Wildlife Welfare

Wild Bird Garden Feeding Evidence and Best Practice

Garden bird feeding is enormously popular but evidence on welfare impacts - positive and negative - should guide best practices.

Key Facts

An estimated 48% of UK households feed garden birds
Supplementary feeding can increase survival during harsh winter weather
Unhygienic feeders spread disease including trichomonosis and salmonellosis
Year-round feeding may disrupt natural foraging behaviour patterns
High-quality feeds including sunflower hearts and suet provide greatest nutritional benefit

Welfare Considerations

Garden feeding provides real welfare benefits during cold spells and food scarcity but can also cause harm through disease transmission and dependence. Maintaining clean feeders, providing species-appropriate food, and placing feeders safely away from predators are the most important welfare considerations for garden bird feeders.

What You Can Do

Clean bird feeders regularly with mild disinfectant
Provide high-quality food appropriate for local species
Place feeders safely above cat-accessible height