RSPB Advises Stopping Bird Feeders in UK Warmer Months to Combat Trichomonosis

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the UK's largest bird conservation charity, has issued guidance advising households to refrain from using bird feeders during warmer months.

The recommendation applies from May 1 to October 31 each year to limit the transmission of trichomonosis, a parasitic illness that impacts birds' mouths and throats, impairing their ability to feed, drink, or breathe. Trichomonosis spreads through saliva and persists in warmer weather, particularly when adult birds feed their young.

The charity's advice stems from a comprehensive review of feeding practices and disease patterns.

populations have declined, partly due to disease transmission at feeding stations. Chaffinches and bullfinches are also experiencing population decreases linked to trichomonosis. A single infected bird can turn a feeding station into a contamination site, accelerating the spread among flocks.

The charity notes that many UK households regularly feed wild birds, making widespread adherence to the guidance essential for population recovery.

Households may continue offering protein-rich foods such as mealworms, fat balls, and suet throughout the year, as these pose lower disease risks. Water in bird baths requires daily replacement, with the baths cleaned weekly using disinfectant. Feeders should be fully dismantled, scrubbed, and disinfected between uses to prevent contamination.

The RSPB emphasizes that these measures support long-term bird health without eliminating garden feeding entirely.

The guidance addresses the severe consequences of trichomonosis on garden bird species. While the bird food industry may face challenges from reduced feeder use in summer, the charity states that current practices are unsustainable given the evidence.

This update builds on ongoing monitoring efforts, including annual surveys that track population trends. The RSPB aims to balance human enjoyment of bird feeding with wildlife conservation needs.