To feed or not to feed? That is the question currently being asked by some bird lovers. Feeding garden birds brings joy to millions of people across the UK. It can also help support birds when natural food is hard to find. 

But in recent years, there have been growing concerns about the role bird feeders play in spreading disease. 

A new evidence review by the RSPB, supported by other organisations including the British Trust for Ornithology, has highlighted the hazards of feeding our garden birds. They found strong evidence that bird feeding promotes the spread of diseases. This includes trichomonosis, a disease caused by the parasite, Trichomonas gallinae.  

This disease has caused serious declines in our populations of greenfinches and chaffinches. It usually affects the throat and gullet, making it difficult for birds to swallow food. As they regurgitate food or water, they may spread it to other birds. 

As a result of this evidence review, the RSPB has updated its guidance on feeding garden birds. We know our wildlife is struggling, so it’s important that we follow scientific evidence if we are to help nature recover. You can read the RSPB’s full guidance on their website, but the main advice to follow is to feed seasonally and safely. 

Feed seasonally

The research has found that the highest risk of spreading disease comes in summer and autumn. Between 1 May and 31 October, avoid offering seeds and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place. You can put them back on the menu from November to April, when the disease risk is lower and natural food sources are harder to find.  

It’s ok to offer small amounts of suet, fat balls and mealworms, fed in moderation using hanging feeders, at any time of year, though these should supplement natural food sources such as berry and seed laden plants where they’re available. 

Feed safely 

Following the science means it’s time to bid a fond farewell to bird tables and other flat feeders. The RSPB’s research has shown that they create a much higher risk of spreading disease.  

It’s also very important to keep hanging feeders clean. They should be cleaned every week and ideally moved to a different location, to prevent the build-up of contaminated food beneath them. Do feed little and often to reduce leftover waste, and clear away any spilt seed or husks. If you have a birdbath, that should also be cleaned weekly, and the water should be changed every day.  

If you spot a bird on your feeders that looks diseased (poorly) then you should pause feeding the birds for two weeks and thoroughly clean all feeders. This can help to stop the spread of disease.  

Get tips on cleaning feeders and nest boxes.

Provide natural food 

One of the best things you can do for birds and other wildlife is create natural food sources. 

Birds have diverse tastes, with most feeding on different things throughout the year. They’ve evolved to take advantage of what’s available, including in our gardens and local green spaces.  

Insects, worms and other invertebrates are essential for most birds, especially in spring and summer when they’re raising chicks. 

A fat, juicy caterpillar plucked from a shrub or leaf pile makes a far better meal than anything we can put in a bird feeder. 

Through autumn and winter, many birds will seek out seeds, nuts and berries. There are plenty of plants that can provide these in gardens. Whether you’re ready to turn your whole garden wild, or just want a wild corner, there’s lots of advice available for providing more natural food. 

You can find some ideas in our blog, ‘Grow a buffet for birds’, or on our ‘Help wildlife at home’ page.  

The power of the nature on our doorsteps 

However you welcome wildlife into your garden, balcony or community, every small action helps. Together our gardens cover an area larger than all National Nature Reserves combined and have an important role in helping nature and people thrive.  

While wildlife is in big trouble, we know that seeing nature on our doorsteps can bring great joy and have real benefits to our physical and mental health. 

That’s why our ‘Help wildlife at home’ page is packed full of ideas and inspiration to help wildlife where you live – whether that’s to help the blackbird singing at first light to find a place to nest or to provide food for the hedgehog passing through on a nighttime pursuit.