Wildlife

Wild Bird Supplementary Feeding Seasonality

Year-round supplementary garden bird feeding is now recommended, but different foods provide optimal welfare support through different seasons.

Key Facts

Spring and summer feeding supports breeding birds and their chicks needing high protein
Winter feeding prevents cold stress and starvation during the most challenging period
Fat-based foods including suet are most valuable in cold weather when energy demands are highest
Live mealworms in spring support parent birds feeding chicks requiring animal protein
Clean fresh water is essential throughout the year especially during freezing conditions

Welfare Considerations

Seasonal appropriate feeding maximises welfare benefit by providing resources most needed when they are scarcest. High-protein foods in spring support breeding success and chick development. Energy-dense fats in winter support thermoregulation during the period of greatest thermal challenge. Matching food type to season and species ensures that supplementary feeding complements rather than substitutes for natural food sources.

What You Can Do

Provide high-protein foods including mealworms during breeding season in spring
Offer fat-based suet cakes in winter for energy-dense winter feeding
Maintain fresh water daily particularly during freezing conditions
Clean feeders weekly to prevent disease transmission
Gradually reduce supplementary feeding in spring as natural food availability increases