Feed birds seasonally and safely
Earlier this year, the RSPB set out new guidance on feeding birds. Although birds need our help to find food, especially as natural food sources are in decline, research has shown that many garden birds are under threat from diseases such as trichomoniasis. Highly contagious, this disease can spread easily where birds gather in large groups, especially at bird feeders.
But you can help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making three simple changes.
- Feed seasonally
In the summer and autumn months, there is a higher risk of disease spreading; at the same time, there are more natural food sources such as insects and seeds. From the 1st of May till the 31st of October, you should suspend feeding birds nuts or seeds in bird feeders. You can still offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs, or suet.
From the 1st of November to the 30th of April, you can start feeding them a full range of bird foods again.
- Feed safely
Make sure all bird feeders are cleaned outside weekly with disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease.
Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week, and avoid flat-surface feeders such as bird tables, as contaminated food is more likely to collect there.
- Grow your own bird food
The best way to feed birds is to preserve their natural food resources. If possible, grow native plants with berries and seeds, such as elder trees, hawthorn, and fruit trees, all of which provide natural bird feed.