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 largest bird conservation charity warns that regular feeding of garden birds during warmer months may pose a threat to certain species. While many people enjoy attracting birds with feeders, the RSPB suggests a pause from mid-May to the end of October to mitigate disease spread. This period is identified as a critical time when feeders become breeding grounds for trichomonosis, a parasite-driven illness linked to population drops in greenfinches and chaffinches.
Trichomonosis and Its Effects
Trichomonosis targets the mouth, throat, and upper digestive tract of birds, causing breathing and eating difficulties. Infected birds release the parasite through saliva and droppings, contaminating food sources. It can also transfer directly to chicks via regurgitated meals. The RSPB’s latest Big Garden Birdwatch data reveals greenfinches have fallen from the seventh position in 1979 to the eighteenth in 2025, reflecting a two-million drop in numbers. These birds are now listed as endangered, according to the charity.
Feeding Habits and Industry Impact
Approximately 16 million households regularly offer bird food, with one feeder per nine birds in use. The pet food industry estimates £380 million is spent annually on bird food, equivalent to 150,000 tonnes yearly. This volume could support three times the breeding population of the ten most common garden species if used year-round. The RSPB’s new advice, “feed seasonally, feed safely,” aims to curb disease transmission by encouraging seasonal feeding and hygiene practices.
Practical Recommendations
Experts recommend cleaning feeders weekly and relocating them after each cleaning to prevent debris accumulation. Water should be replenished daily, with only fresh tap water used. Bird baths also require weekly sanitization, as flat surfaces are more prone to parasite buildup. The RSPB has phased out flat feeders, signaling a shift away from traditional bird tables.
“It’s really nice to see them from the window – they look very chipper out there,” Helen Rowe from London’s Isle of Dogs shared. She feeds sparrows regularly but plans to stop during warmer months: “I want to support the birds – I don’t want to do anything that’s going to spread disease.”
Some argue the advice may not suit all regions equally. Dick Woods, a bird feeder manufacturer, noted: “Every garden is different. In some places, food is so abundant that birds don’t use feeders very much; in other areas there is little alternative.”
The RSPB acknowledges regional differences but emphasizes simplicity in guidance. “We are well aware that things won’t change overnight and that behaviour change will take years, if not decades,” said Martin Fowlie. “We have therefore sought to keep our advice as simple as possible to make it easier for people to follow.”
Industry representatives have contested the shift, calling the updated guidelines “a major alteration to traditional feeding practices” and warning of potential confusion among millions of regular feeders. Despite this, the charity remains committed to its strategy, aiming to reduce disease risk while balancing practicality for bird enthusiasts.
