UK gardeners urged to stop using bird tables by RSPB
Garden owners who have plain bird feeders or bird tables are encouraged to switch to alternative types of feeders for one very important reason. Three species of garden birds are threatened by a disease that can easily spread from flat feeders, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
on it websiteThe RSPB’s latest guidance highlights that trichomoniasis is causing a significant decline in greenfinch, chaffinch and bullfinch populations. Trichomonosis is a condition caused by the parasite Trichomonas gallinae, which attacks the throat and esophagus, making it increasingly difficult for birds to swallow food.
The RSPB says: “Across the UK, trichomoniasis has caused severe declines in Greenfinch and Chaffinch populations, and may now cause rapid decline among Bullfinches. Scientific evidence shows that the risk of trichomoniasis outbreaks is highest in summer and autumn.”
RSPB research has found that bird tables and other flat feeders pose the greatest risk of transmitting the disease. Birds with trichomonosis tend to perch on flat surfaces when trying to feed. The disease makes swallowing extremely difficult, causing affected birds to expel contaminated food back onto the flat surface, where it then becomes accessible to healthy birds. Liverpool Echo.
The RSPB states that although feeders are cleaned daily, healthy birds may still consume food previously regurgitated. For this reason, the charity recommends that flat-surfaced feeders such as bird tables and window feeders should not be used to provide food for birds.
The statement said: “Do not use flat-surface bird feeders, such as bird tables, window feeders and tray feeders. Research has confirmed that the risk of disease spread is higher on flat surfaces where contaminated food can collect.”
Explaining how trichomonosis is transferred between birds, the RSPB says: “Research shows that transmission is most likely through birds sharing contaminated food. A recent study of communal feeding areas in gardens found no trichomonosis on feeder surfaces (0 out of 79 feeders tested). This suggests that the equipment itself is not the main risk.”
“However, trichomoniasis has been detected in food in feeders, bottom trays and on the ground below. Sick birds often regurgitate food they cannot swallow, and this food may be infected with the parasite.”
The charity is urging people to temporarily stop feeding certain foods to garden birds between 1 May and 31 October. A statement on the website reads: “Our Conservation Scientists worked with other expert partners to find a solution.
“We now recommend taking a break from feeding seeds and peanuts to garden birds between May 1 and October 31. You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls or suet. During spring and summer, dried mealworms can be soaked in water to make them easier for the chicks to eat.”
The charity notes that finches tend to prefer seeds, but when seeds are not available they will turn to peanuts instead. As finches rarely consume fat balls, tallow and mealworms, the RSPB advises that these foods pose a low risk of spreading trichomonosis.
He adds: “To further reduce the risk of disease, we recommend feeding only small amounts, not using flat-topped bird feeders, keeping your feeders clean and only putting out water if you can change it every day.”
The RSPB also recommends that people help birds find their own food. She says: “One of the best ways to support garden birds long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants such as sunflowers, teasel and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds.”
Is it safer to stop feeding the birds altogether?
The RSPB said: “The evidence review found that it is generally beneficial to feed birds during the winter months, particularly in cold weather when natural food is in short supply. Birds may also benefit from feeding between March and April. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘hunger gap’ as there is often less natural food available to seed-eating birds such as finches at this time of year.”
“Also, although trichomonosis occurs all year round, the parasite is killed off by cold weather and disease outbreaks are less likely during the winter months. We have carefully balanced the benefits of nutrition against the risks of disease and believe we can continue to feed our garden birds as long as we feed the right types of food at the right time of year. By following our guidance on seasonal nutrition and safe feeding, together we can help protect the future of our birds.”
