Quick Check: Are You Feeding Birds Properly?
You feed birds because you care, and this quick check helps you see how well your feeding habits support bird health.
Tick (in your head) the statements that apply to you:
- I choose clean, high-quality bird food
- I keep my feeders clean and hygienic
- I remove old, damp or uneaten food
- I provide fresh water and clean bird baths regularly
- I keep feeding areas clean and free from waste
- I pay attention to bird behaviour and signs of illness
Your Result
Mostly ticks (5 to 6 ticks):
You’re feeding birds properly. Keep going as you’re making a real difference.
Some ticks (3 to 4 ticks):
You’re on the right track. A few small improvements can make your feeding even more effective.
Few ticks (1 to 2 ticks):
You care, and that’s what matters. With a few simple steps, you can start feeding birds properly and confidently.
Want to improve your routine? Keep reading.
Feeding Birds Safely - What Really Matters
Expert advice from Professor John E. Cooper, wildlife pathologist.
Many concerns focus on food, but water and hygiene are often overlooked.
Can You Still Feed Garden Birds?
Quick Guide: Feeding Birds Properly.
Feeding birds is still safe when done properly, supported by science, hygiene, and good practices. Simple, expert-led steps to feed birds safely and responsibly.
Can We Still Feed Garden Birds Safely?
Are Bird Feeding Decisions Based on Science?
How Clean Should Bird Feeders and Bird Baths Actually Be?
Are Seeds & Peanuts Safe for Birds?
How to Feed Birds Properly
- Clean, healthy food
- Clean feeders
- Good hygiene practices
- Thoughtful feeding habits
- Fresh, clean water
Why Feeding Birds Still Matters
Feeding birds is part of a long-standing relationship between people and nature.
Birds Rely on Our Gardens More Than Ever
Why Feeding Gardens Birds Matters
Clean feeding • Fresh water • Good hygiene
“Why is Haith’s saying it’s OK to feed birds when the RSPB are raising concerns?”
We completely understand why people are asking that question.
The important thing is that feeding birds can still be done safely - when it’s done properly.
Our focus is on helping people understand how to feed responsibly, with clean food, good hygiene, and practical guidance that supports bird health.
“Is feeding birds actually harmful?”
Feeding birds isn’t the problem - poor feeding habits can be.
When food is left to build up, becomes damp, or feeders aren’t cleaned
regularly, that’s when risks increase. Done properly, feeding continues to support bird health.
“The RSPB have mentioned preventing disease in finches and other birds, what’s that about?”
They’re referring to a disease called trichomonosis, which has affected species like greenfinches.
It spreads more easily where birds gather and where contaminated food or water is present.
That’s why good hygiene and fresh feeding are so important.
If birds appear lethargic, fluffed up, or have swollen eyes, pause feeding immediately and clean all feeders and areas thoroughly. Allow birds to disperse naturally, which helps reduce the spread of pathogens . If necessary, consult a wildlife expert for guidance.
“Should I stop feeding seeds and peanuts during Spring and Summer months?”
Seeds and peanuts can still be part of a safe feeding routine.
What matters most is how they’re used - feeding little and often, keeping food fresh and dry, and avoiding build-up.
It’s the feeding habits that reduce risk, not simply removing certain foods.
“RSPB say to only feed mealworms and suet during Spring and Summer months – is that right?”
Mealworms and suet are often fed in smaller amounts and don’t tend to build up in the same way, which can help reduce certain risks.
But the most important factor is still how feeding is managed - cleanliness, freshness, and moderation.
With the right approach, a range of foods can be used safely.
“Am I putting birds at risk by using feeders?”
Feeders are safe when used properly.
The key is to keep them clean, move them regularly (ideally once a week), and avoid leaving uneaten food to build up.
Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and also helps to discourage pets.
“How often should I clean my feeders now?”
As a guide, feeders should be cleaned at least once a week - more often in warmer weather or if they’re heavily used.
Use warm, soapy water or a wildlife-safe disinfectant, such as Safe4. Rinse thoroughly and allow the equipment to dry completely before refilling. For heavily used feeding areas, daily cleaning may be necessary.
Be sure to remove any old or damp food and allow feeders to dry before refilling.
If you have a bird bath, we recommend that water is changed daily and that it’s cleaned out every week.
Personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, is important before and after feeding wild birds or following cleaning of areas where they are offered food.
“Should I stop feeding birds in summer?”
You don’t need to stop feeding in summer, but it’s important to adjust how you feed.
Feed smaller amounts, keep everything fresh, and maintain good hygiene.
Seasonal changes simply mean being a bit more careful, not stopping altogether.
“Should I stop feeding birds altogether?”
No - you don’t need to stop feeding birds.
Feeding birds isn’t the problem, how we feed them matters.
Feeding remains a positive and important way to support garden birds.
The key is making sure it’s done properly, with clean food, good hygiene, and thoughtful feeding habits.
“Is the food I’m using safe?”
Clean, high-quality food is an important part of feeding birds properly.
Dusty, damp, or poor-quality food can increase avoidable risks.
That’s why we focus on producing cleaner, carefully prepared diets to support safer feeding.
How to Feed Birds Properly - In Practice
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1. Start with Clean Food
Read more about SuperClean bird diets hereLow-quality, dusty, or mouldy food can undermine bird health by increasing exposure to contaminants and reducing nutritional value.
Haith’s SuperClean™ diets are carefully cleaned, dust-free, and quality-tested to help keep feeding areas cleaner and food fresher - supporting birds’ natural energy, resilience, and condition, particularly when demands are high.
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2. Keep Feeding Areas Clean
Discover why cleaning bird feeders is non-negotiableShared feeding surfaces can allow micro-organisms to build up if hygiene is poor. Regular cleaning and drying of feeders and feeding areas is one of the most effective ways to reduce avoidable risks.
A simple routine makes all the difference:
✔ Remove old food
✔ Wash with hot water
✔ Disinfect where appropriate
✔ Allow feeders to dry fully before refillingGood hygiene protects birds, and keeps feeding enjoyable.
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3. Avoid Harmful Foods
Explore the what NOT to feed listNot all foods are safe for birds. Stale bread, salted peanuts, and mouldy seeds can cause digestive issues, dehydration, or worse.
Knowing what not to feed is just as important as choosing the right foods.
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4. Feed Thoughtfully
Feeding birds properly isn’t just about food and hygiene - it’s about how you feed.
✔ Feed little and often
✔ Rotate feeding areas
✔ Adapt feeding to the seasons
✔ Watch for changes in bird behaviourSmall, consistent habits help create a safer, more natural feeding environment.
Why Feeding Birds Properly Matters
Feeding birds isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about responsibility.
When done properly, feeding supports birds’ energy, resilience, and natural behaviour - especially in human-shaped environments where natural food can be limited.
But poor feeding habits, such as dirty feeders, damp or mouldy food, overcrowding, or unsuitable diets, can increase avoidable risks.
Properly feeding birds means going beyond simply filling a feeder. It means feeding with care, consistency, and attention to detail:
✔ Choosing clean, high-quality food
✔ Keeping feeding areas hygienic
✔ Adapting feeding to the seasons
✔ Monitoring bird health and behaviour
Get these right, and your garden becomes a safe, positive space for wildlife - not just a feeding station.
What should I actually DO differently?
Feed little and often
Avoid overfilling
Remove uneaten food quickly
Responsible feeding isn’t about stopping — it’s about doing it well.
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Safe Ground Feeding
Best Practices for Ground-Feeding Birds:Ground feeding supports natural behaviours but requires extra care to avoid contamination. Rotating feeding spots, cleaning regularly, and offering specialist foods like softfoods and mealworms ensure ground feeding is safe and enriching.
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Rotate Feeding Areas
How to Rotate Feeding Areas for Safer Bird FeedingOverused feeding spots can lead to waste build-up and contamination, making rotation a critical practice. Learn how to manage multiple feeding stations effectively.
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Recognise Signs of Illness
Recognising Signs of Illness in Garden BirdsHealthy birds are active and alert. Recognising symptoms like lethargy, fluffed-up feathers, or difficulty swallowing can help you intervene early and protect your garden’s population.
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Prevent Disease Spread
Prevent Disease Spread in Garden BirdsFeeding birds responsibly means adopting hygiene practices that limit the spread of disease. From disinfecting feeders to monitoring bird health, small steps can make a big impact.
Why Feeding Birds Matters - For You Too
Feeding birds is more than a routine; it’s a daily connection to nature.
