The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has released updated advice on safeguarding garden birds across the UK from highly infectious diseases, following research revealing a troubling drop in the numbers of some of Britain's most cherished garden species. The RSPB has highlighted that trichomonosis, a highly contagious illness, is spreading rapidly and having a devastating impact on garden bird populations, particularly greenfinches, chaffinches, and potentially bullfinches as well.
The statistics paint a deeply concerning picture – the UK's greenfinch population has suffered a dramatic decline of more than 65% over the past 30 years. Trichomonosis is a deadly condition caused by a microscopic parasite known as Trichomonas gallinae. Bird feeders are a prime location for transmission, as are any areas where garden birds congregate in significant numbers. Scientific evidence suggests that summer and autumn represent the two periods of greatest risk for outbreaks.
Two simple shifts in feeding habits
With this in mind, the RSPB has put forward fresh recommendations on how to protect garden birds – and the solution lies in a straightforward two-step approach centred entirely on how we provide food for these creatures. The RSPB says: "We can help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making two simple shifts to how we feed birds. Put simply: Feed seasonally. Feed safely."
In a significant shift, the updated guidance now advises suspending feeding seeds and peanuts to garden birds during the period from May 1 to October 31. The guidance explains: "During summer and autumn, there's a higher risk of disease spreading. But it's also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects. You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet. During spring and summer, dried mealworms can be soaked in water to make them easier for nestlings to eat."
Feeding safely and maintaining hygiene
Suet products can be left out for up to 7 days. Seed and peanuts should all be eaten within 1-2 days. Mealworms should all be eaten or cleared away by dusk the same day (especially if scattered on the ground). This will help to prevent any leftover mealworms being consumed by Hedgehogs, which Hedgehog rehabilitators have raised as a concern.
Between November 1 and April 30, you can resume offering birds the complete selection of bird foods, including peanuts and seeds. The RSPB says: "To further reduce the risk of disease, we also recommend that you feed only small amounts, don't use bird feeders with flat surfaces, keep your feeders clean, and only put out water if you can change it every day."
Tailoring the quantity of bird food you provide based on actual consumption is a wise move, in order to avoid overfeeding. It is also recommended to keep bird food as dry as possible and prevent it from becoming wet and saturated. This is simply because damp food enables disease to spread and persist, making it preferable to choose feeders that minimise condensation and keep rain out.
Additional recommendations for bird health
Furthermore, the RSPB advises opting for hanging feeders rather than flat ones. The guidance states: "Don't use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there's a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect."
The RSPB also stresses that thoroughly cleaning your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week is absolutely essential, as upholding proper hygiene plays a vital role in protecting garden birds. "Clean with hot soapy water and disinfect with a non-toxic disinfectant or a mild (5%) bleach solution. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders." This is because leftover food can draw in rodents, while fresh provisions are far less likely to contain bacteria or transmit disease.
The RSPB adds: "Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease. Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species". The bird conservation specialists also warn against positioning feeders beneath locations where birds roost, such as under trees, to prevent contamination via droppings.
The RSPB adds: "Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants - such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds." By implementing these straightforward and modest measures to feed birds safely and according to the season, collectively we can assist in protecting the nation's bird population and secure their future.
