Bird feeder owners urged to take action as rain could 'prove deadly' for animals

Bird feeder owners urged to take action as rain could 'prove deadly' for animals Damp conditions combined with summer warmth create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria on bird feeders. With this in mind, people who have them in the garden have been issued with advice With wet weather sweeping back across the UK, wildlife experts are sounding the alarm for garden bird lovers. Damp conditions combined with summer warmth create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria on bird feeders, and failing to keep them clean could prove deadly for the birds that depend on them. Wet spells pose a particular risk, as moisture accumulates around feeding stations, causing leftover food to rot and surfaces to become increasingly difficult to keep sanitary. Experts stress that regular cleaning is not just good practice – it could be the difference between life and death for garden birds. Many people may turn to the internet to discover how best to clean bird feeders they have in their garden, however it's essential to seek expert guidance. Outdoor living specialists at TDP say clean household bird feeders are crucial, as the risk of disease spreading is heightened during the warmer months. The parasitic disease trichomonosis can be fatal for many bird populations, and is primarily transmitted through saliva and contaminated food and water sources. During the summer months, busy bird feeders become hotspots for illness as more birds congregate, while warmer temperatures allow the parasite to survive longer without a host. The RSPB advises households to clean bird feeders at least once a week with hot soapy water, clearing away any old food or droppings from around the feeders and disinfecting surfaces with non-toxic or mild solutions. Households are also encouraged to avoid positioning feeders beneath areas where birds roost – such as trees – in order to prevent contamination spreading through droppings. Experts from TDP also highlight how the material of a feeder can play a significant role in hygiene, with traditional wooden feeders in particular being susceptible to harbouring bacteria. Wooden feeders are more porous and can harbour bacteria in cracks and crevices, making them more difficult to clean and disinfect thoroughly, while also drawing in pests. Standard plastic feeders are simpler to wipe down but can deteriorate under prolonged UV exposure. For the ideal combination, outdoor experts recommend recycled plastic feeders – offering smooth, easy-clean surfaces alongside superior weatherproofing and durability. Kym Barlow from TDP said: "Trichomonosis is a serious threat to garden bird populations, and contaminated feeders are one of the primary ways it spreads. But it's easy to underestimate how quickly they can become a health hazard. "A few minutes of cleaning each week can make a real difference to the birds visiting your garden, and it really helps protect local wildlife. "If you have a standard wooden or plastic feeder, take a close look for any wear and damage. You might not realise until you're up close that there are small cracks and crevices which could be harbouring harmful bacteria. "Looking after the planet and wildlife goes hand in hand, which is why we design our feeders using recycled plastic that would otherwise go to waste. The smooth, durable surface makes cleaning quick and effective with no cracks for bacteria to hide in." How to attract birds to your garden with a feeder To attract birds to your garden using a feeder, position high-quality food in a safe, visible location and maintain a consistent routine. Birds are highly visual and risk-averse creatures; once they identify your garden as a secure and reliable food source, they will return daily. 1. Choose high-quality food Cheap supermarket seed mixes are often padded out with wheat, corn, and lentils, which most garden birds reject and kick onto the floor. Instead, invest in nutrient-dense options such as sunflower hearts, peanuts, suet balls and cakes, Nyjer seeds and mealworms. 2. Pair the right food with the right feeder Different bird species prefer different feeding styles. Mixing your equipment will attract a wider variety of species, - Tube feeders: Perfect for clinging birds like blue tits, great tits, and greenfinches eating sunflower seeds or seed mixes. - Mesh feeders: Essential for safely holding whole peanuts. - Specialist Nyjer feeders: Features micro-ports to prevent tiny nyjer seeds from instantly blowing away or falling out. - Ground trays or bird tables: Preferred by ground-feeding birds like robins, dunnocks, blackbirds, and thrushes who cannot easily cling to hanging tubes. 3. Pick the perfect location Where you hang your feeder dictates whether birds feel safe enough to use it. - Close to cover: Place feeders roughly 6 feet (2 metres) away from dense bushes, trees, or hedges. This gives small birds a swift escape route from predatory hawks while preventing stalking cats from easily leaping out at them. - Quiet and visible: Put the feeder in an open area where birds can scan 360 degrees for danger, but away from high-traffic garden walkways or low windows where they might startle.