This is the 5248th most frequent Japanese word.
餌
Food or bait (for animals).
Here, 餌 (esa) refers to food provided to animals, specifically birds in this context.
鳥へ餌を与える時間だ。
It's time to feed the birds.
餌 (esa) is used to describe feed tailored for specific animals, in this case, fish.
ペットショップには様々な種類の魚の餌が売られている。
Various kinds of fish feed are sold at the pet shop.
餌 (esa) here represents the general concept of food provided to animals, emphasizing a cautionary context.