Supplementary feeding of wild birds can support their welfare during difficult periods, but inappropriate food or poorly maintained feeders can harm the very birds you aim to help.
Wild bird feeding done well genuinely benefits welfare. For species like garden birds whose natural insectivore food sources have declined through pesticide use and habitat loss, supplementary feeding provides an important caloric supplement during lean periods. However, inappropriate food including salted nuts, desiccated coconut, and large bread pieces can cause dehydration, nutritional deficiency, and choking. Dirty feeders spread infectious disease including Trichomonosis, which has caused significant population impacts in greenfinches. Poor placement of feeders near windows causes bird strikes. Responsible supplementary feeding means using appropriate species-specific food, cleaning feeders and feeding stations regularly, providing fresh water in appropriate containers, and positioning feeders safely.