Around half of the UK population with outdoor space feed the birds during winter, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA).
PFMA’s deputy chief executive Nicola Paley said: “The winter months provide a challenge for birds as frosts, winds and snow can make it hard to find natural food supplies. Some smaller birds need to eat 30-40% of their body weight to survive the winter and supplementary feeding can provide a lifeline.”
The research suggests that 51% of city dwellers feed the birds during winter, while the figure rises to 57% in rural communities.
The PFMA says that during the winter, birds need high energy, high-fat foods such as fat/suet balls and sunflower seeds.
Further advice is available on the organisation’s website.
