Wildlife

Wild Bird Supplementary Feeding Best Practices

Evidence-based guidance on supplementary feeding of wild birds to maximise welfare benefits and minimise risks.

Key Facts

Year-round feeding supports birds during breeding and moulting as well as winter
Feeders should be cleaned at least twice weekly to prevent disease
Multiple feeding stations reduce dominance and competition stress
Peanuts in mesh feeders benefit tits, nuthatches, and woodpeckers
Calorie-dense foods like sunflower hearts are highest value winter foods

Welfare Considerations

Poorly maintained feeders can spread disease and cause harm, so supplementary feeding must be done responsibly to deliver genuine welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Clean feeders regularly with dilute disinfectant solution
Provide a variety of foods at different heights and positions
Ensure fresh water is available alongside food year-round