Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB
Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB
The UK’s largest bird conservation organization, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), has urged gardeners to pause feeding birds between 1 May and 31 October to reduce disease spread. While many people regularly provide food to attract wildlife, the charity highlights that this practice may harm specific species during the warmer season.
The Disease at Risk
Trichomonosis, a parasitic infection, has led to sharp declines in populations of greenfinches and chaffinches. This disease affects birds’ ability to eat, drink, or breathe, and spreads through saliva and feces. Contaminated feeders become breeding grounds for the parasite, risking outbreaks among frequent visitors. The RSPB notes that greenfinches have lost nearly two million birds since 1979, now listed as endangered in the UK.
Industry and Public Reactions
Despite the advice, some argue that feeding habits should adapt to local conditions. Dick Woods, a manufacturer of easy-to-clean feeders, points out that natural food availability varies greatly. “Every garden is different,” he says. “In some areas, birds don’t rely on feeders much, while others depend on them heavily.” The RSPB acknowledges this but emphasizes simplicity in its guidance to encourage compliance.
Millions of households spend £380 million annually on bird food, equivalent to 150,000 tonnes. This volume could sustain three times the breeding populations of the most common garden birds if used all year round. The charity’s new recommendation is to “feed seasonally, feed safely,” allowing occasional offerings of mealworms, fat balls, and suet during colder months.
“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. She plans to follow the RSPB’s advice, even though she enjoys the close encounters.
Practical Steps for Safe Feeding
To minimize risks, the RSPB advises cleaning feeders weekly and relocating them after each wash to avoid debris buildup. Water should be changed daily, using only fresh tap water. Bird baths also require regular weekly cleaning. The charity stopped selling flat feeders last year, citing their role in disease transmission and calling it a “fond farewell” to traditional bird tables.
Experts stress that hygiene is critical. A single infected bird can turn a popular feeder into a hotspot, so maintaining clean surfaces and limiting food availability during warmer months is key. While changing habits may take time, the RSPB aims to simplify its message to ensure it reaches a broad audience effectively.