Killer fat threat to wild birds

Many people wrongly believe that cooked turkey fat is as beneficial to birds as lard and suet but it is dangerous for several reasons.

It remains soft even when cooled, meaning it could smear onto birds’ feathers and ruin their water-proofing and insulating qualities. Birds need clean, dry feathers to survive the cold and a layer of grease would make this virtually impossible.

The fat in roasting tins cannot be separated from other leftover elements like meat juices. This concoction can go rancid very quickly, especially if left in a warm kitchen for a while before being put outside, and form an ideal breeding ground for salmonella and other food poisoning bacteria.

Birds are prone to bacterial infections at this time of year as their defences are low and their energy levels depleted with the cold.

Also, many people add other ingredients to a joint of meat before roasting including rubbing it liberally with salt in order to crisp the skin. High levels of salt are toxic to garden birds.

The cooking juices from all other meats as well as turkey are equally as unsuitable for feeding to garden birds.

Richard James, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, said: “Please don’t put the fat from your roasting tins outside for the birds – you could be killing them with kindness.

“People pour turkey (or other Christmas joint) fat onto bird tables or mix it with seeds because they think it will give birds energy and nutrients as things like fat balls do. But this is a completely different kind of fat and could have catastrophic effects. Only pure fats such as lard and suet should be used to make homemade fat balls.

“However additional feeding at this time of year can be the difference between life and death, particularly for some of the smaller garden birds and there are a range of other alternatives for a festive treat for birds.

“Christmas cake crumbs, mince pie pastry crumbs and biscuit crumbs are all suitable Christmas Day leftovers and mild grated cheese, cooked or uncooked rice, breakfast cereals, cooked potatoes and fruit will also provide vital energy.”

For more information about how to give nature a home in your outside space visit rspb.org.uk/advice