How Long to Continue Feeding (1 Viewer)

[BobNH]

I have been feeding birds since last October here in Northern NJ. I understand that I should continue thru the birthing season, but was wondering whether I should pause for the Summer. Feeding them is one of the tasks I use to occupy my time during the pandemic lockdown, and it is certainly no burden on me, but I wanted to ask whether dependency is something to be concerned about. Should the birds be forced to rely on the natural food sources in my yard over the Summer?

 

[delia todd]

Hi again Bob.

I can only re-iterate what I said in a previous post to you on this subject.

I feed my birds all the year. They come and go, visiting less often when there's plenty of feed available in the wider countryside, and I know they also visit feeders in other gardens.

I'm not sure why you're asking the same question again?

 

[BobNH]

I have been feeding birds since last October here in Northern NJ. I understand that I should continue thru the birthing season, but was wondering whether I should pause for the Summer. Feeding them is one of the tasks I use to occupy my time during the pandemic lockdown, and it is certainly no burden on me, but I wanted to ask whether dependency is something to be concerned about. Should the birds be forced to rely on the natural food sources in my yard over the Summer?

I had been reading about dependency concerns when feeding wild rabbits, and wanted to see if there was any opinion about this when feeding wild birds.

 

[Kits]

I don't think you need to worry about birds becoming dependent on you for food, Bob. We put food out all year round.

 

[stuartvine]

We put out feed all year round, but the birds don't depend on it when other food is available.