Illinois Birds: What Happens If You Stop Feeding Them?

I ask this question because of something I saw a couple of weeks back when I was watching a neighbor pack up a moving van.

Our neighbors were moving to another state because of a job opportunity, and they were working fast to get the house emptied out and the truck loaded up. One of the things they did during this process was take down the multiple bird-feeders they had placed around the perimeter of their home.

Throughout the time they lived in our neighborhood, this couple always had full bird-feeders out and ready for any and all birds to come by for a meal or quick snack, but now they were dumping out what was left of the bird food and tossing the feeders into a box before leaving the neighborhood behind.

That left me wondering what would happen to the birds who had come to depend on their feeders.

It Turns Out That There Is Definitely An Impact When You Stop Bird Feeding, But A Lot Of It Has To Do With When And How You Stop Doing It

The question is whether or not the birds that you've been feeding have become dependent on your bird-feeder for their survival. I've read about people who felt terribly guilty about stopping feeding because of moving away, financial difficulties, or changes in local regulations.

There is good news for anyone who has a case of the guilts over it, according to the experts in this sort of thing at BirdWatchingDaily.com:

The good news? Most birds don’t rely entirely on feeders to survive. Their natural instinct is to forage, and they will continue to seek out wild food sources even if a reliable feeder suddenly disappears.

However, in some cases, especially during winter or in areas with scarce food, feeders can provide a crucial supplement that helps birds survive. Some species, like chickadees and cardinals, will use feeders as a convenient food source, but they won’t starve if the feeder is removed. They’ll adjust and look elsewhere.

Here's How To Stop Feeding Birds Without Feeling Guilty About It

It seems odd to use the phrase "cold turkey" when we're talking about feeding the birds, but the key to doing it right appears to be phasing it out, rather than going cold turkey, according to BirdWatchingDaily.com. Here's how you should go about it:

1. Gradually reduce food supply – Instead of stopping suddenly, start reducing the amount you put out each day.
2. Offer more natural food sources – Plant bird-friendly trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce berries and seeds.
3. Leave out water – Birds need water year-round, and a birdbath can keep them visiting even without feeders.
4. Clean up feeders – If you’re removing them permanently, clean and store them properly to prevent attracting pests.
5. Time your stop wisely – Avoid stopping in peak winter when birds rely on feeders the most.