6 bird-feeding mistakes you’re probably making, according to experts

Findings from the 2023 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch reveal that a parasitic disease called trichomonosis is decimating our bird population. Bird food, feeders and drinking water in our gardens are contaminated with this disease. Birds badly affected by it, such as greenfinches and chaffinches, are in decline as a result. But there are things we can do to combat it.  

“Remember to clean your feeding stations regularly, as this is something that is often overlooked,” says Dani Hawkins from CJ Wildlife. “Many parasites thrive on filthy feeders, including trichomonosis. So, feeders need to be cleaned to ensure that bacteria doesn’t mount up and make our birds sick.” 

Helen Moffat of the RSPB advises people to clean bird feeders once a week. “Use a mild anti-bacterial cleaner, such as washing-up liquid, and nothing as harsh as bleach-based products,” she adds. “There are some purpose-made cleaners out there too. Save cleaning equipment to use just for this job and do it outside where possible – anything you can do to make the process as hygienic as possible.” 

The RSPB also advises that if you see sick birds where you are feeding, temporarily stop feeding for at least two weeks and leave bird baths dry. 

Another way to reduce the risk of bird disease spreading is eliminating the build-up of food waste.  

“It’s better to put food out little and often,” says Helen Moffat from the RSPB. “The issue around overfilling is that food can go off, particularly in hot or wet weather. You don’t want to put out vast amounts unless you know your garden birds are going to eat it all fairly quickly. 

“When birds need lots of energy for nest-building and then to feed broods, you might find that your feeders are emptying almost as quickly as you can fill them, in which case, fill them right up.”  

She adds that if you are just starting to put food out, birds can take a while to find new sources, so put out smaller amounts until you find the right level that works.  

It’s also wise not to leave food out overnight, as this can also attract rodents to your garden. 

We’ve probably all been there. Rather than throwing stale bread away, we’ve broken it up and thrown it out for the birds. But regularly feeding bread to birds can lead to problems for them. 

“Bread is high in carbohydrates, and therefore does not provide the right balance of nutrients that birds need to thrive,” says Dani Hawkins of CJ Wildlife.  

“Garden birds require a protein-rich and high-calorie diet. Ideally, they should be eating a combination of insects such as mealworms, seeds such as sunflower hearts, peanuts and fat.” 

“Garden birds require a protein-rich and high-calorie diet”

Hawkins adds that while bread isn’t directly poisonous, too much of it can act as an “empty filler”. This means that over time it will leave birds suffering from conditions associated with malnutrition. “Unfortunately, once malnutrition has set in, it can be incredibly difficult to reverse the effects.” 

Bread also contains considerably fewer calories than birds need to survive. Hawkins says that they may not have enough energy to stay warm during winter, sustain young chicks or evade predators. 

“A chick with a stomach full of bread can freeze to death overnight.” 

Don’t panic, though, as much of the damage done by bread can be reversed if you change your bird-feeding habits. 

The best food for birds is specially formulated with our feathered friends in mind, says Hawkins.  

The Wildlife Trusts’ Rob Stoneman recommends seed mixtures high in protein, with foods like black sunflower seeds and dried fruits, which will help adults feed young birds preparing to leave the nest.  

High-calorie options, such as CJ Wildlife’s peanut square cake, fat balls or peanut butter for birds are all easy and affordable ways to make sure your garden visitors are getting plenty of calories. A high-energy seed mix, such as CJ Wildlife’s High-Energy No Mess Bird Seed, is an all-round favourite of many bird species, while dried mealworms are loved by robins in particular. 

Watching birds splash about in a bird bath will bring joy to just about anyone. Bathing regularly helps birds to keep their feathers clean so they can keep flying properly. But providing fresh water is more important than you might think. 

Helen Moffat from the RSPB says a big bird-feeding mistake people often make is forgetting to put out fresh water for the birds. 

“Birds need to drink and bathe daily – especially in hot weather,” she says. “So fresh water can literally be a lifesaver in the summer.” 

It’s important to also keep this water clean – change it every day and make sure you don’t site it too near your feeders, as it could become contaminated with food. It’s a good idea to give the bath itself a good scrub regularly too, especially if it receives lots of visitors. 

If space allows on your property, it’s useful for birds to have a safe place to feed from (and bathe!) comfortably.  

“Birds like cover,” says Helen Moffat at the RSPB. “So put your feeders near to areas where birds can quickly flit back and forth.” 

If your garden is also visited by lots of neighbourhood cats, then consider how close they can get to the birds, too. 

“It’s important to put bird feeders in places where birds feel safe from predators, so make sure they aren’t too low,” says Rob Stoneman of The Wildlife Trusts. 

Not all birds feed in the same way, so your best efforts at nurturing your feathered friends might not be as successful as you’d hoped. 

“Ensure that you use the correct type of feeder for the birds in your garden, or that you want to attract to your garden,” says Dani Hawkins from CJ Wildlife. 

“Blackbirds and robins are ground feeders, and prefer tables or lower surfaces, whereas tits and sparrows prefer to feed from hanging stations. Setting up an array of feeders will help you care for a wide range of birds.”