Bird Feeding and Garden Wildlife Welfare

Garden bird feeding can support wildlife welfare but carries real risks — disease spread, habituation, and poor feed quality can harm the animals we intend to help.

Key Facts

An estimated 50% of UK households feed garden birds regularly
Improperly maintained feeders spread diseases including avian pox and salmonellosis
Appropriate feeders and feeds vary by bird species and season
Providing fresh water in garden birdbaths benefits birds more consistently than food in some seasons
Cat predation at garden feeders kills millions of garden birds in the UK annually

Welfare Considerations

Garden bird feeding is one of the most direct and accessible ways individuals interact with wildlife welfare. When done well — with clean feeders, appropriate species-specific foods, fresh water, and protection from predators — it provides genuine welfare benefit, particularly in winter. When done poorly — with dirty feeders, inappropriate foods, or unsecured near-ground placements that expose birds to cat predation — it can harm the animals it intends to help. The evidence base for best-practice garden bird feeding is well-developed and freely available.

What You Can Do

Clean feeders thoroughly at least every two weeks to prevent disease spread
Provide species-appropriate foods — avoid salted peanuts, dry bread, and cooked porridge oats
Place feeders high enough to protect birds from cat predation
Provide fresh water in a birdbath year-round, especially in freezing weather
Plant native shrubs and trees alongside feeders to provide natural food and shelter