Topic guide
Bird food
Practical guidance on choosing, storing and offering food for wild garden birds.
Good food can quickly deteriorate when it becomes stale, damp or trapped at the bottom of a feeder. Choose a manageable pack that suits the feeder, store it somewhere cool and dry, and offer only a small amount at a time.
Current RSPB advice recommends offering seeds and peanuts between the beginning of November and the end of April. Always check its latest guidance before feeding, empty old food before refilling and keep the equipment clean and dry.
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Useful guides and comparisons
Sunflower hearts
Compare small, reusable and bulk packs, then offer husk-free hearts in a contained feeder.
Read the guide →Fat foodFat balls for birds
Choose a sensible pack size and use a rigid net-free holder.
Read the guide →Winter foodPeanuts for birds
Find aflatoxin-tested whole nuts and understand safe mesh-feeder use.
Read the guide →Mixed seedBird seed mixes
Compare wheat-free, nut-free and bulk blends by ingredients and likely waste.
Read the guide →Invertebrate foodDried mealworms
Compare pack sizes and offer small portions in a suitable contained feeder.
Read the guide →Dry storageBird-food storage containers
Compare metal, larger-box and pourable storage for a clean indoor supply.
Read the guide →Less wasteNo-mess bird feeding
Reduce husks, germination and waste with suitable food, feeders and portions.
Read the guide →Fresh foodFruit feeders
Offer small amounts of suitable fresh fruit in a secure, easy-clean holder.
Read the guide →Suet feedingSuet block feeders
Compare simple, easy-clean and guarded holders for suet cakes.
Read the guide →Storage and weatherHow to keep bird seed dry
Find the source of moisture and prevent spoiled food in wet weather.
Read the guide →Feeder hygieneHow often to clean feeders
Build a safe weekly routine around inspections and small fills.
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