Do Birds Eat Grass Seed? How to Protect Grass Seed
Birds are everywhere. They simply find ways to survive in this fast-changing world. With fewer trees and new technologies, it could be getting tougher and tougher for them as days go by. I kept thinking that they might eat whatever food they can get.
Do birds eat grass seed? I have just sown my fresh grass seeds this morning, and I kept on wondering if the birds would pick on them and destroy my lawn. Even if they do not eat them, my newly raked soil will become their favorite playground. Sowing those seeds was hard labor for me, so finding a way to protect them is my priority.
Instinct tells me that covering the grass seeds is the first option to keep the birds away from it. I guess it would be all right since I just raked the seed a little bit into the soil’s surface leaving 1/8 inch of it covered underneath. I have thought of mulches as a good idea for a blanket to keep it safe over the ground.
I have some straws in storage that I think is ideal for a mulch. Since it is light and loose, the water and sunlight can still penetrate through for the seedlings to grow. If you think the soil needs more work, using a lawn aerator to create additional holes in the soil to aid grass growth.
I have distributed the mulch over the grass seeds, showing a little portion of the soil so I can still see the growth development of the seeds. Anyway, when the seeds are growing fine, I will remove the mulch.
Beside that, for the soil underground, made sure you use organic lawn fertilizers. They do not only provide nutrient for your grass but also improve soil structure and encourage soil microbes that attack pests and diseases. I am just saying that while I am trying to protect my seeds above the ground, something must also protect them underneath.
Do you think the birds are smart enough to scratch the mulch aside?
If not the birds, then the strong wind can be a reason to scatter it all over the ground. If you are having the same problem as me, I suggest spreading over a floating seed cover, or if you have one, a netting. It is okay to place the floating cover since it is just light and will not give extra weight on the seeds.
Netting, on the other hand, requires you to place it two to three inches above the soil. You may use stakes in doing so. Do not forget to secure the edges of your seed cover and netting with something heavy enough to prevent the wind from blowing it away. If these covers still will not keep the birds away, it is time to make bird deterrents.
Making Bird Deterrents To Keep Birds Off Of Seeded Lawn
Birds are terrified at anything that moves or create a loud noise. Hence, I will make the destructions to shoo them for good. With these bird tape flashes under the sun that creates a humming sound when moved by the wind scares birds.
Making it is just simple. First, you need to tie ends of the tape to stakes in two feet intervals. The number of stakes needed depends on how big is your lawn. String it all across the entire area. If you do not have a bird tape, make use of your worn out CDs, or you can improvise by placing colorful windmills instead.
Let me show you how to do it using CDs:
It is also funny to use fake predators to scare birds away. Your son’s rubber snake toy or that big hawk statue your hubby got from his last trip can be of use. Place them at strategic areas to function as guards. However, you need to change its location occasionally to avoid suspicion from smart birds.
Protect Grass Seed By The Water Smart Formula
When all the manual methods of keeping the birds away from your grass seed, this water smart formula may raise your interest. This formula is from Scotts. Your seeds undergo treatment by coating them with an absorbent material in helping retain water ten times than the standard grass seeds. Well, the purpose is not to drive away the birds but to let the grass grow quick, giving less time for the birds to devour them.
A coating method is available for grass seeds to serve as a bird repellent. You can buy pre-treated grass seeds with a formula that makes the seeds taste nasty for the birds. It will not harm the birds though, but as a downside, it will slow down the growth of the seeds. It will be plenty of manual labor for you trying to get rid of the weeds which have enough time to grow along with your seeds.
How About The Idea Of Feeding The Birds Instead
I hope I am right. If I feed the birds instead, will they have the time or urge to eat my grass seeds? Setting up a bird feeder far from my fresh grass seeds may catch the birds’ attention and flock there. I mean, it is free food come and easy! They may gather around and forget about my seeds.
My Final Thoughts
When do birds eat grass seed? It is when you have not taken any attempt of protecting your sown grass. Try to see which of the ways I have mentioned is easy for you. By following these methods, your grass seeds will be saved.
A rough estimate, 50% of your sown seeds will successfully grow. The other half may just naturally dry out or eaten by birds. Be pro-active; increase the percentage of your grass seed growth by finding ways to defend them. Grass seeds need the right condition to thrive such as warmth, moisture, and protection. Good luck!