Winter feeding of birds

Winter feeding of birds 

Winter feeding is a popular and important way to help birds survive the cold winter months. It provides birds with additional nutrition to help them endure the cold and short days. Winter feeding can also bring joy and life to your yard by allowing you to watch the birds up close.

Things to note about feeding

However, it is important to remember that feeding birds can also attract unwanted guests, such as rats. Rats can spread diseases and cause damage to structures. Here are some tips to help you minimize the attraction of rats:

1. Position the feeding area correctly: Choose a location that is away from buildings and garbage cans. Hang feeders high up, such as on a tree branch, so that rats cannot reach them.
2. Use automatic feeders: Open feeders can attract rats. Instead, use closed feeders that allow birds to peck at the food but prevent rats from accessing the food.
3. Keep the feeding area clean: Make sure the area around the feeding area is kept clean. Remove any seeds that have fallen to the ground regularly.
4. Choose the right food: Favor tallow balls, seeds, and nuts.
5. Monitor the situation: Monitor the feeding area regularly and take action if you notice any signs of rats or other pests.

With these measures, you can enjoy winter feeding for birds while reducing the attraction of rats and other pests. 

Birds must not be fed on the ground.

If there are rats in your area, you should stop feeding birds in your yard, at least for a while. This will prevent rats from coming into your yard to look for food. Keeping the feeding areas clean is also important and always the responsibility of the bird feeder.

More information
environmental protectionimatra.fi (environmental action@imatra.fi)