Spending time in nature is definitely a balm for the soul. We are so lucky to have such an abundance of native birds and wildlife on our doorstep.

Sadly though, the joy of feeding bread to birds and other wildlife can be seriously harmful to their health.

You may think that by feeding a few birds in your backyard you’re providing sustenance and care; but here’s seven good reasons why that’s not the case:

1. Processed seeds, bread and other foods that are not part of an animal's natural diet can make them very sick.
2. Birds and mammals have highly specialised diets that differ from season to season.
3. Animals expecting to be fed by people can become aggressive and harass people for food when they are hungry.
4. Hand-feeding can transfer illness such as the highly infectious Beak and Feather disease seen recently in parrots and cockatoos.
5. Animals fed by humans may lose their ability to forage for natural foods, so when you go on vacation or move home, they could suffer or even die.
6. Hand-fed wildlife may lose their natural fear of people; resulting in them being injured by cars or domestic pets.
7. When fed inappropriate food, certain animal or bird numbers may increase unnaturally. This may cause the decline of other species due to competition for food, shelter and nesting sites.

What can I do to care for native birds and animals?

You can attract birds to your garden in other ways. Rather than offering food, plant locally native shrubs to encourage nectar-feeding birds.

Check out our creating a backyard habitat webpage for tips on selecting species and planting.

Birds and other animals will also appreciate being offered water for both drinking and bathing, especially during the hot summer months. Locate a bowl of water in an accessible location, but away from domestic animals.

Why not get your kids involved and build our native animals a safe space, such as a possum drey, a lizard lounge or a bee hotel? Learn more.

If you are concerned about an animal please contact a local wildlife group such as Sydney Wildlife Rescue on 9413 4300 (24/7) or WIRES 1300 094 737.