Parish News

The RSPB have published updated guidance on reducing the spread of disease. Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders.

• Feed seasonally

During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. But it’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects.

1 May to 31 October – Pause filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts. You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet.

1 November to 30 April – You can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.

• Feed safely

Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease. To help keep birds healthy, it’s vital to keep things clean – which is why we’ve strengthened our existing hygiene guidance. The RSPB recommend you:

• Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. Good hygiene is essential. Clean with hot soapy water and disinfect with a non-toxic disinfectant such as Ark-Klens or a mild (5%) bleach solution. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.
• Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.
• Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings.
• Don’t use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there’s a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect.
• Feed in moderation. Make sure all the food you put out is eaten within one to two days. Adjust the amount you offer based on demand to avoid overfeeding.
• Keep food as dry as possible. Damp food allows disease to survive and spread. Choose feeders that prevent rain getting in and limit condensation.
• Change water in bird baths daily. Only offer water if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. A pond is the best way to provide birds and other wildlife with water.
• Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds.

Read the full guidance online here.