The RSPB has updated its guidance on when and what to feed garden birds in a bid to stop the spread of a disease affecting garden birds which has led to significant declines in certain species.
This latest guidance follows an evidence review which was conducted by the RSPB’s Conservation Scientists. The review identified strong evidence that supplementary feeding promotes the spread of diseases in gardens, including the trichomonosis parasite.
This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders which has caused serious declines in Greenfinch and Chaffinch populations and may now be causing a rapid decline amongst Bullfinches.
The good news is that we can help reduce the spread of disease by making simple changes, with the advice being to 'Feed Seasonally and Feed Safely.'
How You Can Help:
1. Feed seasonally
During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. But it’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects.
1st May to 31st October
- Pause filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts.
- You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet.
1st November to 30th April
- You can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.
2. Feed safely
Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease, so it is vital to keep things clean to ensure birds stay healthy.
- Clean your bird feeders at least once a week and make sure to clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.
- Clean water baths at least once a week and change water in bird baths daily with tap water.
- Move bird feeders to a different spot weekly to prevent any build-up of contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.
- Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings.
- Avoid using bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays as there’s a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces.
- Food should be provided in moderation. Ideally, all food offered should be eaten within two days. It should also be kept as dry as possible as damp food encourages the survival and spread of disease.
To support garden birds in the long-term you can help birds find their own food by filling your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy.
By taking these simple steps to feed seasonally and safely, we can stop the spread of disease and help to protect the future of our garden birds.
