RSPB alert for anyone using bird feeders in their garden

As temperatures begin to drop, gardeners and wildlife lovers will consider methods to assist birds through the chilly months. Having bird feeders in your garden can prove tremendously beneficial, with the quickest outcomes typically seen during autumn and winter periods, when feathered friends are actively seeking additional food sources.

Providing sustenance for birds is often a guaranteed method of attracting more wildlife to your outdoor space, though it comes with its own set of guidelines, cautions, and hazards. Certain foods must never be offered, whilst regular cleaning of feeders remains crucial to prevent drawing rats and transmitting illnesses.

With October already delivering cooler conditions, garden birds require high-energy nutrition to endure the temperature decline and develop vital fat stores for the winter months, reports the Daily Record.

Peanuts frequently receive recommendations due to their elevated protein and calorie levels, establishing them as a favoured option amongst bird enthusiasts throughout the UK, and they are usually put out in bird feeders. But, not every peanut proves safe, and selecting the incorrect variety could prove fatal.

In an alert to all bird enthusiasts, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) emphasises that verifying which type of peanuts you possess before distributing them remains essential owing to potentially toxic ramifications. In a statement on its website, the organisation cautions: “Poor-quality peanuts can carry the aflatoxin fungus, which kills birds if they eat them.”

It continues: “Make sure you buy peanuts that are guaranteed aflatoxin-free from a reputable supplier… Keep peanuts in a feeder so small chunks can be nibbled.”

This warning is also supported by Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from bird food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies. He says: “It’s important to use only peanuts from trusted wildlife suppliers, as these are tested to make sure they’re free from aflatoxin, a natural mould toxin that can be fatal to birds even in small amounts.

“Avoid salted or roasted peanuts altogether, as these can cause real harm.” He continued: “Sticking to safe, specialist foods means birds get the nutrition they need without unnecessary risks.”

Why is aflatoxin bad for birds?

Aflatoxin, a potent liver toxin, presents a serious danger to birds. Even at reduced levels, it can impair growth, feeding efficiency, and immune function, whilst higher concentrations may lead to acute toxicity, showing symptoms including haemorrhage and jaundice. The toxin targets the liver, causing damage that can involve fatty deposits, tissue death, bile duct issues, and scarring.

In severe instances, it may even cause liver cancer. At lower levels, aflatoxin can still trigger poor growth rates, reduced feeding efficiency, and a decline in egg production and quality. Aflatoxin can weaken a bird’s immune system, making it more susceptible to diseases and infections.

In serious cases, birds may show symptoms such as depression, haemorrhaging, jaundice, and loss of appetite, which can eventually result in death. It can also adversely affect hatchability and the weight of hatchlings in poultry and harm intestinal tissues, which consequently impacts nutrient absorption.

How are birds exposed to aflatoxin?

Birds are commonly exposed to aflatoxins through eating contaminated feed, such as peanuts, maize, or other grains that weren’t stored correctly. Aflatoxins are produced by particular moulds, notably Aspergillus flavus, which thrives in warm and humid conditions.

Storing bird feed in damp or warm environments can promote the development of these moulds and the production of toxins. Young birds, including chicks, ducklings, and turkey poults, are particularly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning. Studies have shown that certain wild birds, such as finches and northern cardinals, are also highly sensitive to the effects of aflatoxins.

What to feed birds instead?

The RSPB has provided a list of food you should put out, which you can read below:

• Bird cake and food bars
• Seeds mixes
• Sunflower seeds or heart
• Nyger seeds
• Live foods and other insect foods, like meal worms
• Lard and beef suet
• Cooked rice
• Uncooked oats

Richard’s top choices

He said: “Autumn is a season when birds need to build up energy reserves, and offering the right foods can make all the difference. Sunflower hearts are one of the best options, providing a high-calorie boost that helps birds prepare for the colder months.

“Mealworms, whether dried or live, are invaluable during autumn. They provide the protein birds need as they grow new feathers and recover from the demands of the breeding season. Suet is another key food to introduce now, helping birds stock up on fat reserves before winter sets in. Even though many people associate suet with frost, it’s just as important in the run-up to winter.

“Autumn hedgerows naturally provide berries and fruit, and you can echo that in the garden. Chopped apples, pears, or soaked raisins are excellent for species that feed on the ground. These simple additions mimic natural diets at a time when birds are looking to refuel quickly and efficiently.

“Don’t be surprised if feeders seem quieter in early autumn. Natural food sources are still abundant, so birds spread out to forage. The most important thing is to keep feeders topped up as gardens with reliable food will quickly become a lifeline.”