Keeping garden birds healthy is mainly about providing good-quality food, clean water and hygienic feeding areas, while reducing opportunities for disease to spread.

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SIX WAYS TO KEEP GARDEN BIRDS HEALTHY

1. ‍Keep Feeders Clean
Wash feeders, bird tables and water containers regularly. Remove old food and droppings, and allow equipment to dry before refilling. This helps reduce transmission of diseases between birds.

2. Provide Fresh, Good-Quality Food
Choose bird food from reputable sources and avoid seed that is damp, mouldy or stale. Store food somewhere cool and dry, protected from rodents and moisture.

3. Don't Overfill Feeders
Put out quantities that birds can consume reasonably quickly. Food left sitting for long periods can become wet, contaminated or mouldy - particularly during warm or damp weather.

4. Provide Clean Drinking Water
Give birds access to fresh water throughout the year for drinking and bathing. Change it frequently and clean bird baths and water dishes regularly.

5. Rotate Feeding Locations
Where practical, occasionally move feeders and ground-feeding areas. This helps prevent droppings, discarded food and pathogens accumulating beneath heavily used feeding points.

6. Watch for Signs of Disease
Look out for birds that appear unusually lethargic, have difficulty feeding or breathing, or have visible abnormalities. If several sick or dead birds appear around a feeding station, temporarily stopping feeding and thoroughly cleaning the area can help reduce further transmission.

Feed well. Keep it clean. Provide fresh water. Protect their health.