Wildlife Welfare

Wild Bird Feeding and Garden Welfare

Garden bird feeding provides welfare support through supplementary nutrition, particularly during cold winters, but requires hygiene and appropriate food provision.

Key Facts

UK garden bird feeding is estimated to support over 60 million birds during winter
Salmonella outbreaks from contaminated feeders kill hundreds of greenfinches annually
Inappropriate food including salt, avocado, and dried fruit causes direct harm
Feeder positioning to prevent cat predation and window strikes is important
Supplementary feeding extends the breeding range of some species into winter

Welfare Considerations

Garden bird feeding benefits individual birds through supplementary nutrition but creates congregation that spreads disease. Good hygiene and appropriate food choices maximize welfare benefit while minimizing disease transmission risk.

What You Can Do

Clean bird feeders with 5% bleach solution every 2 weeks
Choose species-appropriate foods and avoid salted or seasoned products
Position feeders away from windows and cat access routes