Disclaimer
This site explains general backyard bird-feeding practice. It is not a substitute for professional or local guidance.
General information only
Everything on Birdyard is general information for a general audience. It is written to help you make better decisions at your own feeder, not to address your specific circumstances.
Not veterinary or medical advice
We describe hygiene and disease-prevention practices in general terms. We do not diagnose or treat birds, and we cannot tell you what is wrong with a sick or injured bird. If you find a sick or injured bird, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Do not handle wildlife without appropriate advice.
Safety
Bird feeding involves tools, ladders, water and sometimes wildlife. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any feeder or birdbath, work safely, and use common sense. Advice about placement, heating and cleaning is not a guarantee of safety in your particular setup.
Wildlife laws vary
Rules about feeding wildlife, attracting certain species, and managing conflict with protected animals differ between countries, states and municipalities. For example, guidance about bears or other large mammals is not universal. Check with your local wildlife authority before acting on anything that could affect protected species or create a public-safety issue.
No guarantee of results
We cannot promise that a particular food, feeder or placement will attract a particular bird. Species, season, weather, local habitat and what your neighbours do all matter. Treat our guidance as a starting point and adjust it to what you observe.
External sources
Where we cite a source, we do so to show where a claim comes from — not to imply that the organisation endorses this site. Sources are linked so you can check them yourself.
Contact
If you think something here is unsafe or inaccurate, please tell us.