Feeding Responsibly: What Every Bird Lover Should Know

At Haith’s, we believe feeding garden birds is one of the great joys of British nature-watching, and a responsibility that deserves care, knowledge, and good judgement. That’s why we focus on responsible feeding: clean food, appropriate nutrition, good hygiene, and seasonal awareness - all guided by evidence and long-standing experience.

Feed the Birds. Just Do It Right.

This guide brings together practical, expert-led advice on hygiene, safe feeding practices, seasonal considerations, and what to do if you spot signs of illness. It’s designed to help you enjoy feeding birds while reducing avoidable risks for both birds and people.

Let’s help birds thrive - thoughtfully, and together.

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🎧 Bird Health Essentials: Feeding Wild Birds Safely and Responsibly

Feeding garden birds is one of life’s quiet joys - a daily connection to nature that brings benefits not just to birds, but to us too. But as interest in bird health grows, so does the need for clear, balanced guidance grounded in evidence, not headlines.

In this special bonus episode of Naturespace with Haith’s (below), Simon takes you through the essentials of feeding wild birds safely and responsibly. Drawing on decades of experience and the principles behind Haith’s Ultimate Guide to Bird Health, the episode focuses on what really matters: clean food, good hygiene, and thoughtful seasonal feeding.

You’ll explore why bird health is about how we feed as much as what we feed — from choosing high-quality, clean seed to keeping feeders hygienic and adapting your feeding habits throughout the year. Practical, reassuring, and rooted in common sense, this episode is designed to help you feel confident that you’re doing the right thing for your garden birds.

Whether you’re a lifelong bird feeder or just getting started, this is a grounded, trustworthy guide to feeding birds well — for their health, and for the well-being that comes from staying connected to nature.

You can listen to the podcast session immediately below...

Welcome to your go-to resource for feeding wild birds safely and responsibly

At Haith’s, we’re passionate about promoting bird health and welfare through expert advice, high-quality food, and safe feeding practices. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or new to feeding garden birds, this guide provides everything you need to create a safe haven for your feathered visitors. Explore our expert tips and click through to detailed blogs to learn more about each topic.

Responsible feeding isn't about stopping - it's about doing it well.

Sparrow on a bird feeder

Why Feeding Wild Birds Safely Matters

Feeding wild birds isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about stewardship. Like any interaction with wildlife, supplementary feeding works best when it’s informed, proportionate, and hygienic.

Poor feeding practices, such as dirty feeders, damp or mouldy food, overcrowding, or unsuitable foods, can increase health risks. Good practice, by contrast, supports birds’ energy needs, resilience, and natural behaviours, especially in human-dominated landscapes.

Creating a safe feeding environment means thinking beyond simply filling a feeder. It involves:

  • choosing clean, high-quality food
  • keeping feeding areas hygienic
  • adjusting feeding with the seasons
  • monitoring bird health and behaviour

This guide brings those elements together so your garden can remain a positive space for wildlife.

Clean food. Good hygiene. Thoughtful feeding - for birds, and for people.

  • Choose High-Quality Food

    Low-quality, dusty, or mouldy food can undermine bird health by increasing exposure to contaminants and reducing nutritional value.

    Haith’s SuperClean™ diets are thoroughly cleaned, dust-free, and quality-tested to help keep feeding areas cleaner and food fresher - supporting birds’ natural energy and condition, particularly when demands are high.

    Read more about SuperClean bird diets here 
  • Clean bird feeder with bird seed - Haith's

    Regularly Clean Bird Feeders

    Shared 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.

    Use wildlife-safe disinfectants as part of a routine that includes:

    • removing old food
    • washing with hot water
    • disinfecting where appropriate
    • allowing feeders to dry fully before refilling

    Good hygiene protects birds and keeps feeding enjoyable.

    Discover why cleaning bird feeders is non-negotiable 
  • Mouldy peanuts which are dangerous

    Avoid Harmful Foods

    Not all foods are safe for birds. Stale bread, salted peanuts, and mouldy seeds/peanuts can cause digestive issues, dehydration, or even death. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to feed.

    Explore the what NOT to feed list 
Fat Robin™ - Soft & Nutritious Bird Blend - Haith's UK

Why Feeding Birds Matters for People Too

For many people, feeding birds is a daily connection to nature — one that supports wellbeing, awareness, and care for the environment. Research increasingly recognises that simple, regular interactions with wildlife can encourage positive conservation behaviours and strengthen people's relationship with nature.

Feeding responsibly allows this connection to continue in a way that benefits both birds and people.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Birds: How Haith’s SuperClean Protects Wild Birds.

Seasonal Feeding Tips

Find out more here

Clean Feeders. Healthy Birds.

Responsible feeding starts with hygiene.

