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 Feeding birds in the garden is a popular activity - over half of adults in the UK feed birds in their garden. People enjoy seeing wild birds at close quarters and it is an easy way to start teaching children about wildlife.
With this popularity of feeding birds, it is important that we do so responsibly and safely. By following a few simple guidelines we can all play a valuable role in helping the birds that visit gardens to:
- overcome periods of natural food shortage
- survive periods of severe winter weather
- be in good breeding condition in the spring.
Although winter feeding benefits birds most, food shortages can occur at any time of the year. By feeding year round, we are giving birds a better chance to survive the periods of food shortage whenever they may occur.
Autumn and winter
Put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if possible, in the morning and in the early afternoon. Birds require high energy (high fat) foods during the cold winter weather. They need to maintain their body reserves to survive the frosty nights. All foods listed in this leaflet are suitable for winter feeding. Use only good quality food and scraps. Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it.
Spring and summer
Only selected foods should be fed at this time and good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good.
During the summer months birds require high protein foods, especially while they are moulting. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds, good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture can all be used. Soft apples and pears cut in half, bananas and grapes are also useful foods. Some people use soaked dog or cat food and tinned pet foods, but these may attract magpies, crows and cats. Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these foods can be harmful if brought to nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts to be removed.
Source: RSPB
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