Garden and Urban Wildlife

Wild Bird Feeding: Best Practice for Bird Welfare

Supplementary feeding of wild birds in gardens is enormously popular but requires care to avoid spreading disease, supporting invasive species, or creating dependency.

Key Facts

Over half of UK households feed wild birds
Supplementary feeding can increase winter survival of some species by up to 30%
Poorly maintained feeders spread avian diseases including trichomoniasis in finches
Feeding stations attract sparrowhawks which some find distressing but is entirely natural
RSPB and BTO guidelines recommend specific foods for different species and seasons

Welfare Considerations

Wild bird feeding, done well, genuinely improves the welfare of garden birds particularly during cold winters and drought summers. Done poorly, it can spread disease and create situations where birds are negatively affected. Hygiene - regular cleaning of feeders and removal of mouldy food - is essential. The right foods for the right species at the right time of year matters. Well-managed feeding stations can become important local refuges for declining species.

What You Can Do

Clean feeders thoroughly every two weeks with diluted mild disinfectant
Remove any mouldy or spoiled food immediately
Provide a range of food types suitable for the species in your area
Provide fresh clean water in a shallow dish year-round
Follow BTO and RSPB guidance on appropriate foods to avoid harm to garden birds