Gardeners warned to ‘rethink’ bird feeders as they could spread deadly disease

The RSPB has removed flat bird feeders from its online shop following concerns that they could be aiding the spread of diseasesSophie Law Deputy Editor Spare Time, Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor and Sam Dimmer East Midlands Head of Brand

11:04, 12 Oct 2025

Bird feeders could spread diseases finch trichomonosis(Image: Tony Quinn / 500px via Getty Images)

Gardeners are being warned to think twice about using bird tables in their gardens amid concerns they could spread deadly diseases.

The RSPB has withdrawn flat bird feeders from its online shop after evidence suggested they might be helping to transmit illnesses such as finch trichomonosis, particularly amongst finches.

Greenfinches have experienced a dramatic population decline, with bird numbers falling by 69 per cent between 2008 and 2018 due to a parasitic disease. The species was placed on the red list in 2021.

The charity told customers: “As a precautionary measure, whilst we await the findings of the review, we have suspended all our bird tables and related products, table mix and table mix extra, window feeders and feeder guardians with trays, from sale.

“This is because there is evidence to suggest that some birds, particularly finches, can be more exposed to disease when fed on flat surfaces like these.”

Experts at Vine House Farm are urging gardeners to stop using flat feeders such as tables and trays following the RSPB’s alert, reports the Mirror.

Bird expert Lucy Taylor said: “Providing garden birds with food on bird tables, ground trays and other small and confined flat surfaces, does carry a particular risk to the health of birds because of the increased chance of disease transmission.

“This is because the disease Tricomonosis – which especially affects Greenfinches and Chaffinches – can more easily be transmitted when an infected bird drops food onto the flat surface, which another bird then picks up.”

Bacteria from decomposing food and debris from seed husks can build up on a flat surface and result in Salmonella, which can prove deadly to birds, the expert explained.

She continued: “But the good news is that these risks to birds can be greatly reduced if very regular and thorough cleaning is carried out on all types of bird feeders, plus other measures are taken.”

Lucy explained: “If you are unable to regularly and thoroughly clean bird tables and other flat-surfaced feeders, you should avoid using these feeding methods. However, note that all types of bird feeders must be kept clean.”