Gardeners are being warned to be careful what they’re leaving out for birds this spring
April is the worst time to leave bread out for birds (Image: vandervelden via Getty Images)
April brings its own charm; while showers are frequent during this period, it’s also when blossoms emerge and our gardens welcome an increasing number of feathered visitors. Spring marks the breeding period for birds, during which they require additional sustenance to help their young develop the strength needed for survival.
Numerous garden enthusiasts provide food for birds, and while this gesture comes from a place of kindness, it can inadvertently cause harm – even proving fatal to fledglings in severe instances – if you’re merely disposing of kitchen scraps. Many individuals scatter bread across their garden structures or grass for birds, but specialists at the RSPB have cautioned that this is among the most harmful offerings at present.
The specialists stated: “You should never put out dry, hard foods or bread during the spring or summer months. Parent birds might take these back to their nests and their young can choke on it.”
Bread is one of the worst things to feed birds in spring(Image: Getty)
Why can you not feed birds bread?
There’s a widespread misunderstanding across Britain that bread benefits birds, largely stemming from nostalgic recollections of childhood trips to feed waterfowl with it.
Nevertheless, bread consists predominantly of carbohydrates and lacks the essential nutrients birds require for good health. When birds consume substantial amounts of bread rather than their natural diet of insects or seeds, they may feel satisfied, yet can suffer from malnutrition despite not experiencing hunger.
Bread poses a choking risk to baby chicks, and a lack of essential nutrients during their early development can trigger a condition known as Angel Wing — a lifelong deformity.
While a modest amount of bread is unlikely to cause significant harm to adult birds at other times of the year, overfeeding should always be avoided. During April in particular, bread can prove genuinely dangerous to fledglings and may even prove fatal.
At this time of year, parent birds tend to forage closer to home — often visiting garden feeders — as they are reluctant to stray too far from their nests. Knowing what to put out for your local wildlife is therefore crucial to keeping it thriving.
Bread can really harm baby chicks in spring and stop them from growing properly(Image: Getty)
What should you feed birds instead?
Currently, the most beneficial foods to offer birds are high-protein, soft options that are easily digestible. Mealworms or waxworms are particularly popular choices, packed with vital nutrients and providing a valuable energy boost.
Birds will also readily take to seeds such as sunflower, nyjer, or premium mixed varieties available from local pet shops. For those on a tighter budget, chopped apples and pears make an excellent alternative, offering a wealth of vitamins that are especially beneficial for young birds.
It is safer to leave out soft and cut up fruit or seeds for birds(Image: Getty)
It is advisable to steer clear of suet balls for now — while they are generally good for birds, they tend to melt rapidly in warmer weather, which can coat feathers and hinder a bird’s ability to fly or preen itself.
Regardless of what food you provide for birds, they will consistently value having a secure spot to access drinking water, so maintaining a functioning bird bath remains one of the most vital methods to ensure your local wildlife thrives during spring.
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