Full Breakdown
RSPB Advises Against Feeding Birds During Warmer Months to Combat Disease
4/10/2026, 7:37:33 PM
New Guidelines to Protect Bird Populations
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidelines recommending that bird enthusiasts refrain from feeding garden birds from 1 May to 31 October. This advice aims to mitigate the spread of trichomonosis, a disease that has significantly impacted bird populations in the UK, particularly greenfinches and chaffinches. The greenfinch population has declined by two million, leading to its classification on the UK Red List of endangered birds.
Trichomonosis is caused by a parasite that affects birds' ability to eat and drink, and it spreads through contaminated food sources at feeders. The RSPB's latest survey indicates that the ranking of greenfinches has fallen from seventh place in 1979 to eighteenth in 2025. With over 16 million households regularly feeding birds, the RSPB hopes to encourage a change in habits to reduce disease transmission, although it acknowledges that this may be challenging.
Recommendations for Safe Bird Feeding
The RSPB advises maintaining cleanliness by thoroughly washing feeders weekly and relocating them after cleaning. It also suggests offering small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round while emphasizing hygiene. Water should be changed daily, and bird baths should be cleaned weekly. The charity has stopped selling flat bird feeders, citing a higher risk of disease transmission on flat surfaces.
Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive, stated, “We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds’ long-term health. By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature.”
Criticism and Concerns
Some bird enthusiasts express concern over the new guidelines, fearing they will miss the opportunity to observe birds up close. Helen Rowe, a resident of London, mentioned, “I want to support the birds—I don’t want to do anything that’s going to spread disease.” Others, like Dick Woods, who runs a company that makes easy-to-clean bird feeders, argue that the advice should consider regional differences in natural food availability.
The pet food industry has also raised concerns about the clarity of the new advice, describing it as a "significant change to long-established advice." Michael Bellingham, chief executive of UK Pet Food, emphasized that the evidence informing these changes is still evolving and has not been widely scrutinized.
Official Statements and Responses
The RSPB developed its new guidance in collaboration with scientists from the British Trust for Ornithology and the Institute of Zoology, based on a thorough review of the evidence. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the changes, the charity insists that “we cannot continue as usual.” Critics have questioned why the RSPB did not revise its advice sooner, given that the risks associated with bird feeding have been known for over 15 years.
Conclusion
The RSPB's updated guidelines reflect a growing concern for bird health amid declining populations. By encouraging responsible feeding practices, the organization aims to protect vulnerable species while still allowing the public to enjoy the benefits of birdwatching. The RSPB emphasizes that small changes in feeding habits can collectively contribute to the long-term health of garden birds.
