insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 135

© Eleanor Bentall
(rspb-images.com)

© Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time of the year, as these can
be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. Commercially produced
fat bars are suitable for summer feeding, but discard any remains after three
weeks.
Food shortages
Temporary food shortages can occur at almost any time of the year, and
if this happens during the breeding season, extra food on your bird table
can make a big difference to the survival of the young.
This reasons as to why it is best to remain cautious and not put out food
that is likely to create problems.

Hygiene
Taking care of your feeders, bird table and bird bath will reduce the chances
of spreading diseases amongst the feeding few. Here are some top tips
for a germ-free garden:
• Monitor your food supply carefully. If the food takes days to clear, reduce
the amount of food you're offering.
• Use a bird table or hanging feeders. A ground feeding tray is preferable
to putting food directly on the ground because it's easier to keep clean.
Food on the ground should all be eaten before nightfall, as rats are
attracted to leftover food and often carry diseases which can affect birds
or humans.
• Keep your bird tables and surrounding areas clean and free from droppings
or mouldy food, which can provide breeding grounds for parasites and
bacteria. If large amounts of droppings have accumulated, they should
be cleared and burnt, before cleansing the ground with a disinfectant.
• Clean and wash your bird table and hanging feeders regularly and move
feeding stations to a new area every month to prevent droppings
accumulating underneath.
• Water containers should be rinsed out daily, especially during the warmer
months. Allow to dry out before fresh water is added too.

RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) looks after more than 200 nature
reserves, of which provide some of the best places for wildlife in the UK. From
heathland to woodland, and reedbeds to farmland – all reserves are kept in ideal
conditions for threatened plants, insects, birds, beasts, reptiles and amphibians.
The UK-based charity tirelessly campaigns to protect species from damaging
developments, and create the conditions they need to flourish.

www.rspb.org.uk

135