Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider
As the Usutu virus spreads, homeowners who feed birds in their gardens are urged to reduce bacteria as much as possible
Fat from the melted suet can get stuck in a bird's feathers
(Image: Getty )
Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds in their back garden. However, as innocent as it may seem, feeding birds in the garden, especially during summer, carries some risks and may do more harm than good if people aren't careful.
In a warning by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), homeowners across the UK are being urged to reconsider putting fat balls, or suet balls, out in their garden during the warmer months. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to rise over the coming days, with the first yellow heat-health alert of 2025 issued for four regions of the country.
The alert is currently in place for the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions of England. Just like people are urged to put certain bird food out during winter to help them survive the cold, homeowners with gardens are urged to be careful about what they put out in hot weather. If you often put fat balls out, then it is time to reconsider.
During the spring and summer months, the RSPB says: "Birds require high-protein foods, especially while they're moulting. Be careful with peanuts, fat and bread during spring and summer. If you want to feed peanuts, only do so in rigid mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces to be removed, since these could be a choking hazard to chicks."
In terms of fat balls, the charity says: "Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided." It recommends people opt for suet products that are resistant to melting in heat.
People using fat balls in summer are urged to reconsider alternatives to use instead
Article continues below
While fat balls can be a valuable energy source, they can also pose risks if not managed properly. Fat balls, especially homemade ones, can melt in warm weather, causing grease and potentially harming birds' feathers.
Studies indicate that although some birds benefit from fat-rich foods, others may experience lower breeding success when these foods are easily accessible. Inappropriate foods, including fat balls, can create choking hazards for chicks, especially when nestlings are around.
Fat balls can spoil, particularly in warmer weather, and leftover food can attract pests or other wildlife. It can also quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. At the moment, certain bird species are under threat as the Usutu virus spreads.
Keeping your bird feeders clean is important, as some species face the threat of bacterial infections and viruses
(Image: Getty )
The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is raising alarms among wildlife specialists in the UK, especially regarding blackbirds. This virus was initially identified in the UK in 2020 and has been associated with a decrease in certain blackbird populations. It is classified as notifiable, which indicates that although it is not a specific virus name, it represents a virus of concern, similar to various other diseases affecting animals or humans.
It is advised to limit fat balls in warm months, when they are more prone to melting. You may want to choose quality fat balls made with premium ingredients that can endure outdoor conditions. To cater to a broader array of bird species, it is best to provide a range of food options, such as seeds, nuts, berries, and insects.
What do birds eat?
According to the RSPB, many birds will happily eat a variety of foods. But here are some of the organisation's top tips for feeding birds:
Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods, from suet pellets to mealworms.
Blue Tits and Great Tits use a feeder, eating seeds as well as suet and peanuts.
Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, also use a feeder, and they love sunflower hearts.
If you're keen to attract Goldfinches or Siskins, try Nyjer seeds as they both seem to love them. Nyjer seed is also popular with Greenfinches and Redpolls.
House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Collared Doves prefer to feed on the ground and will be attracted by small seeds.
Suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent high energy giving foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds.
Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails.
Be sure to look for good quality bird food – those that don't include 'fillers' such as dried peas and beans, red dari and wholewheat that birds rarely eat.
You can also put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
Bird feeders should be cleaner regularly and any old food removed and replaced with fresh
Article continues below
Where should you put bird feeders?
You can set up your bird feeder in various locations, but try to choose a spot that is quiet and in a place where birds won't feel disturbed. Also, aim for somewhere away from bushes where predators might be lurking, yet close enough to cover for birds to quickly escape, as birds prefer to have a clear view around them while they eat.
