Garden bird feeding is one of the most widespread human-wildlife interactions globally, but the evidence on its welfare benefits and ecological risks is more nuanced than the simple pleasure it provides might suggest.
The welfare case for bird feeding is strongest in winter when natural food is scarce and supplementary calories directly reduce mortality. Year-round feeding is more ambiguous and requires attention to feeder hygiene, food quality, and predator exposure. Best practice involves cleaning feeders weekly, providing species-appropriate foods, placing feeders safely from cat ambush points, and avoiding foods harmful to birds such as salted or processed food.