Can I use dry mashed potato flakes for birds?

Sharon,

Some carbs for birds are good, but they do not provide much nutrition. I would not put out too much at one time so that the birds are not eating anything else.

I would be afraid of it swelling up in there stomach and causing the birds a problem.

Put them out on the ground, mice, squirrels, coons, etc will enjoy them

I wouldn't, they expand when they get wet, which won't happen until it gets into their stomachs. I would think that would be very dangerous to feed the birds or any animal unless you wet them first.

I would put them in a squirrel feeder before a bird feeder. or just til them into the garden soil. The potato is great for adding potassium to the soil. They would be great to mulch for a potato garden in pots or the ground, for orange trees if you live in FL or CA, and even for plum trees. Don't be afraid to add any food stuffs to mulch for planters of veggies or flowers.

To avoid the problem of the potato flakes swelling in their tummys reconstitute them first and let them nibble on mashed potatoes just like we would eat them. (same form not flakes). They do look funny with mashed potatoes smeared all over their faces.