Just been reading Springwatch messageboard and feel a little confused. There seemed to be some debate as to puuting out fat balls at this time of year. Do I or don't I ? Can one of you knowledgeable guys please advise me.
Birds Rule
Hi Snowdonia
This is a link to the RSPB advice about seasonal feeding: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/whentofeed.asp
What it says about fat products specifically is: "Home-made fatballs can go soft and rancid in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. Commercially produced fat bars are suitable for summer feeding but discard any remains after three weeks".
Fat balls certainly aren't lasting 3 weeks in my feeder at present! The sparrows can't get enough of them and now the fledglings have learned how to hang on, they empty the feeder containing 3 or 4 every day. I remember last year though, my birds lost interest in fat balls as the summer went on so I stopped putting them out.
Hi Sue thanks for reply on fat balls, 3 weeks? they don't last 3hours in this garden. Your answer has helped. I only really started taking an interest in birds in the last 18 months due to a fear of them (which has now gone) so I have lots of things I still don't know.