It brings awareness, enjoyment, and a sense of care for the world around us.
When done properly, that connection benefits both birds and people - supporting wildlife while keeping feeding safe, responsible, and sustainable.
Feed the Birds. Feed Them Properly.
Clean food. Good hygiene. Thoughtful feeding.
That’s what supports bird health - and gives you confidence that you’re doing the right thing.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ll guide you.
Find the right food for your garden birds — based on their natural needs.
Why SuperClean a bird diet?
Because Dusty Bird Food Kills Birds: Learn how Haith's ensures cleanliness.
Seasonal Feeding Tips
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Spring: Feeding with Awareness
Spring brings breeding, nesting, and higher nutritional demands, but also warmer, wetter conditions that require extra care.
During spring:
- keep feeders especially clean and dry
- refresh food little and often
- choose foods appropriate for breeding birds
- remove uneaten food promptly
Feeding remains beneficial when adjusted thoughtfully to the season and done properly.
- keep feeders especially clean and dry
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Summer:
Focus on hydration with clean bird baths and fresh, appropriate foods, while maintaining high standards of hygiene.
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Autumn:
As natural food sources begin to decline, help birds prepare for migration or colder months with clean, high-energy foods.
Gain more insights and advice by visiting these blogs:
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Winter:
Offer high-energy foods like suet, mealworms, and seed mixes to help birds combat freezing temperatures - visit these useful blogs for more tips and insights:
- Winter Survival: Why Birds Need High-Energy Foods
- Top 5 High-Energy Bird Foods to Help Birds Thrive This Winter
- Why Peanuts Are Ideal for Your Feeder In Winter
- The Benefits of Feeding Soft Foods to Birds in Autumn & Winter
Blog posts
View all-
What We’ve Learned from Thousands of Conversati...
Over the past few weeks, something unusual has happened in the world of garden bird feeding.
What We’ve Learned from Thousands of Conversati...
Over the past few weeks, something unusual has happened in the world of garden bird feeding.
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Haith's Response to the RSPB's Recent Bird Feed...
Our Response to the RSPB's Recent Bird Feeding Guidance Over the past few weeks, we have received a very large number of emails, phone calls and comments from distressed people...
Haith's Response to the RSPB's Recent Bird Feed...
Our Response to the RSPB's Recent Bird Feeding Guidance Over the past few weeks, we have received a very large number of emails, phone calls and comments from distressed people...
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Dried Calciworms and Dried Mealworms for Wild G...
If you enjoy feeding wild garden birds, dried insects are one of the easiest and most nutritious foods you can offer.
Dried Calciworms and Dried Mealworms for Wild G...
If you enjoy feeding wild garden birds, dried insects are one of the easiest and most nutritious foods you can offer.
Feeding birds properly - here's how
Search trusted guidance on feeding birds properly, safely and responsibly.
Looking for something specific? Search by feeder, hygiene, ground feeding or food type.
Should we stop feeding birds?
No. Feeding birds isn’t the problem — how we feed them is what matters. When done properly, with clean food, good hygiene and responsible feeding habits, feeding can support bird health while reducing avoidable risks.
Read more in Feed Birds Properly →Is feeding birds safe?
Yes — when it is done properly. Most risks linked to bird feeding come down to hygiene and build-up, not feeding itself. Fresh food, regular cleaning and avoiding waste can make a significant difference.
See responsible feeding guidance →Why does feeding birds still matter?
Birds rely on our gardens more than ever. Habitat loss, farming change and climate pressures mean natural food sources are not always enough. Gardens now act as stepping stones, helping birds find food, shelter and stability.
Learn why gardens matter →What birds benefit most from supplementary feeding?
Many garden birds can benefit from extra food, especially in colder months. One clear example is the Great Spotted Woodpecker, now a familiar garden visitor in many places, supported in part by reliable, high-energy foods such as peanuts, sunflower hearts and quality bird seed mixes.
Explore bird feeding guidance →The RSPB has stopped selling bird tables and window feeders. Have Haith’s?
Yes. At Haith’s, bird health and wellbeing remain our top priority. Following the precautionary approach regarding potential risks linked to bird tables and window feeders, we took the decision to remove bird tables from sale.
See our responsible feeding position →Should I stop feeding birds if I see a sick bird?
