Feeding Wild Birds in New Zealand: Safe Foods, Clean Feeders & Healthy Habits

Wild birds bring life, colour, and beautiful songs to New Zealand gardens. From cheeky sparrows to the melodic tūī, feeding birds can help support their wellbeing while giving you the joy of close encounters. But feeding must be done carefully the right food, a clean environment, and safe practices all matter. At Pets Warehouse NZ, we’re here to guide you through the best ways to feed local birds responsibly.

Why Bird Type Matters: Native vs. Introduced

New Zealand is home to both native and introduced birds, and their diets aren’t the same.

• Native birds such as tūī, bellbirds, and silvereyes thrive on nectar, fruit, and insects.
• Introduced species like sparrows, finches, and doves are more reliant on seeds and grains.

Understanding these differences helps you choose foods that support each species’ natural diet.

👉 Shop our wild bird food collection to find products suited for both native and introduced birds.

Popular Native Birds You May See in Your Backyard

When you put out feeders, you might be lucky enough to spot:

• Tūī – nectar-loving birds with stunning plumage and unique calls
• Bellbirds – sweet singers that enjoy nectar and fruit
• Silvereyes – small, social berry and nectar feeders
• Fantails (Pīwakawaka) – insect catchers often seen darting mid-air
• Kererū (NZ pigeon) – gentle giants that eat fruit and foliage

Your food choice will decide which of these feathered visitors appear most often.

What Foods Are Best for Wild Birds in NZ?

Not all foods are safe or healthy for birds. Stick with nutrient-rich, bird-specific products.

Great Options

• Seeds & Seed Mixes – Ideal for sparrows, doves, and finches. Try our Topflite Wild Bird Seed Bells or seed blends for a clean, no-mess option.
• Nectar – Perfect for tūī and bellbirds. Use specially formulated mixes like Topflite Wild Bird Nectar instead of sugary water.
• Fruit Treats – Silvereyes and blackbirds love fruit-based snacks. Our Topflite Berry Truffles are a nutritious seasonal favourite.

What to Avoid

• Bread & Processed Food – These fill birds up without proper nutrients, often leading to illness.

Keeping Bird Feeders Clean and Safe

Clean feeders = healthy birds. Poor hygiene can spread disease, so keep these practices in mind:

• Wash feeders weekly with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Place feeders in safe, sheltered spots, away from predators.
• Keep nectar feeders separate from seed feeders.
• Remove mouldy, old, or wet food immediately.

Explore our bird feeders and accessories to make feeding safe and easy.

Extra Tips for Happy, Healthy Wild Birds

• Provide fresh water daily for drinking and bathing.
• Rotate foods to attract a wider variety of species.
• Plant native shrubs and trees for a natural food source and safe shelter.

Support Wild Birds with Pets Warehouse

At Pets Warehouse NZ, we make backyard bird feeding simple, safe, and enjoyable. From wild bird seed and nectar mixes to feeders and treats, our collection has everything you need to keep feathered visitors happy and healthy.

Feed responsibly, keep feeders clean, and enjoy the colourful charm of wild birds all year round.