🪶 August is Moult Month – Let’s Feed Smarter

When birds moult, they shed and regrow feathers—one of the most demanding times of their year. That’s why we’ve launched August Moult Month, a chance to help your birds stay healthy and strong.

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  • Medley™ - Super Bird Seed Blend - Haith's
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Small bird with blue head and yellow body perched on green foliage

As the golden hues of late summer settle in, our garden birds quietly begin one of the most demanding phases of their year - the annual moult. Unlike the noisy springtime flurry of nesting and fledging, the moult happens in near silence, but it’s no less significant. August is a crucial month for birds, and with just a little extra support from us, they can emerge into autumn with strong, healthy feathers and renewed energy.

Here’s how you can make a real difference during the moult, and why your help matters now more than ever.

greenfinch sat in a branch

Why August is Hard for Birds

August may feel like a quiet, easy- going month in the garden, but for birds, it’s anything but restful.

By now, most fledglings have left the nest, and adults are depleted after weeks of feeding hungry chicks. On top of this, their food supply in the wild is often inconsistent. Natural insect populations begin to wane, and the availability of seeds and berries hasn’t yet peaked. All this happens just as birds need extra protein, fats, and vitamins to support feather regrowth.

Birds in mid-moult may also become less mobile or agile, making them more susceptible to predators. Their feathers might look patchy, and some even become temporarily flightless. This is when a reliable, well-stocked feeding area in your garden can be a true sanctuary.

Best Foods for Strength and Feather Health

Feathers are made up primarily of keratin - the same protein found in our hair and
nails. So, it’s no surprise that protein is the number one nutrient birds need during the moult. Look for mixes and products with high-quality ingredients and minimal waste, ensuring everything you put out is usable and beneficial. Here are our top foods to support moulting birds:

Premium Quality Sunflower Hearts - Haith's

Sunflower Hearts

A high-energy, protein-rich snack that’s easy to eat.

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Live Mealworms for wild birds

Live Mealworms

Packed with protein and ideal for soft-feather development.

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Loose niger seed.

Niger Seed

Loved by finches, niger seed offers essential amino acids and healthy oils.

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Peanut & Mealworm Suet Pellets - Haith's UK

Suet Feasts & Pellets

High in calories, they help birds meet energy needs quickly

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Close up image of prosecto

Softfoods

Haith’s own softfoods such as Prosecto Insectivorous Mix™ offer easily digestible nutrition.

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Medley Mix - high energy super bird food

Diverse mix with fourteen different seed varieties - suitable for all year round feeding.

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What Fledglings Need Now

Although fledgling season peaks in early summer, many young birds are still developing in August. They may be independent but are not yet fully experienced foragers. Their nutritional needs remain high as they grow adult feathers and adjust to life outside the nest.

For them, softer foods are especially important. Why not try:

Fledglings also benefit from calm feeding areas with plenty of cover. Dense shrubs or nearby hedges give them the confidence to explore feeders safely.

Water is just as essential as food - especially during the moult. Birds use it for drinking and bathing, which helps keep their feathers in top condition and
encourages the old ones to fall out more smoothly.

Tips for providing water:

  • Keep birdbaths shallow and clean
  • Change water daily to prevent bacteria
  • Add a second dish in a shady area for variety
  • Place baths near bushes or trees for a quick escape route

Feeder hygiene is equally vital. Dirty feeders can harbour harmful bacteria and fungi. Clean all feeding equipment with warm water and a bird-safe disinfectant at least once a week - more often during wet or humid spells.

How to Help: Daily Feeder Ideas

Consistency is key. Birds benefit from knowing where and when they can find food. Keep feeders topped up and in the same location - preferably out of the wind, near cover, and in a shaded spot to avoid spoilage. Here's our daily feeding schedule idea:

  • Blue Tit with a mealworm in its mouth

    Morning

    Scatter some mealworms and softfood on a ground tray or low table.

  • Huskfree Advance™ - No Mess Wild Bird Food - Haith's

    Midday

    Top up hanging feeders with Haith’s Huskfree Advance™ or a custom seed mix.

  • Nuttery Oval Suet Feeder - Haith's

    Late afternoon

    Add suet blocks or suet pellets to energy-rich feeders as birds prepare to roost.
Sparrow on a bird feeder

Don’t forget to rotate feeder types (hanging, ground, tray) to cater for different species and reduce crowding.

Summer soft foods start with Haith's

Soft on Beaks, Big on Nutrition – unique & only available from us.

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