If you notice a sick bird around your feeding area, pause feeding straight away and clean feeders, bird baths and nearby surfaces thoroughly. Remove old food and empty water containers before starting again later.
See cleaning and hygiene products →Are flat feeding surfaces riskier than hanging feeders?
Flat feeding surfaces can allow damp food, droppings and waste to build up more easily if they are not managed carefully. Cleaner, fresher feeding methods can help reduce avoidable build-up.
See safer feeding guidance →What foods are best for feeding birds safely?
Clean, fresh, high-quality bird food is the best place to start. Useful options include premium wild bird food mixes, no mess mixes, sunflower hearts and seeds, peanuts in appropriate feeders, suet products, mealworms, niger seed, straight seeds and specialist softfoods.
Browse bird food →Can I feed sunflowers to birds?
Yes. Sunflower-based foods are among the most popular options for garden birds. Sunflower hearts and Black Sunflower Seeds are especially useful because they are high in energy and widely taken by many species.
See sunflower bird food →Can birds eat peanuts?
Yes. Peanuts are a popular, high-energy food for many birds when offered responsibly and in the right way. They are one of the foods associated with familiar garden visitors such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Browse bird food →What are the best practices for ground-feeding birds?
Ground-feeding can be a natural and effective way to support some bird species when it is done properly. Rotate feeding spots, offer only what birds will eat in a day and keep the area clean.
Read more →What types of food should I provide for ground-feeding birds?
Ground-feeding birds enjoy high-energy bird food blends, suet pellets, mealworms and specialist softfoods. Avoid kitchen scraps, mouldy seeds and stale bread.
See bird food options →How often should I clean bird feeders and bird baths?
Regular cleaning is one of the most important parts of responsible bird feeding. Feeders should be checked often, old food removed before refilling, and bird baths kept clean with fresh water.
Explore bird hygiene and health support →Should I leave bird food out all day?
It is usually better to feed little and often rather than leaving large amounts of food sitting for long periods. This helps keep food fresher and reduces waste and build-up.
Read more →How much bird food should I put out?
A good rule is to feed little and often. Put out only what birds are likely to eat in a day, then top up with fresh food as needed. That helps reduce waste, spoilage and avoidable build-up.
See responsible feeding guidance →What does the bird eat?
Different birds favour different foods. Robins love mealworms, for example, while Goldfinches are famously keen on niger seed and may also take sunflower hearts.
Browse food by type →What’s the best wild bird food?
We are biased, of course, but we believe great bird food starts with quality, cleanliness and consistency. That is why Haith’s has invested so heavily in quality control and SuperClean seed.
Explore bird food →What can you feed birds from your kitchen?
Some kitchen foods are more suitable than others. Fruit can be welcome, but salty scraps and stale bread are best avoided. Raisins and sultanas can also be harmful to dogs.
Read feeding guidance →Can wild bird food get wet?
Yes. If food becomes too damp and is left sitting in feeders or feeding areas, it can spoil or go mouldy. That is why it is important to keep food fresh and dry.
Read more →Should I store wild bird food in a storage bin?
Yes. Bird food should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in an air-tight container, to help keep it fresh and protected from contamination and rodents.
See storage guidance →Can you buy wild bird food without wheat?
Yes. Wheat-free mixes can be useful for attracting smaller birds such as finches, tits and sparrows, and may attract fewer pigeons too.
Browse bird food →Can I use Black Sunflower Seeds as bird food?
Yes. Black Sunflower Seeds are a popular, high-energy bird food and can be fed on a bird table, on the ground or in a feeder.
See bird food →Should I feed birds all year round?
Birds favour different foods at different times of year, and gardens can help support them throughout the seasons. The key is not simply when you feed, but how you feed: clean food, fresh feeding and good hygiene.
See feeding guidance →Should I vary the wild bird food I feed?
Yes. Birds favour different foods at different times of the year. A varied diet can help support a wider range of species and better reflects how birds feed in nature.
Explore bird food →What feeder should I use?
A good feeder should be safe, easy to clean and suited to the type of food you are offering. Whatever feeder you choose, regular cleaning and fresh food are essential.
Read more →Where can I find more information about feeding and bird safety?
Visit our Feed Birds Properly guidance page for more help on safe feeding practices, bird hygiene and how to feed with confidence.
Open Feed Birds Properly →Open Feed Birds Properly →