Best Practices for Ground Feeding Birds: Supporting Your Garden Visitors Safely

Ground feeding is a fantastic way to support wild birds, particularly during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce.

With proper care, ground feeding can enhance bird welfare while bringing nature closer to your garden. Here's how to do it responsibly:

1. Ground Feeding is Backed by Science

Ground feeding is widely supported in conservation efforts. For example, government farming incentives, such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, encourage farmers to provide supplementary food directly on the ground during the winter "hungry gap" (December to April) to support species like yellowhammers, linnets, and tree sparrows. This approach helps sustain farmland bird populations and validates ground feeding as a safe and effective practice when done correctly.

2. Natural Enrichment for Garden Birds

Ground feeding encourages natural behaviours, benefiting species such as:

• Blackbirds and thrushes: Forage for food on the ground as they naturally do in the wild.
• Robins: Prefer to hop around and pick food directly from the ground.
• Dunnocks and sparrows: Enjoy scratching and searching for seeds in soil and leaf litter.

Additionally, foods like suet pellets, mealworms, and specialist soft foods can be tucked into crevices of trees or sprinkled amongst rocks to stimulate natural foraging behaviour. This not only keeps birds active but also mimics their instincts to search for food in varied environments.

3. Vary Feeding Spots

To minimise the risk of disease, regularly move the location of your feeding spots. Rotating feeding areas prevents the build-up of droppings and uneaten food that can harbour bacteria or parasites.

4. Provide High-Quality Food

Offer clean, high-energy mixes and suitable options for ground-feeding birds, such as:

• High-energy bird food blends
• Specialist soft foods
• Mealworms
• Suet pellets
• Avoid offering unsuitable foods, such as kitchen scraps or mouldy seeds, which can harm birds.

5. Feed in Moderation

Provide only as much food as birds can eat in a day. This prevents waste and avoids attracting pests like rodents.

6. Maintain Hygiene

• Daily Cleaning: Remove uneaten food and droppings from feeding areas daily.
• Regular Disinfection: Clean feeding spots with a wildlife-safe disinfectant, such as Safe4 Disinfectant, to reduce the risk of disease.
• Choose Well-Drained Areas: Ensure feeding spots have good drainage to keep food dry and fresh.

7. Be Mindful of Predators

Place feeding areas in open spaces where birds can spot predators, but near enough to hedges or shrubs to provide shelter if needed.

8. Monitor Bird Health

If you notice birds displaying signs of illness—such as lethargy, fluffed-up feathers, or difficulty swallowing—pause feeding and clean all areas thoroughly. Consult a wildlife expert for advice if necessary.

9. Support Natural Feeding

Encourage a self-sustaining bird-friendly environment by:

• Planting bird-friendly plants for seeds and berries.
• Leaving leaf litter to encourage insects for ground-foraging species.
• Using crevices in trees and natural features to provide varied foraging opportunities.

By following these practices, you’ll create a safe, enriching environment for garden birds, encouraging natural behaviours and supporting their well-being. For high-energy mixes, soft foods, and bird hygiene products, visit Haith’s.

Written by Angela.