Garden bird feeding is one of the most popular wildlife activities in the UK, but it carries welfare responsibilities. Evidence-based feeding practices maximise benefit and minimise harm.
Garden bird feeding provides genuine welfare benefits — supplementary food can make the difference between survival and starvation during harsh winters and cold snaps. However, it carries responsibilities. Dirty feeders concentrate birds and spread disease; inappropriate food (bread, salty foods, dried rice) can harm birds; and poor feeder placement exposes birds to cat predation. The welfare-conscious garden feeder provides appropriate food (high-quality seed mixes, fat balls without nets, mealworms for insectivores), maintains clean feeders, positions feeders safely, and provides fresh water for drinking and bathing throughout the year.