feeding the birds

[redsails]

my son lives in supported living accommodation, one of 10 ground floor flats. During his 20 years there he has always fed the birds that come into the garden and one of his neighbours enjoys helping top up the bird feeders as my son is unable to do this himself. His care provider has informed us that he can no longer feed the birds as it attracts rats. Several people who live in the houses just over the dividing fence also feed the birds which my son loves to watch and is one of his few pleasures. I feel the care provider is being a bit mean in insisting he gets rid of the feeders but would like to know what others think.

[deborahcoxsuckle]

he pays the rent, stuff the staff.

[redsails in reply to deborahcoxsuckle]

thanks for your reply, I might just do that 😉

[Spud-u-Like1982]

I feed the birds too, despite protest from neighbours about rats. I currently live in the country surrounded by farmland, so rats will always be near.It makes your son happy and engaged and it's not hurting anyone. I think he should be allowed to continue to do it.

Speaking for myself, it's one of my true joys in life - and I don't have many. I grew up in a household where my Mum always feeds the birds and her Gran did the same too.

[Pogul44]

Hi,

Many people live feeding birds and it's therefore no surprise that your son dies too.

Perhaps his carer doesn't particularly like birds and sees them as a nuisance, certainly rodents are. I hope this is not the case though as this means he/she is putting their needs before the needs of your sons. This is not in his "best interests". I day this because the Care Act repeatedly references Best Interests so it is a good thing to state when carers are not looking after the needs of the person they care for.

Having said that, rodents are a nuisance and can be a health hazard which neighbours might complain about. The carer may be thinking of the health hazard here.

I found the following link which provides info on deterring rodents when feeding birds:

onthefeeder.com/feed-birds-...

Putting the measures mentioned here in place may well be the solution.

You could always contact the RSPB too, as follows:

How to contact the RSPB Offices

Email us 

RSPB England: Please contact relevant department Wildlife Team, Supporter Services, RSPB Shop, Press Office

RSPB Scotland: [e-mail]

RSPB Northern Ireland: [e-mail] 

RSPB Cymru: [e-mail]

Call us 

RSPB UK Headquarters: 01767 680551 

RSPB Scotland: 0131 317 4100 

RSPB Northern Ireland: 028 9049 1547 

I really hope this helps and you find a solution as it is a pastime your son enjoys, but the birds need all the help they can get too.

Good luck!

[Pogul44 in reply to Pogul44]

I'm really sorry I didn't spellcheck before I posted... damn autocorrect! The word live should love, and more importantly dies should have been does. I am so, so sorry! :0((

[redsails in reply to Pogul44]

Ha ha, spell check is so annoying 🙄 please don’t worry, I knew what you meant. Thanks yo so much for your very informative reply, my son’s apartment, one of 10 with a communal garden is next to open fields that was previously farm land so rats, mice and other creatures are have always been around. I’ll try the chilli seeds to see if that deters them. It would be such a shame if my son and also his friend who helps replenish the feeders, are deprived of one of their few pleasures.

[Pogul44 in reply to redsails]

Just make sure they don't touch the chilli seeds with their fingers... ouch!! :0(

;0)

[Balamorym]

I use Peckish squirrel proof bird food, it contains chilli. I believe it deters all mammals as well as squirrels. I tried mixing chilli powder with bird food but that didn't work. It is therapeutic watching the birds. Bird baths are great too for watching the birds splash around and they don't attract pests.

[redsails in reply to Balamorym]

Thanks, I heard that chilli seeds work too but I’ll look out for the squirrel proof seed.

[Nicks-sister]

I would check his tenancy agreement- see if it mentions anything about this.

[redsails in reply to Nicks-sister]

thank you, it’s on my list of questions to ask tomorrow at my son’s review x