Gardeners feeding birds this spring are being urged to carry out a simple daily task after the RSPB's latest bird feeding guidance caused widespread confusion. Headlines suggesting a summer ban on feeding have left many unsure whether to continue, but one expert has settled the debate.
RSPB Guidance Sparks Confusion
The RSPB issued a stark warning to gardeners, but Richard Green, bird feeding specialist at Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, said the interpretation that people should stop feeding birds altogether misses the point. At a time when birds are already under pressure from disease and declining natural food sources, stopping entirely could do more harm than good.
With millions of households supporting garden birds, particularly in urban areas where natural food is limited, how people respond now matters. The guidance is about adapting feeding habits, not stopping them, so birds can continue to be supported safely while reducing the risk of disease spreading.
Adapting Feeding Habits
Richard Green settled the debate, saying: "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."
He explained that it is not the food itself, but how it is handled that poses risks. "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."
However, stopping altogether also carries risks. "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."
Alternative Foods Recommended
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.
Simple Daily Task Reduces Risk
According to Richard, one simple task will eliminate risk to birds. "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 real solution is hygiene, and this is what birdwatchers and gardeners should be prioritising. 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.
