Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB
Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB
The UK’s largest bird conservation organization, the RSPB, is urging gardeners to pause their feeding routines from 1 May to 31 October to protect local bird populations. While many believe offering food is a thoughtful act, the charity highlights that this practice can inadvertently increase the risk of disease among certain species.
Trichomonosis and Its Impact
A parasitic infection known as trichomonosis has been linked to steep population declines in birds like greenfinches and chaffinches. This disease targets the mouth, throat, and digestive system, causing difficulty in eating, drinking, or breathing. Infected birds spread the parasite through saliva and droppings, which can contaminate feeders and food sources. The virus is also transmitted to chicks via regurgitated food from adult birds.
According to the latest Big Garden Birdwatch findings, greenfinches have dropped from a top seven ranking in 1979 to 18th place in 2025. Their numbers have fallen by two million, leading to their inclusion on the red list of vulnerable birds. The RSPB emphasizes that a single infected bird can transform a popular feeding station into a disease hotspot, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices.
Feeding Seasonally and Safely
Experts recommend adopting the principle of “feeding seasonally, feeding safely” to mitigate the spread of trichomonosis. While some food, such as mealworms, fat balls, and suet, can still be offered year-round, the charity suggests limiting quantities to a few days at most. Regular cleaning of feeders is essential, with a recommendation to sanitize them weekly and relocate them after each clean to avoid contamination buildup.
Water sources should be refreshed daily, and only tap water should be used. Bird baths, in particular, require weekly cleaning to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission. The RSPB cites research indicating that flat surfaces are more prone to harboring pathogens, leading to the discontinuation of flat feeders in their product line and a call to retire traditional bird tables.
Public Reaction and Industry Concerns
Some gardeners, like Helen Rowe from London’s Isle of Dogs, express a desire to continue feeding birds but acknowledge the need to follow the advice. She enjoys watching sparrows gather around seeds and fat balls but plans to halt feeding during warmer months to prevent disease spread. Others, such as Dick Woods, who designs easy-to-clean feeders, question the uniformity of the guidance, noting that natural food availability varies widely across regions.
“Every garden is unique,” Woods remarked. “In some areas, birds have ample natural options, while others rely heavily on human-provided food.” Despite these concerns, the RSPB maintains that a consistent message is more effective in encouraging widespread behavior change, even if it takes time to implement. The pet food industry has also raised objections, calling the shift “a major revision of long-standing recommendations” and warning it may cause confusion among millions of regular feeders.
