Can Birds Eat Chickpeas?

If you’re looking to diversify the diet of your backyard birds, you might have considered various seeds and grains, but what about chickpeas? Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritious and versatile legume. They could be a great addition to your bird feeding practice, but it’s important to understand the right way to offer them to your feathered friends!

background image of chickpeas with graphic of blue bird in middle of image

Nutritional Value of Chickpeas for Birds

Chickpeas are packed with protein, essential for birds’ muscle development and maintenance. They are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and B vitamins, which can contribute positively to a bird’s health.

Being high in protein and carbohydrates, chickpeas are especially beneficial during the breeding season and cold months.

Chickpeas can attract a variety of birds that might not typically visit seed-only feeders.

Preparing Chickpeas for Your Bird Feeder

Before you head out to your bird feeder, be sure you know the best way to serve chickpeas to birds:

Avoid Canned Chickpeas: These often contain added salt and preservatives, which are not suitable for birds.

Cook Before Serving: Raw chickpeas can be hard and difficult for birds to digest. It’s best to cook them until they are soft but not mushy. Avoid adding salt or any seasoning.

Cool and Rinse: After cooking, let the chickpeas cool down completely. Rinsing them can help remove any residues from cooking and make them safer for birds.

Serve Plain: Offer the chickpeas plain, without any oils, spices, or salt, as these can be harmful to birds.

Serving Chickpeas to Birds

Mix with Other Seeds: You can mix cooked chickpeas with other bird seeds to provide a varied diet.

In Moderation: While nutritious, chickpeas should be a supplemental treat, not the main part of a bird’s diet.

Offer in a Suitable Feeder: Use a platform feeder or scatter them on the ground to allow birds easy access.

Offering chickpeas to birds can be a delightful way to provide a nutritious and varied diet to your backyard visitors. By cooking and serving them properly, you can ensure that they are a safe and healthy treat for a wide variety of birds. Remember to feed them in moderation and as part of a diverse diet that includes seeds, fruits, and other bird-friendly foods.

So, next time you’re planning your bird feeding menu, consider including some chickpeas. Not only will they offer a nutritious snack for the birds, but they might also attract new feathered visitors to your garden!