partridge in my garden

[SuePine69]

I saw a partridge today in my communal garden. I saw it a few days ago so it seems to be resident there. It's such a lovely bird I feel I should try and help it. When I get home tonight I'll put some water out for it.

I'm not sure if I should feed it too. I don't know what sort of food would be best but also I don't want to encourage rats and feral pigeons. We've had rats before.

It's not like our garden is next to fields or anything. There is quite a large area of grass and hedges at the back of the block of flats. I haven't seen it there though. It is in quite a small area with paving, raised beds and pergolas. Perhaps it feels safer there.

They basically eat grain type food.(Chicken food from pet shop)

So difficult not to be feeding rats too.

Get a low metal container, with a secure (clip on?) metal lid.
Food in container, open top, leave with bird for 5-10 mins, clip lid back on.
Bird will soon learn its feed time now, it won't be here later.

This is also the way to feed chickens , and not feed rats.
Only issue, many birds like to scrabble with their feet, thus scattering food. Which you need to clean up.

If you don't feed it, it'll go and seek food elsewhere, so it's not essential.