Looking at the birds outside in the cold winter months may prompt you to want to feed them. Doing so is a kind gesture, however, it should be done with responsibility and caution.
Once you start feeding birds in winter, they start to rely on your food as their main food source. If you start feeding them, please be responsible and continue to feed them throughout the winter. If you stop feeding them, it may be hard for them to find other food sources.
Many different species of urban bird cause problems in towns and cities, such as damage to building caused by the acidic content of their droppings. The threat to human health is also a concern due to various diseases carried by the birds and unpleasant insects carried in their feathers.
Here are some tips for safely feeding birds in the winter
1. Place a bird feeder or table away from your house or outdoor storage shed or garage so as not to encourage them to take up shelter.
2. Feeder hygiene is very important. Clean it often and move it around a bit so bird droppings don’t accumulate in one place.
3. The most popular food to put out are fat balls (seeds mixed with fat) which are easily available for purchase.
4. Never use butter or polyunsaturated fats because they can get stuck on birds’ feathers and cause problems.
5. Unsalted peanuts are a very popular way of feeding birds in winter. However, it is important that they are crushed to prevent choking. Sunflower seeds can also be used, however, the husks are very hard for birds to remove. If you use these, crushed them so they are less work and easier to digest.
Be Aware of Potential Bird Problems
Sometimes birds will look for shelter from the cold and find places around your house or garage. If they start taking up residence in your home, such as in the attic, chimney, garage, or soffit, it is best to contact a professional pest control company to ethically trap and remove them.
Letting birds live in your home or garage during the winter may seem like the ethical thing to do, however, birds can cause damage to your home and you.
Bird droppings can contribute to many diseases, and birds themselves can carry other parasites, lice, mites, and ticks. If they can not find an adequate food source, they indirectly contaminate dormant vegetable gardens and livestock feed. The nests can become a fire hazard if they are near a heating source.
Don’t let these issues deter you from feeding birds in winter. If you take care to be responsible with your feeding techniques, the birds will be very thankful and you can enjoy their beauty during the dreary winter months.
If you suspect you might have a bird issue, contact us at 0121 580 9229 or by email at enquiries@advantagepestcontrol.co.uk. We would be happy to talk to you. Read about all of our services at www.advantagepestcontrol.co.uk.
