Garden Bird Feeding and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Supplementary feeding of garden birds provides welfare benefits to millions of birds in winter but also carries disease transmission risks and can create welfare harms if done incorrectly.

Key Facts

An estimated 55% of UK households feed garden birds, making the UK one of the highest per capita countries for bird feeding
Supplementary feeding has been linked to population increases in several species including goldfinch and long-tailed tit
Trichomonosis, transmitted through shared bird feeders, has killed millions of greenfinches and chaffinches since 2005
Fat balls in plastic mesh nets cause beak and leg injuries to birds that become entangled
The RSPB provides guidance on safe garden bird feeding practices at www.rspb.org.uk

Welfare Considerations

Garden bird feeding is one of the most popular wildlife activities but involves genuine welfare trade-offs. Supplementary feeding provides energy during winter food shortages, supporting bird welfare in cold periods. However, shared feeders transmit trichomonosis and other diseases, causing mass mortality events in susceptible species. Unhygienic or incorrectly stocked feeders can cause harm rather than benefit. Welfare-positive feeding practices include regular cleaning, removing mesh plastic from fat balls, providing fresh water, placing feeders appropriately to reduce predation risk, and choosing appropriate foods for the species present. The welfare balance tips clearly positive when best practice is followed.

What You Can Do

Clean bird feeders and tables weekly with hot soapy water to prevent disease transmission
Remove plastic mesh from fat balls and use purpose-made fat ball dispensers instead
Provide a range of food types to support different species including nyjer, sunflower hearts and suet products
Place feeders in positions that give birds a clear view of approaching predators
Report sick garden birds to Garden Wildlife Health at www.gardenwildlifehealth.org