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Well-stocked bird feeders help to supplement birds’ food when it’s in short supply. Plus, if you’re regularly topping up your bird feeder, the same birds will continue to return as they learn your garden is a good
Specialist bird cakes, seeds and food like mealworms and flaked maize are all good options and supplying a variety of foods is a good way of attracting a wider range of bird species to your garden.
There’s a wide range of bird feeders on the market in a host of different styles and designs. Some offer additional features such as squirrel proofing and such as a larger cage around the central feeder to stop squirrels and larger birds reaching the bird food.
However, following a study in conjunction with the BTO and the Institute of Zoology, the RSPB has confirmed that trichonomosis spreads more easily in summer and autumn, and on flat surfaces, such as bird tables and at bird baths. It has now changed its bird feeding advice as follows:
Feed safely. Feed seasonally.
Feed seasonally – it’s important to adjust what we feed our garden birds during the summer and autumn months when there’s a higher risk of disease spreading.
- From 1 May to 31 October: pause filling your bird feeders with seed and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place. It’s okay to keep offering small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round.
Feed safely – just one infected bird can turn your busy feeder into a disease hotspot. To help keep birds healthy, we need to prioritise hygiene.
- Get into the habit of moving and giving your feeders a good clean at least once a week. Follow good hygiene practice while cleaning to protect yourself and the birds. If possible, place your feeders in a different spot after each clean to prevent the build-up of contaminated debris underneath. Any existing debris should be cleared up
- Change water daily: only offer water if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. Water baths should also be cleaned weekly
- Retire flat-surfaced feeders: <a d like to watch birds, check out our guides on wildlife cameras and bird box cameras.
And if you want to encourage more wildlife to visit your garden, take a look at our selection ofbat boxes andhedgehog houses, or be inspired by our guide to wildlife gifts.
Jump to:
- How to choose a bird feeder
- Where to put a bird feeder
Browse our pick of bird feeders, below:
The best bird feeders
Peckish 100% recycled woodland feast multi feeder
