Garden bird feeding is one of the UK's most popular wildlife activities, supporting hundreds of species, but it also carries risks of disease transmission and dependency that feeders should understand.
Supplementary feeding can meaningfully improve the welfare and survival of garden birds, particularly during harsh winters and breeding seasons. However, dirty feeders become vectors for disease that can cause mass mortality events. Greenfinch populations declined by 40% partly due to trichomonosis spread via garden feeders. Regular cleaning with dilute disinfectant, varied food types, and careful feeder placement significantly reduce welfare risks.