Bird Feeder

If buying:

• invest in a good quality feeder or roofed bird table, to keep food dry and stop it going off.

• Different style feeders/food type will attract different bird species. Hanging plastic feeders with sunflower hearts are good for finches, tits and sparrows; hanging mesh feeders with peanuts attract tits; hanging mesh feeders with fat balls are good for tits and sparrows. Feeder trays help collect fallen food and allow more birds to feed.

If making:

• It is also possible to make a range of easy bird feeders (including from recycled materials) which could be linked to the DT/Science curriculums (see useful links).

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• Bird feeders can be purchased from as little as £10.

• Food costs start around £5 and vary depending on type and quantity. 

• Purchase good quality food from a reputable supplier such as the RSPB shop.

• Place feeders out of reach of predators like cats. They should be a couple of metres away from thick cover like bushes, so that small birds can easily retreat from predators.

• Birds can be fed year round, although food tends to be less available in winter, so this is a good time to provide extra food.

• Feed fat in the winter only, as they it go off in summer and birds don’t need high energy food as much in the warmer months.

• Avoid feeding: salted or cooked food, loose peanuts (keep in a feeder), dry, hard foods or bread during the spring or summer months (can choke young).

• Planting flowers, shrubs and trees will provide a source of berries, seeds and insects which will benefit a range of wildlife, including providing natural sources of food for birds.

• Studies have shown that garden bird feeding has supported population growth in some bird species, and has increased the diversity of species visiting feeders. There can also be negative impacts, such as disease transmission at feeders, but risks can be reduced by good maintenance at feeding stations (see maintenance above).

• If feeders aren’t being used, try different locations. 

• Clear under feeders to keep rodents away and/or move feeders during the year to stop debris build-up underneath.

• Don’t allow stale food, food waste and droppings to accumulate.

• Clean feeders regularly to avoid disease transmission between birds. Wash with a mild disinfectant and hot water, rinsing fully and drying before filling with food.

• Keep food in cool, clean rodent-proof storage containers.

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• https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-recycled-bird-feeder/

• https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-bird-kebab/

• https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/feed-the-birds/