Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider

Wales Online

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Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider
As the Usutu virus spreads, homeowners who feed birds in their gardens are urged to reduce bacteria as much as possible
Fat from the melted suet can get stuck in a bird's feathers
(Image: Getty )
Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds in their back garden. However, as innocent as it may seem, feeding birds in the garden, especially during summer, carries some risks and may do more harm than good if people aren't careful.
In a warning by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), homeowners across the UK are being urged to reconsider putting fat balls, or suet balls, out in their garden during the warmer months. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to rise over the coming days, with the first yellow heat-health alert of 2025 issued for four regions of the country.
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The alert is currently in place for the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions of England. Just like people are urged to put certain bird food out during winter to help them survive the cold, homeowners with gardens are urged to be careful about what they put out in hot weather. If you often put fat balls out, then it is time to reconsider.
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During the spring and summer months, the RSPB says: "Birds require high-protein foods, especially while they're moulting. Be careful with peanuts, fat and bread during spring and summer. If you want to feed peanuts, only do so in rigid mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces to be removed, since these could be a choking hazard to chicks."
In terms of fat balls, the charity says: "Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided." It recommends people opt for suet products that are resistant to melting in heat.
People using fat balls in summer are urged to reconsider alternatives to use instead
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While fat balls can be a valuable energy source, they can also pose risks if not managed properly. Fat balls, especially homemade ones, can melt in warm weather, causing grease and potentially harming birds' feathers.
Studies indicate that although some birds benefit from fat-rich foods, others may experience lower breeding success when these foods are easily accessible. Inappropriate foods, including fat balls, can create choking hazards for chicks, especially when nestlings are around.
Fat balls can spoil, particularly in warmer weather, and leftover food can attract pests or other wildlife. It can also quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. At the moment, certain bird species are under threat as the Usutu virus spreads.
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Keeping your bird feeders clean is important, as some species face the threat of bacterial infections and viruses
(Image: Getty )
The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is raising alarms among wildlife specialists in the UK, especially regarding blackbirds. This virus was initially identified in the UK in 2020 and has been associated with a decrease in certain blackbird populations. It is classified as notifiable, which indicates that although it is not a specific virus name, it represents a virus of concern, similar to various other diseases affecting animals or humans.
It is advised to limit fat balls in warm months, when they are more prone to melting. You may want to choose quality fat balls made with premium ingredients that can endure outdoor conditions. To cater to a broader array of bird species, it is best to provide a range of food options, such as seeds, nuts, berries, and insects.
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What do birds eat?
According to the RSPB, many birds will happily eat a variety of foods. But here are some of the organisation's top tips for feeding birds:
Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods, from suet pellets to mealworms.
Blue Tits and Great Tits use a feeder, eating seeds as well as suet and peanuts.
Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, also use a feeder, and they love sunflower hearts.
If you're keen to attract Goldfinches or Siskins, try Nyjer seeds as they both seem to love them. Nyjer seed is also popular with Greenfinches and Redpolls.
House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Collared Doves prefer to feed on the ground and will be attracted by small seeds.
Suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent high energy giving foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds.
Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails.
Be sure to look for good quality bird food – those that don't include 'fillers' such as dried peas and beans, red dari and wholewheat that birds rarely eat.
You can also put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
Bird feeders should be cleaner regularly and any old food removed and replaced with fresh
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Where should you put bird feeders?
You can set up your bird feeder in various locations, but try to choose a spot that is quiet and in a place where birds won't feel disturbed. Also, aim for somewhere away from bushes where predators might be lurking, yet close enough to cover for birds to quickly escape, as birds prefer to have a clear view around them while they eat.
Also, try to keep feeders in sheltered areas away from strong winds. However, no matter where you decide to hang your feeder, ensure that you can see it from indoors to enjoy watching the birds. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the birds to become accustomed to a new feeder, so don't feel discouraged if you don't see many birds at the beginning.