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Are backyard bird feeders really safe for the health of wild birds?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Is a bird feeder detrimental to the health of wild birds?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24, 2019

Hello. No, I do not think so. The biggest concern about birdfeeders is how they attract predators including sparrow hawks & cats. Some folks claim we are turning wild birds into seed junkies & this is very bad for their livers ( I am always telling my clients to get their caged budgies & cockatiels off of an all seed diet ). But most wild birds do supplement their diets & do migrate after fueling up on the energy filling seeds. Bad seed ( moldy ) can kill birds with aflatoxin. And the spilled seed can attract vermin which can carry disease. Some folks recommend only feeding during the cold weather to help migratory birds & to only buy the best & freshest seed you can. Cost matters, so stay away from the crappy dollar store bags of bird seed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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