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 charity, the RSPB, warns that feeding garden birds during the warmer months could increase disease risks. While many people enjoy placing food out to attract wildlife, the organization recommends pausing this practice from 1 May to 31 October.

The Disease’s Impact

Trichomonosis, a parasitic infection, has led to sharp declines in bird populations, particularly affecting greenfinches and chaffinches. Greenfinches, once a familiar sight in UK gardens, have seen their numbers drop by two million. They are now listed as endangered, according to the RSPB’s latest Big Garden Birdwatch results, which show their ranking fell from seventh in 1979 to eighteenth in 2025.

This disease spreads through saliva and droppings, contaminating food sources when infected birds feed. It can also pass directly to chicks via regurgitated food. The RSPB emphasizes that a single sick bird can turn a busy feeder into a disease hotspot, making hygiene critical.

RSPB’s Recommendations

The charity’s advice is to “feed seasonally, feed safely.” Small portions of mealworms, fat balls, and suet—enough for a day or two—can still be offered year-round. However, feeders should be cleaned weekly, and relocated after each cleaning to avoid debris buildup. Water should be changed daily, and only fresh tap water should be used.

Flat feeders, which were once popular, are no longer sold by the RSPB. The charity argues these surfaces allow contamination to accumulate, increasing disease spread. This shift marks a “fond farewell” to traditional bird tables.

Public Reaction

“It’s really nice to see them from the window—they look very chipper out there,” says Helen Rowe, a London resident who feeds sparrows. She acknowledges the need to stop during warmer months to protect the birds.

Some argue the advice should consider regional differences in natural food availability. Dick Woods, a bird feeder manufacturer, notes that in certain areas, birds rely heavily on feeders, while in others, natural food is plentiful. He questions whether a uniform approach is practical.

Industry Response

The UK Pet Food industry has challenged the RSPB’s guidance, calling it a “significant change to long-established advice.” They warn it might confuse millions of people who depend on feeders for birdwatching. Despite this, the RSPB insists simplicity is key to encouraging behavior change, even if it takes years to implement.