I don't know if they are breaking birds claws or not, but we always remove the net bags before putting the fat balls into a metal feeder.

I've heard that the birds can get their claws caught in them so I just put the fat balls into a feeder too. I often cut some in half and put them on the bird table for the blackbirds as they don't use feeders. Last winter I bought a fat log feeder from Pets at Home and that was a great hit with everbody especially the woodpecker.

The RSPB advise against keeping the nets on fatballs because the birds can get their legs/feet ensnared in them .... there are specific feeders just for fatballs ... or use them crushed, or squash them into a different holder.

As Louise has said - The RSPB say the net can trap a leg and leave them hanging, a horrid way to die.I think it would be simpler if the nets were banned

There was a goldfinch at my feeders, back in the winter, and 'it' had a useless and dangling leg ..... likely caused by such a situation, i saw it twice after that but never again :-(((((((((((((((((

I had no idea this could happen, will cut off the nets from the fat balls I've bought today to put in my metal feeder. Thanks for the info - I'd be horrified if I'd caused the death or suffering of a bird.

I'm so glad I came across this question as I had no idea either. I'm off to remove the nets from mine.....NOW!

I didnt lily till I read it on the RSPB site, why do they sell them in these nets?