‘Cheap’ filler ingredients in bird feed are harming your garden birds – ingredient red flags to look out for, according to wildlife experts

A blue tit eating fat balls from a hanging bird feeder.

Wildlife experts are warning gardeners against leaving ‘cheap’ suet balls in their bird feeders this January, due to the risk they contain filler ingredients that can be harmful to birds.

If you’re someone who tries to attract birds to your garden, no doubt feeding them has become part of your routine - and it is a truly joyful experience. Knowing what and when to feed birds not only encourages them to keep visiting your garden and provides natural pest control and pollination services, but also keeps our feathered friends safe, healthy and well-fed.