How and when we feed garden birds can have a big impact on their health. At last years AGM we heard about Tiffany Farrant-Clark’s graduate research into the effects of cleaning bird feeders on bacterial growth.
Now new guidance arising from RSPB led research, encourages us to feed seasonally to help reduce disease risk – notably trichomonosis. This disease, which has already caused serious declines in greenfinch and chaffinch populations, affects their ability to swallow food, and can be fatal.
From May to October, we should stop feeding seeds and peanuts to prevent crowding and disease risks and instead offer a small amount of mealworms, fat balls or suet year-round. Natural food is plentiful at this time of year, but disease risk is higher in warmer conditions.
From November to April, feed seeds and peanuts in moderation, when the benefit to birds are likely to be greatest.
The guidance also suggests weekly cleaning of feeders and moving them after a clean to clear debris underneath, as well as changing drinking water daily and cleaning baths weekly will have a big impact on bird health.
Find out more about the new guidance here
