Can Possums Eat Bird Seed? A Backyard Dilemma
Yes, possums can and will eat bird seed, making your bird feeder a convenient all-you-can-eat buffet for these nocturnal marsupials; though it isn’t the ideal source of nutrition, they are opportunistic eaters.
Understanding the Possum and Its Diet
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a common sight in North American backyards. As nocturnal omnivores, they possess a highly adaptable diet. While their preferred meals consist of insects, fruits, and carrion, they will readily consume whatever is available. This often includes bird seed, a readily accessible and high-calorie food source. Understanding their dietary habits is crucial for managing their presence around your home and protecting your bird feeders.
Why Bird Seed Appeals to Possums
Several factors contribute to bird seed’s appeal to possums:
- Easy Availability: Bird feeders are designed to provide a constant supply of food, making them an easy target for possums seeking a quick meal.
- High Caloric Content: Many bird seeds, particularly those containing nuts and sunflower seeds, are high in calories, offering a significant energy boost for possums.
- Variety: Seed mixes often contain a diverse range of seeds, appealing to possums with varied tastes.
- Convenience: Possums can easily access bird feeders, particularly those that are low to the ground or easily climbed.
The Potential Consequences of Possums Eating Bird Seed
While bird seed provides calories, relying heavily on it can lead to several negative consequences for possums:
- Nutritional Imbalance: Bird seed lacks the full range of nutrients that possums require for optimal health. A diet primarily consisting of bird seed can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Dependency: Over-reliance on bird seed can reduce a possum’s natural foraging behavior and potentially lead to dependency on human-provided food sources.
- Increased Interaction with Humans and Pets: Frequent visits to bird feeders increase the likelihood of encounters with humans and domestic animals, potentially leading to conflict or injury.
- Attracting Other Pests: An abundance of readily available bird seed can attract other unwanted animals, such as rodents, creating further challenges.
Discouraging Possums from Eating Bird Seed
Protecting your bird seed from possums requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Elevate Feeders: Raise feeders high enough so possums cannot reach them by climbing or jumping.
- Use Baffles: Install baffles on feeder poles to prevent possums from climbing.
- Spill Trays: Use spill trays under your feeders. These help to minimize seeds from dropping to the ground.
- Bring Feeders Inside at Night: Removing feeders during the evening when possums are most active eliminates the readily available food source.
- Clean Up Spilled Seed: Regularly sweep up any spilled seed around the feeder area.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can deter possums from approaching the feeder.
Safe Alternatives for Possum Feeding (If Desired)
If you want to provide food for possums without encouraging them to eat bird seed, consider offering these alternatives, away from your bird feeders:
- Fruits: Offer small amounts of fruits like grapes, apples, or berries.
- Vegetables: Provide vegetables such as corn, peas, or carrots.
- Canned Cat or Dog Food: Offer small amounts of low-fat, high-protein canned food.
- Mealworms: Provide mealworms in a dish.
Comparison of Bird Seed vs. Natural Possum Diet
| Feature | Bird Seed | Natural Possum Diet |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ———————————- | —————————————– |
| Primary Food | Seeds, Nuts | Insects, Fruits, Carrion |
| Nutritional Value | High Calorie, Limited Nutrients | Balanced, Wide Range of Nutrients |
| Availability | Readily Available at Bird Feeders | Requires Foraging, Seasonal Availability |
Frequently Asked Questions About Possums and Bird Seed
Is it harmful to let possums occasionally eat bird seed?
Occasional consumption of bird seed is generally not harmful. However, a diet that consists primarily of bird seed can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems. It’s best to discourage possums from relying on bird seed as a primary food source.
What types of bird seed are most attractive to possums?
Possums are attracted to seeds with high fat content, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and nyjer seeds. These seeds provide a significant energy boost, making them particularly appealing to possums.
How can I tell if possums are eating my bird seed?
Signs that possums are visiting your bird feeder include: scattered seed around the feeder, damaged or emptied feeders, and nighttime sightings of possums near the feeder. You might also notice tracks or droppings.
Will possums completely empty a bird feeder overnight?
Yes, a determined possum can completely empty a bird feeder overnight, especially if the feeder is easily accessible and contains high-calorie seeds.
Are there any bird seeds that possums won’t eat?
While possums are generally opportunistic eaters, they may be less attracted to certain types of seed, such as thistle (nyjer) seed due to its small size and texture. However, even these seeds may be consumed if other options are unavailable.
Can I trap and relocate possums that are eating my bird seed?
Relocating possums is generally not recommended. It can be stressful for the animal and may disrupt the local ecosystem. In many areas, it is also illegal without a permit. Focusing on deterrence methods is a more humane and effective approach.
Do possums carry diseases that I should be concerned about if they are eating my bird seed?
Possums can carry diseases and parasites, such as leptospirosis and fleas. While the risk of transmission from eating bird seed is low, it’s always a good idea to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling feeders or cleaning up spilled seed. Never touch a wild animal, and seek medical attention if you are bitten or scratched.
Will possums also eat suet cakes intended for birds?
Yes, possums are very fond of suet cakes, especially those containing nuts and seeds. Protect your suet feeders with cages that allow birds to access the suet but prevent possums from reaching it.
How do motion-activated sprinklers deter possums from eating bird seed?
Motion-activated sprinklers detect movement and emit a sudden burst of water, startling possums and discouraging them from approaching the feeder. Placement of the sprinkler is key to effective deterrence.
Is it better to use a tube feeder or a platform feeder to prevent possums from getting to the seed?
Tube feeders with small perches are generally more effective at deterring possums than platform feeders, which provide easier access. However, even tube feeders can be vulnerable if they are easily climbed or jumped onto.
What are the legal considerations when dealing with possums eating my bird seed?
Local regulations regarding wildlife vary. Before taking any action, such as trapping or relocating possums, check with your local animal control or wildlife agency to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Does providing an alternative food source for possums guarantee they will leave my bird feeders alone?
No, providing an alternative food source doesn’t guarantee possums will ignore your bird feeders. However, it can reduce their reliance on bird seed and make them less likely to target your feeders. Combining alternative food sources with deterrence methods is the most effective approach.