this was posted on Facebook by a wildlife rescue:
“The Truth About Canker: Stop the Panic, Start the Cleaning
The recent headlines regarding Trichomoniasis (canker) in wild birds have sparked a wave of "scaremongering" that might actually be doing more harm than good. The common knee-jerk advice—a blanket command to "stop feeding the birds"—is lazy, misleading, and dangerous, especially during the demanding breeding season.
The food isn't the problem. Poor hygiene is.
When we scare people into removing vital food sources without addressing the root cause, we leave birds vulnerable during their most physically taxing months. In an era of concrete jungles and plastic grass, wild birds rely on us more than ever. They don't need us to withdraw support; they need us to step up our standards.
The Real Culprits of Contamination
Disease doesn't thrive because of the seed; it thrives because of the environment. Trichomoniasis spreads when we allow our gardens to become "feathery versions of a grim service station toilet."
• Stagnant Water: Dirty bird baths are breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Contaminated Feeders: Moldy residue and bird droppings on perches.
• Ground Rot: Old, damp food left to decay on the soil.
• Overcrowding: Forcing too many birds into one static, filthy spot day after day.
How to Feed Safely (The Right Advice)
Instead of retreating in a panic, we should be pivoting toward responsible husbandry. If you want to help your local bird population, follow these common-sense rules:
• Sanitize Weekly: Clean feeders and baths with a weak disinfectant (or specialized bird-safe cleaner) and rinse thoroughly.
• Clear the Debris: Sweep up dropped food and old husks daily to prevent ground rot.
• Rotate Stations: Move your feeders around the garden to prevent pathogens from building up in one specific patch of soil.
• Freshness Matters: Only put out enough food for one or two days to ensure nothing sits around getting damp.
The "Mealworm Myth"
A common but misguided "fix" is swapping bird seed for dried mealworms. This is not a balanced staple diet. Dried mealworms have an inverted calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
When growing chicks are fed a diet heavy in dried mealworms, it can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, causing fractures, deformities, and immense suffering. Replacing proper nutrition with "crunchy nonsense" is not an act of kindness—it's a nutritional disaster.
The Bottom Line
Wild birds deserve better than watered-down advice dressed up as expertise. We must look at the bigger picture: our gardens are often the only "islands" of resources left for them.
The Golden Rule: If you see a localized outbreak of sick birds in your immediate area, then you should temporarily remove feeders to encourage the birds to disperse. Otherwise, the message is simple:
Keep feeding, but do it properly. Fresh food, fresh water, and a clean environment are the only ways to support birds through the risk of Trichomoniasis without starving them in the process. Be honest: are your feeders a five-star restaurant or a health hazard? It’s time to clean up our act.”
I have bought some brand new feeders and thrown away my old ones, and I’m going to fill them every couple of days. I already move them regularly, and have bought some sanitiser to clean them with. I am going with increased care and cleanliness and fewer feeders, rather than stopping completely