needs extra proteins to grow strong feathers. These feathers then allow for proper flight and effective insulation.
Like a body builder trying to build more muscle, it takes more than just protein. The main ingredients in growing feathers are amino acids (protein) and lipids (fats). Birds need extra fats for the energy to grow feathers. Plus, fats provide proper coloration as the feather is grown, to best attract a mate next spring. Birds will eat more of their daily diets and/or seek out foods high in fat and protein to satisfy both the extra energy requirements and the building blocks needed to make sure their feathers do all they need to do.
A diet low in fat or protein can cause poorly colored or improperly formed feathers. Duller colored birds may have trouble attracting a mate and defective, frayed or curved feathers could seriously hinder birds’ flying or insulation abilities.
Enter your opportunity! Do a favor for your birds, and/or yourself, by providing them with exactly what they are looking for at your feeders: foods that are high in fats and proteins.
Your birds will thank you with repeated visits to your feeders, and you will be able to experience the transitions of the season as they unfold in your own backyard.
For more information, be sure to check out the WBU Nature Centered Podcast episode, “Birds Basic Feeders.” Our entertaining and informative experts, John and Brian, will share how to have even more joy by attracting the widest cast of characters to your own backyard this fall.
About Wild Birds Unlimited
Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 360 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events. Listen to our podcast, Nature Centered, to learn more about feeding the birds and enjoying nature in your backyard. Episodes can be found here, https://www.wbu.com/podcast. Visit our website and shop online at www.wbu.com. To learn how you can open your own Wild Birds Unlimited, visit www.wbufranchise.com.
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