Overview
- Conservation groups and garden wildlife experts are advising people to top up birdbaths with fresh tap water every day to keep robins, blackbirds and other species hydrated during the summer heat.
- The RSPB recommends a full scrub of baths and feeders at least once a week using a non‑toxic disinfectant and a thorough rinse to cut the risk of disease transmission between birds.
- Experts warn trichomoniasis and other infections can spread through contaminated water and shared flat feeding surfaces, which prompted the RSPB to withdraw flat, open bird tables from sale while it investigates.
- Seasonal feeding changes are advised: avoid peanuts and loose seed from May through October and offer small amounts of mealworms, suet or fatballs plus soft fruit like apples and pears for chicks.
- Practical garden maintenance can also help breeding birds, so delay hedge cutting until late August and mow less to create sheltered habitat and more insect food for growing chicks.