One of the best foods to feed birds, especially in winter time, is cracked corn. Cracked corn is better for birds than whole corn cobs because the size suits them better. Corn cobs should be reserved for feeding squirrels and other animals. Be warned though, since many birds and critters like corn, you may get more wild life than you were hoping for.

When feeding birds during the winter it is important to consider the nutrition of the food you put out. Corn has a little fat, some protein and a lot of carbohydrates to fuel a bird. During the winter months, those three components play a vital role in the survival of birds in colder climates.

Cracked corn is readily available and will last a long time. If kept in a low moisture environment away from temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, cracked corn can be stored for up to ten years! Keep an eye on the corn to make sure that mold is not growing on it before you feed it to the birds. Birds can get sick and die from eating moldy food.

Cracked corn should be offered to birds on a platform feeder or hopper feeder. The irregular size and shape of the cracked corn can make it difficult for birds to get it out of other feeder types.

Here is a partial list of birds that eat cracked corn. Remember that a lot of non-feathered friends will find it to be a tasty meal as well.