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Responsible feeding isn’t about stopping - it’s about doing it well.

  • Black Bird stood in the grass

    Safe Ground Feeding

    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.

    Best Practices for Ground-Feeding Birds: 
  • Full bird feeding station with feeders, a water bowl and fat ball holder.

    Rotate Feeding Areas

    Overused feeding spots can lead to waste build-up and contamination, making rotation a critical practice. Learn how to manage multiple feeding stations effectively.

    How to Rotate Feeding Areas for Safer Bird Feeding 
  • Woman taking a photo

    Recognise Signs of Illness

    Healthy 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.

    Recognising Signs of Illness in Garden Birds 
  • Safe4 cleaning pack on a wooden table

    Prevent Disease Spread

    Feeding 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.

    Prevent Disease Spread in Garden Birds 

Why Choose Haith’s?

With over 80 years of experience, Haith’s is a trusted leader in bird food innovation. Our SuperClean™ diets are carefully curated to meet the nutritional needs of birds while prioritising safety and cleanliness. We partner with experts to provide the highest quality food and guidance for bird lovers like you.

Explore our SuperClean bird foods - you're safe with Haith's

Latest news and best bird feeding practices

Promoting Safe Feeding Practices on the Ground and in Bird Feeders FAQs

The RSPB has stopped selling bird tables and window feeders, have Haith's?

Supporting Bird Welfare: A Precautionary Step

At Haith's, the health and well-being of birds is our top priority. In light of the RSPB's recent announcement regarding the potential risks associated with bird tables and window feeders (8th Jan 2025), we have decided to remove bird tables from sale as a precautionary measure.

This decision aligns with the RSPB's precautionary approach while they review the latest scientific findings on disease transmission among garden birds. Our veterinary advisor has written to the RSPB for more information and this page will keep birders up to date.

Haith's (and the RSPB) encourage bird enthusiasts to explore alternative feeding solutions, such as hanging bird feeders or ground feeding (when done responsibly). To help support safe feeding practices, please keep bird feeders clean and hygienic and - just as important - don't feed uncleaned bird food because it's dangerous to birds.

Why is it important to keep bird feeders and tables clean?

Dirty bird feeders and tables can harbour harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause diseases among garden birds. Regular cleaning helps minimise these risks and protects your feathered visitors.

Personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, is important before and after feeding wild birds or following cleaning of areas where they are offered food.

How often should I clean my bird feeders and tables?

Clean your feeders and bird tables at least once a week using 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.

What are the best practices for ground- feeding birds?

Ground-feeding can be safe and beneficial when done responsibly:
• Rotate feeding spots: Move ground-feeding areas regularly to prevent the buildup of droppings and uneaten food.
• Provide high-quality food: Use clean, high-energy mixes, suet pellets, and mealworms suited for ground-feeding birds.
• Feed in moderation: Only put out as much food as birds can eat in a day.
• Keep the area clean: Clear debris daily and disinfect areas regularly to reduce the risk of build-up of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens.

What types of food should I provide for ground-feeding birds?

Ground-feeding birds enjoy:
• High-energy bird food blends
• Suet pellets
• Mealworms
• Specialist softfoods
Avoid feeding birds kitchen scraps, mouldy seeds, or stale bread, as these can be harmful to their health.

How can I promote natural behaviour in garden birds?

Encourage birds to forage naturally by:
• Planting bird-friendly plants that produce seeds and berries.
• Leaving leaf litter to attract insects for ground-foraging species.
• Hiding food in natural features like tree crevices or amongst rocks to simulate wild feeding habits.

What should I do if I notice sick birds in my garden?

If birds appear lethargic, fluffed-up, or have swollen eyes, pause feeding immediately and clean all feeders and tables thoroughly. Allow birds to disperse naturally, which helps reduce the spread of pathogens . If necessary, consult a wildlife expert for guidance.

Why should I rotate feeding areas in my garden?

Regularly moving feeding areas minimises the accumulation of droppings and leftover food, reducing the risk of disease transmission and discouraging pests.

How can I create a self-sustaining bird-friendly garden?

Support wild birds by:
• Planting native shrubs and trees that produce natural food sources.
• Providing water for drinking and bathing.
• Leaving areas of your garden undisturbed to encourage insects and other natural food sources.

Where can I find more information about feeding and bird safety?

Visit our blog section for expert advice on safe feeding practices, bird hygiene tips, and information about our high-quality SuperClean Seed and bird care products.

At Haith’s, bird welfare is our priority. We continuously review our practices and products to align with the latest scientific guidance. By combining high-quality food, and promoting responsible feeding practices, we aim to support the health and well-being of garden birds.


For more resources or to explore our range of feeders and SuperClean Seed, visit www.haiths.com

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