Following the updated feeding advice from the RSPB, the bird expert urged gardeners to provide “seeds and peanuts in hanging feeders for their birds again from November 1”. Bird enthusiasts are free to continue feeding seeds and peanuts until April 30. This is because during the winter months, the risk of spreading the fatal trichomonosis disease is lower.
From May 1 to October 31, however, the RSPB advises pausing seeds and peanuts as warm weather allows the parasite trichomonosis to spread easily where birds gather.
“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.”
Instead, the RSPB recommends feeding small amounts of “mealworms, fatballs or suet” during the warm months (May 1– October 31).
The ornithologist added: “It should be stressed that maintaining good feeder hygiene is vital to minimise the risk of spreading diseases.
“Similarly, bird baths and water for drinking should be cleaned regularly and filled with fresh water to reduce the risk of disease transmission.”
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