Also, try to keep feeders in sheltered areas away from strong winds. However, no matter where you decide to hang your feeder, ensure that you can see it from indoors to enjoy watching the birds. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the birds to become accustomed to a new feeder, so don't feel discouraged if you don't see many birds at the beginning.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The one mistake people make when it comes to a sore throat – as doctor warns it could be ‘vague' sign of deadly disease
'If you've had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it's on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP,' the expert warns HARD TO SWALLOW The one mistake people make when it comes to a sore throat – as doctor warns it could be 'vague' sign of deadly disease Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'VE all been there, when a scratchy tickle suddenly blossoms into a sore throat that makes swallowing feel like sandpaper. And while most sore throats are harmless and go away on their own, a leading specialist warns not to ignore one that lingers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 If you've had a sore throat for longer than three weeks go and see your GP Credit: Getty Doctor Jiri Kubes, an oncologist from the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said a persistent itch could be an early sign of head or neck cancer. 'People assume it's just an infection or acid reflux, especially if they're otherwise healthy,' the expert said. 'But when a sore throat won't go away and it doesn't respond to normal treatments, it's time to investigate.' Earlier this month, The Sun reported that Rock star David Roach has been diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of cancer after symptoms of a 'fever and a cough'. The band has launched a GoFundMe while also confirming David is 'battling aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck, and throat'. This would suggest that David has head and neck cancer, of which squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. Val Kilmer, best known for movies such as 1986's Top Gun and 1995's Batman Forever, died of pneumonia this April. The actor's death follows years of rumoured health problems, one of which he opened up about in a 2017 interview. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer revealed he had a two-year fight with throat cancer after being diagnosed in 2014. Head and neck cancers can occur in more than 30 parts of head and neck, including the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, ears and salivary glands. But collectively, head and neck cancer is the eighth most common type of the disease in the UK. There are around 13,000 new cases every year - or 35 every day - and numbers are increasing 30 per cent each decade, experts warn. Common bacteria in the mouth can 'melt up to 99% of cancer cells' and could lead to new treatments It kills more than 4,000 annually. Symptoms of head and neck cancer, like Dr Jiri said, can be subtle, or resemble other less serious conditions, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage. But the earlier it's caught, the better the chance of successful treatment and ultimately, survival. Symptoms can include: Persistent sore throat Ear pain without infection Hoarseness or voice changes Trouble swallowing Lump in the neck Unexplained weight loss 'If you've had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it's on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP," the expert said. He added that while smokers and regular drinkers are more at risk, even people without obvious risk factors are being diagnosed. 'We're seeing rising cases in younger people with no obvious risk factors, particularly linked to HPV infections,' he said. 4 Singer David Roach has been diagnosed with cancer, believed to have started in his throat Credit: Getty 4 Val Kilmer had a two-year fight with throat cancer after being diagnosed in 2014 Credit: Getty 4 Recognising these symptoms is vital. But prevention is also key, and making several lifestyle changes can decrease your chance of developing cancer, the Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK (OHNCUK) say on its website. This includes: Quitting tobacco use (smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and using snuff) Limiting alcohol intake Monitoring and taking care of your oral health Getting the HPV vaccine According to Cancer Research UK, up to 64 per cent of head and neck cancer cases are linked to exposure to tobacco smoke. Between 22 and 38 per cent are linked to alcohol consumption, and as many as 80 per cent are connected to HPV infection. Microplastics could raise cancer risk Environmental pollution from the air we breathe might also play a role, Dr Jiri warned. 'Microplastics and airborne pollutants can irritate delicate tissues in the throat and airways,' he said. 'We don't yet know the full impact. But chronic exposure could increase inflammation and potentially raise cancer risk over time.' He said most sore throats are harmless. But warned people to trust their gut if something feels off. 'Most sore throats are harmless. But if it drags on, get it checked,' he said. 'Cancers in this area are very treatable when caught early. Especially with targeted therapies like proton beam treatment.' Proton beam therapy is a precise type of radiation that targets cancer cells while causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It's often used for hard-to-reach tumours and causes fewer side effects than standard radiotherapy, a common cancer treatment.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 11 signs you could have Lyme disease as Justin Timberlake shares battle with ‘relentlessly debilitating' condition
