feeding birds in the summer

kildare lad

As someone new to putting out feeders in the garden, should i take them in when the summer comes. Some people say to continue feeding them through the summer and others say its better to take your feeders in and let them feed naturally. Whats every ones opinions on this... thanks

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

All advice from RSPB and BTO is to feed all year round.

Half-cocked

But don't put out any food that young birds could choke on. According to the RSPB: Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts to be taken, reducing the choking risk to chicks.

Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/when-to-feed-garden-birds/#gIZQvVHudIPtcl21.99

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Half-cocked wrote: »

But don't put out any food that young birds could choke on. According to the RSPB: Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts to be taken, reducing the choking risk to chicks.

Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/when-to-feed-garden-birds/#gIZQvVHudIPtcl21.99

Peanuts are absolutely fine, if given in a mesh feeder, and are an important protein source for the adult birds when busy feeding young. Fats should always only be given in severely cold weather. Bread is never a good choice at any time of year.

Half-cocked

Gibson Sticky Poplar wrote: »

Peanuts are absolutely fine, if given in a mesh feeder.

And use a metal mesh feeder. I've found that larger birds will soon open up a hole in plastic mesh to get at whole peanuts, and then the smaller birds will also use the same hole.

kildare lad

thanks very much