RSPB stops selling flat bird feeders

The RSPB has stopped selling flat bird feeders in an effort to help combat the spread of trichomonosis.

The charity has explained that flat surfaces used to feed birds, such as tables, could help spread avian diseases such as trichomonosis, which has had a shocking impact on the UK population of Greenfinch.

Greenfinch is particuarly susceptible to diseases such as trichomonosis (Fausto Riccioni).

Negative effects

The RSPB, whose Big Garden Birdwatch takes place next weekend [24-26 January 2025], told customers: "We know so many of you love feeding your garden birds and some bird species really do benefit from us putting out extra food for them, especially in winter. 

"However, there is increasing evidence that for other birds there can also be negative effects such as the spread of disease, especially among finches.

"As a precautionary measure, whiele we await the findings of a 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."

In 2005, trichomonosis was first recognised as a cause of disease in British finches, with Greenfinch and Chaffinch most affected, although a range of garden birds have been found to be susceptible to the parasite.

Population crash

Greenfinch has experienced a population crash of 63% since 1993, with disease a key factor behind recent declines.

Research has shown the transmission of infection is most likely to be through birds feeding one another with regurgitated food during the breeding season, or through food or drinking water contaminated with saliva.