What fledglings need in late summer
In late summer many young birds are just leaving the nest and still have to learn how to find food. Here is what helps them now and how you can support them in the garden.
When do fledglings become independent?
Most young birds leave the nest before they can fly properly — known as branchers. In the first one to two weeks afterwards they learn to find food on their own, while their parents are still feeding them.
It is precisely during this period that natural food in the garden becomes scarce: dry summers and tidy beds reduce the density of insects — the main food of many native bird species.
In need of help, or just clumsy?
A young bird on the ground is not automatically in trouble — that is a normal part of fledging. Watch from a distance to see whether the parents are still nearby and feeding it.
⚠️ Warning signs: visible injuries, cold or wet, chilled birds, no parents in sight for hours, infestation by ants or flies.
How to help properly
A raised, cat-safe feeding station with energy-rich food makes up for the reduced supply of food. Important: do not offer salted or seasoned food.
A mix of dried insects and seeds delivers exactly the animal protein that many young birds need for growth and their first plumage.
Energy-rich and easy to take to — ideal for soft-billed birds and fledglings in their first independent phase.
Rich in protein and calcium — supports strong growth and the formation of the first juvenile plumage.
💚 Set the feeding station up high and cat-safe, and clean it regularly to prevent disease.
The EntoZoo insect mix compared
Classic seed feed fills birds up but provides little animal protein — often not enough for fledglings and insect-eating species in particular. Our 50/50 mix of black soldier fly larva and mealworm was expressly developed for wild birds such as tits, blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows, woodpeckers and crows too.
Note: the insect mix is a supplementary feed — not suitable as the sole source of food.
When to contact a bird rescue?
A young bird that is visibly injured, chilled or without parents for hours needs expert help. In that case, contact a wild bird or hedgehog rescue centre near you.
What fledglings need most is time, quiet and a reliable supply of food. A cat-safe feeding station with an energy-rich insect mix gives them exactly that — right in your own garden.
If you see warning signs, do not hesitate and contact a wild bird rescue centre near you.
Discover the insect mix →EntoZoo insect mix
This week with code JUNGVOGEL15. Currently available in the shop as a 1 kg bag. Delivery time 2–3 working days.
1 kg
Black soldier fly larva & mealworm
€13.99€11.89
with code JUNGVOGEL15
- Suitable for wild birds too
- Free from additives
- Shipped from Bremen
Offer valid in week 32, 3–9 August 2026. Price incl. VAT, while stocks last. Enter the discount code at checkout — please set it up in the shop before dispatch.
What our insect mix delivers
A 50/50 mix of dried black soldier fly larva and mealworm, as per the product description in the shop.
Larva/mealworm share
Preservatives
satisfied customers
Delivery time
According to the manufacturer, rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats (omega-3 & -6), dietary fibre (chitin), B vitamins as well as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Supplementary feed — not suitable as a complete feed.
Frequently asked questions
The key points about fledglings and feeding them correctly in late summer.
From what point can fledglings feed themselves?
Am I allowed to feed birds in summer at all?
How does the insect mix differ from plain seed feed?
How often should the feeding station be cleaned?
How long does the mix keep?
How quickly is it delivered?
Give fledglings a tailwind into autumn — entirely naturally.
Try the EntoZoo insect mix this week for €11.89 instead of €13.99 (code JUNGVOGEL15). Questions about feeding? Get in touch — we are glad to advise you.
Order now — code JUNGVOGEL15
