There’s never really an excuse for not having a bird feeder standing in your garden. But with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch taking place next Saturday and Sunday, there is no better time to invest in a bird feeder, or two, to keep our feathered friends happy during the winter and beyond.

There’s a plethora of bird feeders on sale, but the RSPB advises keeping in mind some general rules when buying one.

Hanging feeders should be simple designs so they are easy to clean - look for removable ports which will also make cleaning easier.

Feeders with cages around the feeding area or with squirrel guards are best to prevent squirrel problems. Metal varieties tend to be more squirrel-resistant, as cheap plastic feeders can easily be dismantled by squirrels.

Also, ensure there are no moving parts which could trap birds’ feet, make sure the products can drain easily, and avoid using mesh bags to house fat balls, because birds’ feet can also become trapped in those.

Henry Corbett, Solus Garden & Leisure’s head of gardening brands, says: “One of the most important considerations should be that the bird feeder is suitable for the type of food it’s going to hold.

“For example, seed mixes need a specialist seed feeder. Most suppliers will sell specific feed designed for individual species such as blackbirds, robins and blue tits, so ensure you have the right feeder for the feed you intend to use.

“Robins and blackbirds are ground feeding birds and require surface feeders. Other birds, such as blue tits, cling on hanging feeders.

“Feeders need to hold enough food for two or three days of feeding, so make sure the feeder you buy is big enough for the amount of birds in the garden. Buy multiple feeders and place them in different locations in your garden to avoid overcrowding.”

He also advises gardeners to hang feeders away from trees and walls to avoid giving cats easy access to birds, preferably on metal poles that the cat can’t climb up or jump on to.

“Finally, don’t forget feeding is a year-round requirement. If you start feeding the birds in your garden, don’t stop – birds become reliant on your help.”