Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Ask Lynne’ for the Western Mail. 9th April 2016
I have been feeding the wild birds in my garden through the winter but should I keep feeding in the spring and summer? I have read that it is better to let them feed naturally.
I keep feeding mine. Birds will be building their nests now in preparation for laying their eggs so will be glad of a continued supply of food. But it is important to only feed selected foods at this time of year and good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good.
Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts to be removed and provide a choking risk.
During the summer months, birds require high protein foods, especially while they are moulting. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, wax worms, mixes for insectivorous birds, good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture are all good foods to provide. Soft apples and pears cut in half, bananas and grapes are also good. Home-made fat balls can go soft and rancid in warm summer weather, and should be avoided.
Temporary food shortage can occur at almost any time of the year, and if this happens during the breeding season, extra food on your bird table can make a big difference to the survival of young.
It is now known that if the weather turns cold or wet during spring or summer, severe shortage of insect food can occur, and even if the weather is exceptionally dry, earthworms will be unavailable to the ground feeders because the soil will be too hard for them to excavate.
We have already noticed a few wasps in our garden and I believe they are looking to start a home somewhere at this time of year. Is there any way that we can deter them at this stage?
The queens will have probably starting building nests now but yes, I have heard that the Waspinator acts as a great deterrent. It resembles a wasp’s nest, which encourages the wasps to go off and look elsewhere to set up home. I can’t vouch for it personally but I think it is probably worth a try and is a great believer in prevention being better than cure. You can read reviews and find out more at www.waspinator.co.uk. Let me know how you get on!
I have noticed that all my houseplants are looking a bit tired after the winter – I know how they feel! I remember my grandmother putting hers outside for them to be watered by the rain and benefit from the fresh air. Is that a good idea?
It is in theory but our weather is so unpredictable these days you will have to keep an eye on them! If it is feasible, I think it’s lovely for them to have a drink of fresh rainwater but it’s not always practical to hoik them in and out if the weather is hostile. The sun has been really strong on times of late so that could do them more harm than good and of course don’t leave them out overnight if frost is forecast.
In general, it is a good idea to start giving your houseplants a weekly feed now, and increase the frequency of watering too. They will be full of enthusiasm for the spring and summer months and developing new growth, so it is important to make sure they have the resources and TLC that they need.
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