The RSPB’s latest advice on what and when to feed garden birds:
The RSPB’s latest advice on what and when to feed garden birds:
Feed seasonally. Feed safely.
Some species of garden bird, such as Greenfinches, are experiencing serious declines because of a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders. Numbers of Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades.
We can all help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making two simple changes in how we feed birds.
Feed seasonally
During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. But it’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects. From 1 May to 31 October, stop filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts. You can continue to offer garden birds small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet. From 1 November to 30 April you can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.
Feed safely
- Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week.
- Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week.
- Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees.
- Don’t use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays.
- Feed in moderation.
- Keep food as dry as possible.
- Change water in bird baths daily.
- Help birds find their own food.
Find out more from the RSPB website