How to keep your birds well fed and healthy

Whatever the size of your outdoor space there is something you can do to help your local birdlife. A simple feeder attached to your window can be a great way of attracting birds and can give you some really close-up views. If you have a bit more space, you could look to put up a feeder, add a bird table or even a bird feeding station. You’ll find plenty of good quality options here at the RSPB shop.

One thing to consider is that different birds like to feed in different ways. Birds such as Blackbirds, Robins and House Sparrows are generally ground feeders, preferring to hop around on the ground or a bird table, while tits and finches generally prefer to feed from hanging feeders.  

You can put your bird feeder in all sorts of places, but aim for somewhere: 

• Quiet – where birds won't be disturbed. 
• Safe – not too close to bushes where predators could hide in wait, but close enough to cover so that birds can easily dart to and from. Birds like to have a view all around them while feeding. 
• Sheltered from harsh winds.  

There are lots of different bird foods available, including mixes for bird feeders and bird tables, as well as for ground feeding. Many birds will happily eat a variety of foods, but here are some of our top tips for feeding the birds:  

• Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods, from suet nibbles to mealworms. 
• Blue Tits and Great Tits use both a feeder and a bird table, eating seeds as well as suet and peanuts. 
• Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, also use both a feeder and a bird table, and they love sunflower hearts.  
• If you’re keen to attract Goldfinches or Siskins, try nyjer seeds as they both seem to love them. Nyjer seed is also popular with Greenfinches and Redpolls.  
• House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Collared Doves prefer to feed on the ground and will be attracted by small seeds. 
• Suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent high energy giving foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds.  
• Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails. 
• Be sure to look for good quality bird food – those that don’t include ‘fillers’ such as dried peas and beans, red dari and wholewheat that birds rarely eat.  
• You can also put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog don’t put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them. 

It’s also good to put out water for birds too, particularly when it is very cold and usual water sources might be frozen. The most important thing is to keep it clean and to put out fresh water every day. You will find a good range of frost-resistant bird baths in the RSPB shop, but you could also provide water in the following ways: 

• Try an old dustbin lid – anything shallow that holds water will do. 
• Large plant pot trays also work well. 
• Add a shallow or sloping area to a pond. 
• Use a water feature or fountain. 

It’s very important to keep bird feeders, tables and baths clean in order to stop any build-up of bacteria and viruses that can spread diseases and infections among garden birds. Greenfinches, in particular, have been hit hard by trichomonosis, a disease which can be spread by contaminated food and drinking water. But by keeping feeders, bird tables and bird baths clean we can help keep birds healthy.  

• Clean your feeders, bird baths and tables outside every week 
• Wear gloves and use warm soapy water 
• Scrub feeders inside and out using a strong, long bristled brush. Do this in a bucket, not in your kitchen sink  
• Use a mild, non-toxic disinfectant 
• Make sure the feeder is thoroughly dry before refilling it with food 
• Should you see any signs of disease stop feeding the birds for at least two weeks

Take a look at our full guide to cleaning your bird feeder here!

Bird watching can be an endless source of pleasure. By regularly putting out food you can get to know the birds in your patch and enjoy getting to know their behaviours. Not sure what bird you’ve seen? Try our online Bird Identifier.

Happy birdwatching!