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 leading bird conservation charity, the RSPB, has urged gardeners to pause their feeding routines between 1 May and 31 October to safeguard vulnerable species. While bird feeders are often viewed as a way to attract wildlife, the charity warns that this practice can inadvertently spread trichomonosis, a disease linked to population drops in greenfinches and chaffinches.
Disease Risks and Population Decline
Trichomonosis, a parasitic infection, targets the mouths, throats, and upper digestive systems of birds. This can impair their ability to eat, drink, or breathe, leading to severe health issues. Infected birds spread the parasite through saliva and droppings, contaminating food sources. Transmission to chicks also occurs when adults regurgitate food.
Greenfinches, once a common garden sight, have experienced a two-million decline in their numbers. This has resulted in their inclusion on the red list of endangered birds. The RSPB’s latest Big Garden Birdwatch data shows their ranking fell from seventh in 1979 to eighteenth in 2025.
Feeding Habits and Industry Impact
Approximately 16 million households regularly offer bird food, with an estimated one feeder for every nine birds. The UK Pet Food industry estimates annual spending on bird food reaches £380 million, equivalent to over 150,000 tonnes. This volume could support three times the breeding populations of the ten most prevalent garden birds if used year-round.
Adapting Feeding Practices
The RSPB advocates “feed seasonally, feed safely” as a new guideline. It emphasizes that small quantities of mealworms, fat balls, and suet—enough for a couple of days—can still be provided throughout the year. To minimize disease spread, feeders should be cleaned weekly, and relocated after each cleaning to prevent debris accumulation.
Water should be refreshed daily, with tap water recommended over stagnant sources. Bird baths must also be scrubbed weekly. Research highlights that flat surfaces, like traditional bird tables, are more prone to contamination, prompting the RSPB to discontinue selling them last year.
“It’s really nice to see them from the window— they look very chipper out there,” says Helen Rowe of the Isle of Dogs, who shares her feeders with sparrows. Despite enjoying the visits, she plans to stop feeding during warmer months to avoid disease risks.
“Every garden is different. In some places, food is so abundant that birds don’t rely on feeders; in others, there’s little alternative,” argues Dick Woods, a manufacturer of easy-to-clean feeders. He questions whether uniform guidelines are suitable for all regions.
The RSPB acknowledges regional differences but insists a clear message is more effective for widespread change. “We know things won’t shift overnight, and behavior change takes time,” explains Martin Fowlie. “Our advice is designed to be simple and actionable.” The charity’s shift has drawn criticism from the pet food industry, which calls it a departure from established practices and warns of public confusion.
