Warning issued to homeowners with blackbirds and robins in gardens this February
This time of the year marks breeding season for birds, meaning our gardens are usually filled with wildlife hunting for food. The current colder temperatures do, however, mean that the animals can sometimes struggle.
So many of our avian friends are on the lookout for scraps, which can lead to problems for some species. People are being warned to be extra cautious if blackbirds, dunnocks, or robins frequently visit your garden you could be feeding them incorrectly.
Hanging feeders are a popular way to keep birds fed, however, they aren't ideal for all species. The suspended feeding system is difficult for blackbirds, dunnocks and robins to cling to.
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This then makes it harder for them to get their food, which can cause them to not consume enough food to help them thrive. During colder months it can be tougher for birds to get nutrients they need to survive due to factors like increased competition from migratory species and dwindled resources, reports the Mirror.
In order to make sure these birds are happily fed, it’s much better to use a flat surface to lay out suet or seeds. This can be a bird table, an open stretch of shorn grass, or a patio area. Simply sprinkle the food out and watch as your feathery guests hop out to peck up the food in peace.
Of course, it is extremely important that you clean the surface after laying out feed. Make sure, if using a flat feeder, that you wash it using a disinfectant solution. Alternatively, if laying food out on a patio or lawn, it is a good idea to wash any remnants away with a hose or bucket and sponge. It’s not just about keeping your garden looking clean, either.
Bird feeders can encourage the spread of serious diseases among species, like trichomoniasis: a parasite that causes lesions in a bird’s mouth, ultimately preventing them from eating. The best way to prevent this is by giving them a regular scrub down and alternating where you leave the feed.
Gardeners' World advises: “While tits and finches are expert at clinging to feeders, blackbirds, dunnocks and robins are much happier foraging on a flat surface, such as a bird table, short grass or paving. The latter also makes it easier for you to clear up spillage if you need to. In fact, good hygiene is a must.
"A bird-feeding area can be a hotbed for disease, so clean your feeders weekly using a weak disinfectant solution, rinse well before allowing them to dry and then refilling. It's also important to move the location of feeders every month, to prevent the build up of bacteria in any one area.”
