Feeding wild birds in gardens is one of the most widespread forms of human-wildlife interaction. Done well it supports bird welfare; done poorly it can cause harm. Evidence-based guidance matters.
Garden bird feeding sits at an interesting point in wildlife welfare: it is motivated by genuine care for birds and can provide real welfare benefits, particularly in winter, yet the practice is frequently carried out in ways that cause harm. Mouldy seed and inappropriate foods cause nutritional disease. Dirty feeders spread bacterial and protozoal infections that have caused significant finch population declines in parts of the UK. High-density feeding concentrates birds artificially, facilitating disease transmission. Cats near feeders turn supplemental feeding into a predation trap. None of these harms are inevitable — they are the result of uninformed practice. Clean feeders, appropriate high-quality seed, cat-proof positioning, and regular rotation of feeding sites address the main welfare risks while maintaining the benefits.