Arabic version: جمعية حماية الطيور الملكية تنصح بعدم إطعام الطيور خلال الأشهر الأكثر دفئًا

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued a new guideline recommending that bird enthusiasts halt feeding garden birds from 1 May to 31 October. This advice aims to prevent the spread of trichomonosis, a disease that has significantly impacted bird populations in the UK, particularly greenfinches and chaffinches.

According to BBC News, the greenfinch population has seen a dramatic decline, dropping by two million and now classified as on the red list of endangered birds. Trichomonosis, caused by a parasite, affects birds’ ability to eat and drink, and can be transmitted through contaminated food sources, leading to disease hotspots at bird feeders.

The RSPB’s latest survey indicates that the ranking of greenfinches has fallen from seventh place in 1979 to eighteenth in 2025. With over 16 million households regularly feeding birds, the charity hopes to encourage a change in habits to reduce disease transmission, although it acknowledges that this may be challenging.

The RSPB advises maintaining cleanliness by thoroughly washing feeders weekly and relocating them after cleaning. It also suggests offering small amounts of mealworms or fat balls year-round, while emphasizing the importance of hygiene. The charity has also stopped selling flat bird feeders, citing a higher risk of disease transmission on flat surfaces.

While some bird enthusiasts express concern over the new guidelines, the RSPB maintains that a unified message is essential for effective change. Critics from the pet food industry have raised concerns about the clarity of the new advice, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny of the underlying research. Nonetheless, the RSPB is committed to adapting its guidance based on evolving scientific evidence and public health considerations.