So you can help decide for yourselves the best way to feed and help your birds I would like to give you the information thats actually there which the RSPB did not give.
I’ve used the most recent UK pet food guidance, “How to feed your garden birds safely.” It provides up-to-date evidence and practical advice, and most surveys I’ve come across show very similar findings.
Back in 2003, the Garden Bird Health Initiative (GBHi) was established. Their role is to research and support studies that help create safe, responsible, and informed guidelines. These are based on clear evidence, with the aim of maximising the benefits of feeding birds while reducing any risks or unintended negative impacts.
One key point runs throughout all of this: feeding birds all year round is recommended. Historically, farmland provided enough natural food for wildlife to survive year-round. However, modern farming practices have changed that. Insects and grain are far less available, habitats have been lost through development, and hedgerows, trees, and ponds have been removed. On top of that, pollution—including pesticides, insecticides, and river pollution—has taken its toll.
With all of this affecting wildlife, birds will struggle without our help. Overall, the benefits of feeding—especially given the decline in so many species—far outweigh the negatives. That said, we still want to minimise any risks as much as possible.
Like us, birds naturally carry diseases. These aren’t something we can eliminate—just as we couldn’t eliminate COVID. Over time, birds can build up some immunity, as we’re now seeing with Greenfinches, but diseases will always exist. It’s also important to remember that feeding isn’t the only way diseases spread—normal movement and social interaction between birds play a big role too.
Some of the most common diseases include Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and the single-celled parasite Trichomonas gallinae.
Trichomonosis is commonly found in doves, pigeons, and finches. While doves and pigeons tend to be less affected, finches have suffered significant losses. Greenfinches now seem to be recovering and increasing in number, but unfortunately, Chaffinches are now being impacted.
A comprehensive study in 2015 looked at the risks and benefits of supplementary feeding. It found clear nutritional advantages—birds using feeders were healthier, stronger, and more resilient to disease. Interestingly, the study deliberately excluded cleaning, and higher levels of disease were observed as a result. This showed that feeding is highly beneficial, as long as it goes hand in hand with good hygiene practices.
Simply removing food isn’t the solution. When birds don’t have access to feeders, their health declines, and so does their ability to fight disease. They also gather in larger flocks at smaller food sources, which can actually increase disease transmission.
It’s also worth noting that the “hunger gap” occurs in summer, not winter. This is the period before berries ripen, when there are fewer insects and little natural food available. You may notice that sometimes your feeders are busy, and other times birds are around but not using them—that’s because they naturally balance their diet and only use feeders to supplement when needed.
However, during the summer hunger gap, they rely on feeders more due to the lack of natural food. Unfortunately, this also increases the risk of disease. In winter, diseases tend to die out more naturally. For example, Trichomonas can survive on dry seed for up to 60 minutes and on wet seed for up to 24 hours—so keeping food fresh and dry is essential.
So, how can we feed birds safely?
It’s actually quite rare to see diseased birds in gardens, but here are some signs to look out for:
If you do need to handle a sick bird, please always wear gloves.
If you notice these signs—especially in finches—stop feeding for two weeks and clean everything thoroughly. Then slowly reintroduce food in small amounts and continue to monitor the situation.
If you are worried about feeding the best option is to just not feed seed, or just feed small amounts. That means the birds at risk of Trichomonis are less likely to visit. But theres lots of other feed you can put out instead all year round.
The BTO ended their response (which the RSPB chose not to follow) with an important point:
Every garden is different. Feeding means observing, adapting, and responding to what you see in your own garden.
In other words, do what’s right for you and the birds around you—which is what many of you have likely been doing for years.
The Bto have also stated that there is no evidence feeding your birds has any negative impact on species which are in decline.
Having bird feeders is incredibly important—not just for wildlife, but for our own mental wellbeing too. Whether you live in a town or the countryside, it helps us feel connected to nature. For me, it’s like breathing—it’s simply something I couldn’t live without.
