Garden bird feeding provides crucial support during harsh winters but requires proper management to benefit rather than harm the birds it aims to help.
Garden birds benefiting from winter feeding can be harmed by improper feeder management. Trichomonas gallinae from contaminated feeders causes throat infections killing greenfinches and chaffinches in significant numbers. Aflatoxin in wet peanuts causes fatal liver disease. Bread filling stomachs without nutrition leads to starvation despite apparent food access. Predation at feeding stations by cats creates environments where attracted birds are killed. Responsible feeding requires hygiene, species-appropriate food, and cat management.