You can feed raw rice to birds. In fact, many birds enjoy eating uncooked raw rice as it provides them with a good source of energy. Whether you choose to soak the rice or cook it before offering it to the birds is entirely up to you and may depend on the specific types of birds you are feeding.
Some birds, such as finches and sparrows, have beaks that are well adapted to crushing and consuming grains. These smaller birds can easily handle the raw rice grains without any problems. Soaking the rice can make it softer and easier for them to consume, but it is not necessary.
On the other hand, larger birds like pigeons or doves have no trouble handling raw rice grains. They can easily pick up and devour the grains without any issues. So, cooking or soaking the rice is not essential for these birds either.
It is important to note that while raw rice can be a nutritious food for birds, it should not be the only food they receive. Birds have varied diets, and it is best to provide them with a balanced mix of different foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. You can offer a combination of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and suet to provide a well-rounded diet for the birds that visit your feeders.
In terms of personal experiences, I have observed many birds feeding on raw rice in my backyard. I often put out a mix of bird seeds and occasionally add some raw rice to the feeders. I have noticed that finches, sparrows, and even larger birds like pigeons all happily consume the raw rice grains. It is always fascinating to watch them pick up the grains and crack them open with their beaks.
To summarize, feeding raw rice to birds is perfectly fine. Whether you choose to soak it or cook it is a personal choice. Smaller birds like finches and sparrows can handle the raw rice grains without any issues, while larger birds like pigeons have no trouble consuming them either. Just remember to offer a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet for the birds.