Overview
- RSPB guidance asks people to save mild grated cheese, bruised fruit, cooled unsalted rice, unsalted hard fats, plain chopped roast potatoes, and dry porridge oats for garden feeding.
- The advice stresses moderation because items such as rice or cheese lack complete nutrition and are intended as supplements.
- Preparation rules include cooling rice fully, using only hard unsalted fats like lard or suet, and serving oats uncooked and dry.
- Warnings cover cooking fats mixed with meat juices, soft or salty cheeses, dried coconut, cooked porridge, milk, and any mouldy or salted food.
- Households are urged to keep birdbaths ice-free and to clean feeders weekly with a mild detergent to reduce disease risks.