Want to help garden birds? Don’t feed them in warmer months, says RSPB

RSPB Advises Seasonal Feeding to Prevent Disease Spread

While bird feeders in gardens are often seen as a gesture of care, they might inadvertently endanger certain bird species, warns the UK’s leading bird conservation organization. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommends pausing regular feeding from 1 May to 31 October to reduce disease risks. During these months, feeders can become hotspots for trichomonosis, a parasite-driven illness that targets the throat and digestive systems of birds.

The Disease and Its Impact

Trichomonosis has significantly reduced populations of greenfinches and chaffinches, once common in UK gardens. The greenfinch count has plummeted by two million since 1979, placing it on the red list of endangered birds. Infected birds spread the parasite through saliva and droppings, contaminating food sources. Chicks can also contract it via regurgitated food from adult birds.

Feeding Habits and Industry Figures

Recent findings from the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch indicate a shift in greenfinch numbers, from seventh to eighteenth in 2025. Over 16 million households regularly provide bird food, with roughly one feeder for every nine birds. The UK Pet Food industry estimates £380 million is spent yearly on bird feed, amounting to 150,000 tonnes annually. This volume could sustain three times the breeding populations of the most common garden birds if used year-round.

Recommendations for Safe Feeding

The RSPB’s new guidance emphasizes “feed seasonally, feed safely.” Hygiene is critical, as one infected bird could turn a popular feeder into a disease hotspot. Small daily portions of mealworms, fat balls, and suet are still acceptable, though feeders should be cleaned weekly. Moving them to new locations after each clean can help prevent debris accumulation. Water should be changed daily, and bird baths must be sanitized regularly.

Hygiene and Surface Risks

Studies suggest contamination spreads more easily on flat surfaces, prompting the RSPB to discontinue flat feeders last year. They now advise against traditional bird tables, calling it a “fond farewell.” Despite this, some bird enthusiasts, like Helen Rowe from London, plan to adjust their habits. “I want to support the birds—no action that spreads disease,” she says, even though she misses seeing sparrows up close.

Varied Natural Food Availability

Critics, such as Dick Woods, question whether uniform feeding guidelines apply everywhere. “Gardens differ greatly,” he notes. “In some areas, natural food is abundant; in others, it’s scarce.” The RSPB acknowledges these differences but insists a clear message is more effective for widespread adoption. “Behavior change takes time,” says Martin Fowlie, “so we’ve simplified our advice to make it easier to follow.”

The pet food industry has expressed concern, calling the shift a “major change to long-standing practices” and warning it may confuse millions of regular feeders.