Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB
Garden Bird Feeding Guidelines: A Seasonal Shift to Prevent Disease Spread
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued updated recommendations for garden bird feeders, urging people to pause feeding activities from 1 May to 31 October. While placing food out for birds is often seen as a kind gesture, the charity warns this practice could inadvertently harm certain species by creating disease-prone environments during warmer months.
The Rise of Trichomonosis
Trichomonosis, a parasitic infection affecting birds’ oral and digestive systems, has led to sharp declines in populations of greenfinches and chaffinches. Once common in UK gardens, greenfinches now rank 18th in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch survey, down from 7th in 1979. The disease spreads through saliva and droppings, contaminating food sources, and can transmit directly to young birds via regurgitated meals.
Industry Impact and Public Response
Over 16 million UK households regularly provide bird food, with an estimated one feeder for every nine birds. The pet food sector estimates annual spending on bird food exceeds £380 million, amounting to 150,000 tonnes yearly. This volume could sustain three times the breeding populations of the most frequent garden visitors if used year-round. The RSPB’s new guidance suggests feeding seasonally and safely, emphasizing hygiene to mitigate disease risks.
“I want to support the birds—I don’t want to do anything that’s going to spread disease,” says Helen Rowe, a London resident who feeds sparrows and fat balls. While she enjoys watching them from her window, she plans to stop using feeders during warmer months.
Practical Tips for Safer Feeding
The RSPB recommends cleaning feeders weekly and relocating them after each cleaning to avoid debris accumulation. Fresh water should be supplied daily, and only tap water is advised. Bird baths also require regular weekly maintenance. By adopting these measures, the charity aims to reduce disease transmission, which is more likely on flat surfaces where contamination can linger.
“Every garden is different. In some places, food is so abundant that birds don’t rely on feeders much; in others, there’s little alternative,” notes Dick Woods, a manufacturer of easy-to-clean feeders. He questions whether a uniform feeding schedule applies nationwide, given varying natural food availability.
The RSPB acknowledges regional differences but believes a straightforward message is key to encouraging behavior change. “We know things won’t shift overnight, and it may take years to change habits,” says Martin Fowlie. The charity has also discontinued flat feeders, signaling a move away from traditional bird tables to more hygienic designs.
