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.

Sparrow on a bird feeder

Why Feeding Wild Birds Safely Matters

Feeding wild birds isn’t just about enjoying their company; it’s about ensuring their health and well-being. Poor feeding practices can lead to disease outbreaks, overcrowding, and other risks. By following expert advice, you can make your garden a sanctuary for wildlife while helping bird populations thrive.

Creating a safe feeding environment involves more than simply filling a feeder. It requires understanding how to minimise disease risks, provide proper nutrition, and monitor bird health. With our expert tips and carefully curated resources, you’ll be well-equipped to protect your garden visitors and encourage biodiversity.

  • Haith's superclean bird food and paper bag.

    Choose High-Quality Food

    Low-quality, dusty, or mouldy food can harm birds by introducing toxins and reducing their overall health. Haith’s SuperClean™ diets
    are dust-free and rigorously tested to ensure safety and nutrition. These diets provide birds with the energy they need, especially during colder months when survival depends on every calorie.

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

    Regularly Clean Bird Feeders

    Dirty feeders can spread harmful bacteria and fungi, posing serious risks to birds. Regular cleaning with wildlife-safe disinfectants like Safe4 is non-negotiable to maintain a healthy feeding environment. Dirty feeding stations can harbour pathogens like salmonella and trichomonosis, which spread quickly among birds.

    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 

Explore our SuperClean wild bird foods

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Seasonal Feeding Tips

Find out more here

Why Cleaning Bird Feeders is Non-Negotiable

Advanced Practices for Bird Health

  • 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 

Avian Flu & Latest News

  • Advice for wild bird feeding

    Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a disease that affects birds, particularly during the winter migratory season. While it poses a serious risk to birds, the risk to humans is extremely low. If you enjoy feeding wild birds, here’s how you can help protect them and prevent the spread of this disease.

    Click here to find out more 

  • Advice for cage and aviary keepers

    Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is a serious disease that can affect all birds, including those kept in cages or aviaries. While the risk to humans is very low, it’s important for bird keepers to take precautions to protect their birds and prevent the spread of this disease.

    More advice here 

  • RSPB's decision to withdraw bird tables from sale

    Following the RSPB’s recent announcement regarding the potential risks associated with bird tables, we’ve taken a precautionary step to remove bird tables from sale until further clarity is provided by ongoing scientific research.

    More advice here 

Hygiene essentials

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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

Our Commitment to Bird Welfare:

  • Haith's wild bird booklet

    SuperClean™ Diets:

    Dust-free, rigorously tested seeds that reduce contamination risks.

  • Haith's activities and blogs pages

    Expert Advice:

    Access blogs and resources written by bird care specialists.

    Explore our wildlife blogs 
  • Haith's the bird food centre with pond and jetty

    High-Quality Products:

    From specialist softfoods to wildlife-safe disinfectants, we offer everything you need for safe feeding.
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Haith's pro written work why dust is bad for birds

Why SuperClean a bird diet?

Because Dusty Bird Food Kills Birds: Learn how Haith's ensures cleanliness.

Read how we remove dust

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