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUSTIN Timberlake has opened up about living with "relentlessly debilitating" Lyme disease. The Sexy Back singer shared the news in a candid Instagram post after facing criticism for his at-times lacklustre performance while on tour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Justin Timberlake opened up about his health after facing criticism for his performance on his world tour Credit: AP 5 The star said he's been diagnosed with Lyme disease Credit: Splash 5 He described the condition as 'relentlessly debilitating' Credit: Getty "As I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour, I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me," Justin wrote. "Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease - which I don't say so you feel bad for me, but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes. "If you've experienced this disease - or know someone who has - then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically." Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks - tiny, spider-like creatures that live in grassy or wooded areas. Read more on lyme disease TICK CHECK The 8 subtle symptoms of Lyme disease - and why so many celebs seem to get it The first symptom of the illness tends to be a red, bulls-eye ring around the bite. But people bitten by bacteria-laden ticks can be struck with debilitating symptoms days or months afterwards. These can include severe headaches, joint pain shooting pains or tingling in the hands or feet, and episodes of dizziness. A number of celebs have spoken out about suffering from the disease - from Bella Hadid and her mum Yolanda, to Justin Bieber, Miranda Hart and Ben Stiller. Justin took to Instagram to reflect on his recently-concluded world tour for the album Everything I Thought It Was. He described it as 'the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, gruelling experience". Justin Bieber discusses his battle with Lyme disease and how it has affected him Throughout his tour, Justin was accused of "hardly singing," with many branding his performances "lazy" - prompting a moment of frankness from the singer. "I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself," he wrote. "But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted." The pop icon didn't say when he was first diagnosed with Lyme disease, but said he was "shocked" to receive the news. 5 'I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted,' Justin said Credit: Getty 5 Justin - pictured with wife Jessica Biel - said he was suffering from nerve pain and 'crazy fatigue' Credit: Getty At the same time, it helped explain some of the symptoms he'd been grappling with. "At least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness." For many, the first sign that they've been bitten by a tick carrying borrelia bacteria - which causes Lyme disease - is a raised, bulls-eye rash. It appears as a single circle that slowly spreads from the site of the tick bite. It may become clear in the centre and look like a target or bull's-eye, or remain red at the centre. The rash often feels warm to the touch, but it's rarely itchy or painful. It can pop up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks, the NHS says. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that one in three people infected don't get the rash. And even when it does occur, it may be faint or on an area of the body which isn't very visible like the scalp, behind the ears, behind the knees or on the back. People who don't get a rash may notice symptoms like a fever and chills, headaches, tiredness and joint and muscle aches. But other worrying symptoms can strike days or months after an infected tick bite. These can include: Severe headaches and neck stiffness Rashes on other areas of the body Facial palsy - drooping on one or both sides of the face Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling - particularly the knees and other large joints Pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath Nerve pain Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet Trouble with memory or concentration Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord Lyme disease is usually easier to treat if it's spotted early. Left untreated, the infection can spread anywhere in the body leading to around 70 recognised symptoms, according to Lyme Disease UK. Summer tick bite warning Lyme disease is endemic in many parts of the UK, particularly in woodland or heathland areas, but disease-carrying ticks can also be found in cities and gardens. UKHSA recently issued a summer warning about tick bites, after the latest annual data showed that there were 1,581 laboratory confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported in 2024. "While cases have fallen by 5.2 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, the number of confirmed cases is likely an underestimate of the true burden of Lyme disease in England," the health watchdog warned. Most confirmed cases were reported in people living in the South West, South East and London regions, though cases were detected all over the country. Cases tend to peak in the spring and summer months as the risk of exposure increases. "It's important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you start to develop symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite," UKHSA went on. "Some people may not notice that they have been bitten as ticks are small and their bites rarely cause pain, which is why it's important to check for ticks on all parts of the body soon after spending time outdoors this summer "Not all ticks are infected and not everyone who is bitten by an infected tick will develop Lyme disease. "To pass on the infection, the tick needs to be attached for many hours. "You are unlikely to develop Lyme disease if you just see a tick crawling on you which has not yet attached and fed."
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid & other stars battling Lyme disease after Justin Timberlake reveals ‘debilitating' diagnosis
One globally famous singer has even battled with vocal problems because of it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUSTIN Timberlake revealed his 'debilitating' battle with Lyme disease on Thursday. But he is not the only star to have been diagnosed with the condition. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 11 Justin Timberlake has opened up on his secret health battle Credit: Getty 11 He was previously diagnosed with Lyme disease, but he is not the only star Credit: Getty Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted to humans through infected ticks via a bite. In 2022, over 62,000 cases were reported to the CDC, and it's most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest. Whilst early treatment can be effective, people might face serious and long-lasting and serious symptoms if treatment is delayed. The U.S. Sun takes a look at all the stars who have suffered with the disease. READ MORE ON JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE 'SHOCK' DIAGNOSIS Justin Timberlake reveals secret health battle & 'debilitating' symptoms The Hadid Family 11 Various members of the Hadid family have famously battled with Lyme disease Credit: Getty Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid has been very honest about her battle with the disease. She spoke out about her diagnosis in 2017 and she wrote about it in her memoir, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease. At