Knowledge base: Sick, injured and dead birds
What should I do if I see a sick bird at my feeder?
Stop feeding, clean the feeders and bird bath thoroughly, and report the sighting to Garden Wildlife Health. How long to stop is where the RSPB and the BTO differ: the RSPB says resume only after a month, and only if no more sick birds are seen; the BTO says stop for at least two weeks since you last saw an unwell bird. Finchwold does not pick between them.
What the two pages say
- RSPB: “If you see a sick bird on your feeders, stop feeding altogether, thoroughly clean your feeders and store away from the garden.” “Only resume feeding after a month.” “Only resume feeding if no more sick birds can be seen.”
- BTO: “stop feeding for at least two weeks (since you last saw an unwell bird)”. Leave bird baths empty until no more sick or dead birds are seen. Start again only when there are no signs of disease, and stop again if they come back.
If you want a single rule, the longer pause meets both.
Signs to look for
The BTO lists these signs of trichomonosis: difficulty swallowing, laboured breathing, and swelling of the throat and neck. It says greenfinches, chaffinches, siskins, house sparrows and collared doves are the species most often reported as disease victims. Other diseases on its list include avian pox, salmonellosis and avian influenza.
Reporting and handling
The BTO and RSPB both point to Garden Wildlife Health for reports of sick or dead garden birds. The RSPB says do not touch visibly sick or dead birds, and keep pets away. Dead birds are covered in what to do with a dead bird in the garden.
Sources
- RSPB: Feeding birds near you, opened 14 November 2026.
- BTO: Good hygiene practice, opened 14 November 2026.
- BTO: Disease in wild and garden birds, opened 14 November 2026.
- RSPB: What to do if you find sick or dead birds, opened 14 November 2026.
- Garden Wildlife Health, opened 14 November 2026.