Garden Birds

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Garden Birds

This year (2006) has seen 'finch disease' making the headlines due to the deaths of many finches which had been visiting gardens to feed. The outbreak was at it's worst in the South-West and the Midlands, but it emphasised the need for good hygiene if you are using feeders in your garden.

The information on this page is taken from a 'BBC Science and Nature' web page which can be viewed by clicking here.

More excellent advice is also available on the following websites -

The RSPB have a page called 'Hygiene - vital precautions' and one called 'Disease amongst garden birds'.
The BTO have a section called 'Hygiene and disease'.
UFAW have a section devoted to the Garden Bird Health Initiative.

Finch Disease

Finch disease (trichomoniasis) is caused by a parasite that is transferred from bird to bird by saliva, eg when parents are feeding chicks or at feeding stations.

Greenfinches and chaffinches are most frequently affected, but other finch species and house sparrows are susceptible.

Birds with the disease show signs of general illness, eg lethargy and fluffed-up plumage. They may also drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or show laboured breathing.

This disease does not pose a threat to the health of humans, cats or dogs.

The long damp summer has increased the incidence of the disease. The parasites can survive for up to five days on damp grain.

What can I do about it?

DO keep feeding the birds even if you have sick ones
DON'T put out more than the birds can eat in a day
DO sweep the table and area daily
DO give fresh water daily
DO disinfect your feeders and bird table once a week with a watered down household disinfectant and allow to air dry.
DO move feeding areas around to prevent mess in one place.
DO get more information from the links to the right

There has been some confusion about whether to stop feeding birds entirely. Our current advice is to continue feeding birds, concentrating on hygiene. If you stop feeding the birds they will move to other feeders where hygiene may not be as good.