the Global Lyme Alliance in 2016, her daughter Bella Hadid also admitted how many aspects of her life, including her passion for horseback riding - had been hindered by the condition. Gigi has not had the disease herself, but has spoken about the effects it has had on her family. She admitted, "Growing up, having three of my family members sick made me very independent. "My mom couldn't drive or get out of bed some days, so I took my brother to school with me, or I made lunch. Justin Timberlake reveals secret health battle and confesses symptoms have been 'relentlessly debilitating' on tour "But I also felt a lot of guilt for being the one person in the family who didn't understand what they were going through." Gigi added, "It's hard when your whole family is in pain and you don't know what to do." Avril Lavigne 11 Avril Lavigne admitted she was left bedridden for five months Credit: Getty The Sk8ter Boi singer first revealed that she was suffering from Lyme disease back in 2015. She told People Magazine that she had been battling with symptoms for a year as she admitted, "I had no idea a bug bite could do this. Avril previously explained how she was even left 'bedridden for five months.' In 2019, she told the outlet that her charitable foundation was working with various organizations dedicated to fighting Lyme disease. Whilst insisting she was well again, she added, "It gave me a purpose, and made me find myself all over again. "When you go through something like that, you realize how fulfilling simple things are - things I could do anymore, like being able to get up in the morning and go to the kitchen and grab a cup of coffee." Riley Keough 11 Riley Keough chose to start her family using surrogacy due to the disease Credit: Getty The daughter of Lisa Marie Presley admitted that she had Lyme disease when she appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in 2023. She opened up on how it affected her day-to-day life. It also led to her decision to choose the surrogacy route when she wanted to start a family with her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen. Riley admitted, "I can carry children, but it felt like the best choice for what I had going on physically with the autoimmune stuff." The interview for the publication took place in Sweden where the actress chose to recover from the condition at a special holistic center. She explained that she was on a "break" to try and "alleviate" symptoms with treatment that wasn't available in the states. She added, "[There's] all kinds of things that you can't really do in America yet, like cleaning your blood." Amy Schumer 11 Amy Schumer opened up on the medication she took to alleviate symptoms Credit: AFP or licensors The actress is best known for her TV work in comedy and even on Broadway. But she opened up about her diagnosis with Lyme disease in an Instagram post in September 2020. She posted a throwback image of her 'first ever fishing pole,' as she captioned the photo, "Anyone get LYME this summer? "I got it and I'm on doxycycline. I have maybe had it for years. Any advice? Can you have a glass of wine or 2 on it?" She continued, "I know to stay out of the sun. I'm also taking these herbs from cape cod called lyme-2. "I also want to say that I feel good and am excited to get rid of it." Justin Bieber 11 Fans thought Justin may have been on drugs due to concerning images, but he was just midway through battling the condition Credit: GC Images In July 2019, fans of Justin Bieber became concerned by a photo circulating the internet. Whilst many speculated that he was on drugs, in January 2020 he explained that it was actually taken at the worst point of suffering with the condition. On Instagram, he admitted, "While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s-, on meth etc. they failed to realize I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease. "It's been a rough couple years but getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever." Shania Twain 11 Country star Shania Twain suffers from vocal problems due to dysphonia Credit: Getty The singer is known for hits such as That Don't Impress Me Much and You're Still The One. However, she has secretly faced vocal problems because of dysphonia, which is a result of Lyme disease. She has been forced to both regain and retune her voice over the years due to the condition. She previously told People Magazine, "I was very scared for a little while that I wouldn't sing again, ever. "I went through that moment, but I found a way. I found a way to do it." Shania now has to do lengthy warmups and 'very difficult' physical therapy when she uses her voice. Ben Stiller 11 Hollywood actor Ben admitted the disease is still in his system Credit: Getty In 2010, the Meet The Parents actor was diagnosed with the disease after a trip to Nantucket in Massachusetts. A year later he told The Hollywood Reporter, "I'm symptom-free now, but Lyme doesn't ever leave your system." Ben added, "It's a really tough thing." Alec Baldwin 11 Alec Baldwin thought he could die from the effects Credit: Getty The former SNL star took to the stage at the LymeAid gala dinner for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, where he was also the Master of Ceremonies. During the evening, Alec was very candid about his battles with the medical condition. He admitted, "I really thought this is it, I'm not going to live, I was alone, I wasn't married at the time, I was divorced from my first wife. "I was lying in bed saying, 'I'm going to die of Lyme disease,' in my bed and 'I hope someone finds me and I'm not here for too long.'" Kelly Osbourne 11 Kelly Osbourne was bitten by a tick at a birthday party thrown for her dad Ozzy Credit: Getty The former reality TV star is known for her presenting roles on Fashion Police and Project Runway. In 2004, midway through the height of popularity for The Osbournes on MTV, she attended her dad's birthday party. Ozzy had the surprise bash thrown for him to celebrate his 56th birthday, which featured featured a reindeer sanctuary in the family's backyard. However, Kelly was bitten by a tick during the event and would go onto suffer from an array of symptoms. These included a sore throat and stomach pains as she later opened up on the impact of the condition on her life. The former E! star admitted, "I've learned to advocate for myself when it comes to my health, and I trust my intuition." In her memoir, There Is No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch, she continued: "If I think something is wrong, I refuse to let anyone dismiss it. And sadly, I stay the f--- away from reindeer."
