Seasonal feeding
When should you start feeding garden birds again?
The 1 November 2026 restart date for seeds and peanuts, what can be offered before then, and how to prepare a clean autumn feeder.
Do not bring the seed-and-peanut restart forward because October feels cold.
Clean, dry and check the feeder before its first November fill.
Start small and adjust only to actual demand.
When can you start feeding garden birds again in 2026? For seeds and peanuts, 1 November is the start of the current recommended feeding period. The RSPB's September 2026 update and the BTO's feeding FAQ both advise a pause from 1 May to 31 October because of disease concerns. The recommended seed-and-peanut period then runs through 30 April.
This is a change in seasonal advice, not a claim that a visiting bird will be harmed by one seed on 31 October. For an ongoing garden-feeding routine, use the stated date and review the latest official guidance each year.
What can you offer before November?
Suitable fat or suet products and mealworms may be offered in modest, well-managed portions under current RSPB/BTO advice. Their availability does not remove the need for hygiene: fat can soften or turn rancid, mealworms can spoil, and busy feeding points can concentrate birds. Fresh water remains important, especially in dry autumn weather.
Do not assume every “suet” recipe is identical. Read its ingredients, especially where large visible seeds are mixed into a product, and follow the current advice for the food and season. Our fat-ball guide explains safe net-free presentation, while the dried-mealworm guide covers small portions.
Prepare the feeder in October
An unused feeder can still contain old food, grease or dirt. Empty it completely, dismantle removable parts, wash and disinfect it in line with the BTO hygiene guidance, rinse and allow every part to dry. Check the hanging wire, port edges, lid and base before putting it back outdoors. If it cannot be cleaned properly, replace it.
Check the position too. Can you reach it safely in rain or darkness? Is it away from direct roof runoff, and is the ground beneath it easy to keep clear? A feeder that is awkward to clean becomes a winter problem. Our feeder-cleaning steps and feeder-placement guide can help.
Buy a small first pack, not an entire winter's worth. Store it cool and dry indoors. If you already have food left from spring, check the manufacturer's storage instructions and inspect for dampness, insects, mould or a stale smell; do not assume an opened bag is fit to use months later.
The first November fill
Fill only enough to reach the feeder's usable ports. Check what remains the next day and scale the next fresh fill up or down. The aim is for seed to be cleared within one or two days, with old food emptied before fresh food goes in. Whole peanuts need a suitable rigid-mesh feeder rather than an open tray.
If birds do not return immediately, do not keep filling the feeder. A clean position and a small supply of fresh food are enough to let local birds discover it. Read why birds may ignore a feeder before changing food repeatedly.
The full winter-feeding routine brings food, water and cleaning together. If you need a food-specific choice, compare sunflower hearts, seed mixes and peanuts separately.
Do cold snaps change the date?
The published RSPB/BTO guidance gives a calendar period rather than a temperature threshold. A frosty October morning is not by itself a reason to restart seeds and peanuts early. You can still make water available, maintain natural food and habitat, and use suitable year-round foods carefully. Once November begins, a cold snap may increase demand, but increase portions only after observing faster turnover.
Frequently asked questions
Is October too early to put out bird seed?
Under the current 2026 guidance, yes: the seed-and-peanut pause runs through 31 October. Prepare the feeder in October and begin on 1 November.
Can I leave last winter's seed feeder hanging empty?
You can leave it in place if it remains secure, but empty, clean and dry it before use. Check whether the site has become difficult to reach or collect spill, then reconsider the position.
Do I need to wait until birds are visibly hungry?
No. Begin with a small clean offering from 1 November if you choose to feed. Let actual visits determine later portions; avoid interpreting a cold day as a reason to fill every feeder.