Wild bird feeding provides enjoyment for millions of people and some welfare benefits for birds, but poorly managed feeders create welfare risks. Evidence guides responsible practice.
Wild bird feeding creates genuine welfare benefits and risks simultaneously. The benefit of supporting birds through winter energy shortages is real but modest for most species. The welfare risks of poorly maintained feeders - disease transmission through infected food and surfaces - cause significant mortality in some areas and seasons. The window strike risk is amplified by feeders placed at intermediate distances from windows. The welfare-positive approach to bird feeding involves regular feeder cleaning, appropriate food types for local species, window collision mitigation, and keeping cats away from feeding areas. Evidence-based feeding practices amplify welfare benefits while reducing the welfare harms that irresponsible feeding creates.