The RSPB's latest bird feeding guidance has sparked confusion, with many gardeners unsure whether they should stop feeding garden birds altogether this summer. However, according to Richard Green, bird feeding specialist at Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, such interpretations completely miss the crucial message.
At a moment when birds are already facing challenges from disease and declining natural food supplies, this misunderstanding threatens to do more damage than benefit. With millions of homes supporting garden birds, especially in built-up areas where natural food is limited, how people react during this vital period genuinely counts.
The advice centres on modifying feeding practices rather than stopping them, enabling birds to keep receiving support safely while minimising the risk of disease transmission.
What the RSPB Guidance Really Means
Richard has resolved the debate surrounding whether you ought to carry on feeding birds right now. He said: "Much of the public reaction has come from headlines suggesting people should stop feeding birds in summer, but the actual guidance is about feeding differently, not stopping altogether."
It's not the food itself that creates the issue, but instead the manner in which it is handled. Richard added: "Seeds and peanuts are often blamed, but the real problem is poor feeding practices, such as dirty feeders, damp or mouldy food, leftovers building up and too many birds feeding in one place."
The Risks of Stopping Feeding Entirely
Yet stopping feeding entirely brings its own dangers. Richard added: "If feeding suddenly stops in some gardens, birds don't just disappear, they move to the remaining food sources. This can lead to more crowding, more competition and a higher chance of disease spreading locally. The recommendation to remove seeds and peanuts between May and October is about reducing risk for vulnerable species, while still encouraging people to provide alternatives like mealworms, fat balls and suet."
The idea that birds can rely fully on natural food during these months depends heavily on location, and in urban areas where insect life is lower, supplementary feeding has been shown to improve breeding success and chick survival.
The One Daily Task Gardeners Must Do
Putting out only small amounts of food that birds will eat within a day or two is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk, as food left sitting for days is far more likely to become contaminated. The genuine answer lies in maintaining proper hygiene — and this is precisely where bird lovers and gardeners ought to focus their efforts. It's this strategy that will tackle the threat the RSPB is highlighting.
Richard said: "Regular cleaning is what makes the biggest difference, using a proper routine with detergent or a diluted bleach solution, rinsing thoroughly and allowing feeders to dry fully before they are used again."
By cleaning feeders daily, gardeners can continue to support local bird populations while minimising disease risks. This simple task ensures that birds have access to safe, clean food throughout the summer months.
