Winter in Ontario is tough. The cold winds, deep snow, and icy mornings make life harder for animals. Many homeowners ask the same question every year: Should I feed birds in the winter? It feels kind, but experts warn it’s not always that simple. Food can help birds survive, but it can also create problems if done the wrong way.

At the same time, you have to think about how feeding outdoors may change animal behaviour around your property. When feeders or scraps are left out, animals may start gathering too close to your home. That’s when issues like nests in attics or messy droppings in garages begin. That’s also where winter bird removal from professionals like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London becomes important.

You want to help birds, but you also want to avoid drawing them into places they shouldn’t be. So, what do the experts recommend? Let’s look at the facts, explore safe feeding options, and talk about how to handle situations where birds get too close for comfort.

Should You Feed Birds in the Winter?

Experts agree that feeding birds in the winter can help—but only if it’s done responsibly. Cold weather makes food scarce. Snow covers natural seeds and berries, while insects disappear until spring. A reliable food source, like a feeder, can mean survival for many species.

But there’s another side. Feeding stations that aren’t cared for properly can spread disease, attract unwanted wildlife, and create messy buildup around your home. That’s why the question “should I feed birds in the winter” doesn’t have a simple yes or no. The answer depends on how the food is offered, what type of food is chosen, and how clean the area is kept.

If food draws birds too close to your roofline or attic, you also risk them moving inside. In those cases, winter bird removal is the safest way to restore balance without harming the animals.

What Experts Recommend: Do’s and Don’ts

Feeding can be positive, but you need to follow some basic expert guidelines.

Do’s:

• Use Proper Food: Seeds like sunflower and millet give birds energy during freezing days.
• Keep Feeders Clean: Dirty feeders can spread diseases quickly between animals.
• Provide Water: Liquid water is hard to find in freezing weather, so a heated birdbath helps.
• Watch Locations: Place feeders away from doors, roofs, and attic spaces to lower risk of entry.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Offer Bread or Scraps: These foods have little nutrition and can make animals sick.
• Don’t Let Feeders Overflow: Extra food on the ground attracts rodents.
• Don’t Ignore Signs of Nesting Nearby: Birds that feed close to your house may also look for shelter inside.

These expert tips make feeding safer and reduce the chance of needing emergency wildlife help later.

Why Feeding Birds Can Attract Other Animals

When you think of a feeder, you picture cardinals, sparrows, or chickadees. But food doesn’t just appeal to them. Squirrels, raccoons, and even mice often raid feeders. Once they find food nearby, they may start exploring your garage, roof, or attic.

This is where attracting birds to your home can turn into a problem. While the idea sounds peaceful, it can invite noise, droppings, and damage. Even worse, animals looking for food may stay for shelter too.

That’s why humane wildlife removal is so important. Instead of letting animals take over, our team at Skedaddle uses safe methods to guide them back outside and keep them from re-entering.

How Feeding Helps Birds Survive

Despite the risks, winter feeding can save lives. Many species lose more energy keeping warm than they can replace by foraging alone. Feeders become “fuel stations” during the harshest months.

Some key foods include:

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: High in fat and easy for small birds to crack.
• Peanuts: A dense food source loved by woodpeckers and blue jays.
• Suet Blocks: A mix of fat and seeds, perfect for cold days.
• Nyjer Seed: A favourite of finches, who need lots of energy.

These foods give birds strength to make it through long nights when temperatures drop below freezing.

The Risk of Rabies and Other Health Issues

Most people don’t think of health risks when it comes to birds, but they do exist. Large groups gathered around feeders can spread parasites or infections. Leftover food may also invite other wildlife, increasing the risk of diseases in and around your home.

This is another reason winter bird removal sometimes becomes necessary. When nests or roosts appear indoors, it puts families at risk. Professionals like us remove animals safely and clean the areas so germs don’t spread further.

Should I Feed Birds in the Winter? The Balanced Answer

Here’s what the experts really recommend:

• Yes, feed birds in the winter if you use the right food, keep things clean, and watch where you place feeders.
• No, don’t feed in ways that attract large flocks, invite other animals, or bring birds too close to your house.

It’s all about balance. You want to help, but you also want to avoid problems that lead to calls for winter bird removal.

Attracting Birds Without Attracting Problems

You can enjoy seeing birds without turning your yard into a risk zone. Experts suggest focusing on natural features instead of relying only on feeders.

• Plant berry bushes like dogwood or serviceberry for natural winter food.
• Grow evergreen trees that provide shelter from wind and predators.
• Add water features like small heated baths for hydration.
• Keep feeding areas away from buildings so animals don’t shift toward attics.

This way, you’re still attracting birds to your home in safe and natural ways.

When Feeding Turns Into a Problem

Sometimes, even careful feeding creates issues. If food sources are too close to your home, or if animals find a weak spot in your roof, they may slip inside. Once that happens, feeders stop being the problem—your house becomes the shelter.

That’s when you need winter bird removal from trained professionals. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London, we use humane tools like one-way doors to let animals leave safely and prevent them from returning.

Why Humane Wildlife Removal Matters

You care about the animals in your yard, and so do we. That’s why our methods focus on respect and safety. Instead of harmful traps or harsh removal, we guide animals out carefully and protect your home so they can’t get back in.

This approach gives families peace of mind, protects your property, and ensures the animals survive in the wild where they belong.

Key Takeaways From Experts

To wrap up, here are the most important lessons experts share about winter feeding:

• Feeding can save lives, but it must be done responsibly.
• The right foods—like seeds and suet—help birds stay strong.
• Dirty or poorly placed feeders can spread disease or invite other animals.
• Natural options, like trees and shrubs, make feeding safer.
• Professional help is the right choice if birds or other animals move indoors.

Stay Safe and Keep Wildlife Protected: Learn How to Protect Your Home Today!

Winter bird removal is not just about moving animals—it’s about protecting families and wildlife together. If you’ve asked yourself, “should I feed birds in the winter?”, the answer is yes, but carefully. And if feeding ever leads to animals moving inside, you’ll need support from experts.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London, we help families enjoy nature without letting problems take over their homes. From attracting birds to your home safely to handling indoor issues, our team is here to help.

If you need advice or removal services, request an estimate to learn more. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London is your trusted team for winter bird removal and humane solutions that keep everyone safe.