Are Garden Feeders Harming Bird Populations?


ZSL and BTO published their joint report on the health of our garden birds this week.  Could it be that we are inadvertently harming our garden visitors? They had some interesting findings about two diseases in particular.

Finch trichomonosis is a protozoal infection which causes laboured breathing, difficulty swallowing and drooling.  Infected birds are thin and emaciated, and sometimes have matted, wet looking plumage around the face and beak.  It mostly affects greenfinch and chaffinch but any flock forming seed feeder is susceptible. It is believed that trichomonosis is responsible for a 60% reduction in the breeding greenfinch population since 2006.  It is spread through food or water that is contaminated by an infected bird, though the protozoa can not survive for long outside the host.

Passerine Salmonellosis doesn’t show any characteristic symptoms, but birds are lethargic with fluffed plumage, and emaciated.  Like trichomonosis, it affects gregarious seed eaters especially house sparrows and greenfinches.  It is transmitted through contaminated water or food and can survive in the environment for weeks.  If you suspect an outbreak of disease in your garden bird population you should report your observations to gardenwildlifehealth.org.  
The Essex Birder Collared Dove on a Feeder
Hygiene is crucial!

Our feathered friends still need our help, so what can we do?  Anywhere where there is a large gathering of birds meeting regularly will increase the danger of infection. Most diseases whether bird or animal is spread by droppings so feeder and table hygiene is crucial.  Rats are attracted to left overs, so only put enough in the feeders to last a day or two and refill.  Mouldy food is a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria so feeders and tables must be washed and disinfected regularly, and tables should be re-sited monthly to prevent droppings accumulating underneath.  Water dishes should be washed and dried thoroughly, and water should be fresh each day.  Always wash your hands after you’ve touched your bird feeders and wear gloves when you are washing them!

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