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Garden Bird Feeders: May Makeover for Bird Health
24 May
Summary
- RSPB advises seasonal feeding to prevent disease spread.
- Trichomonosis risk highest in summer and autumn.
- Clean feeders regularly and move them around.
Experts are calling on gardeners to modify their bird feeding practices during May to curb the transmission of diseases among avian populations. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) now advocates for seasonal and safe feeding, especially between May 1 and October 31.
This period is identified as high-risk for trichomonosis, a parasite contributing to severe declines in Greenfinch and Chaffinch numbers. To mitigate this, gardeners should temporarily cease offering seeds and peanuts. Instead, small quantities of mealworms, suet, or fat balls are recommended, as finches consume these less frequently.
Beyond food choices, rigorous hygiene is paramount. Bird feeders require weekly cleaning with hot, soapy water and disinfection. Moving feeders prevents waste accumulation, and avoiding flat surfaces limits food and droppings mixing. Daily cleaning and refilling of bird baths with fresh water is also advised.
Encouraging natural food sources by planting bird-friendly flora like sunflowers and ivy offers an alternative. These adjustments, though seemingly minor, are vital for slowing disease spread and aiding the recovery of vulnerable bird species.
