Bird Conservationists Reveal 3 Important Steps People Must Follow to Keep Bird Feeders Disease-Free

To avoid the spread of diseases, bird feeders and baths must be cleaned every two weeks, per Project FeederWatch, a joint effort by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. The National Wildlife Health Center suggests washing the materials with water and bleach in a ratio of 9:1. Moreover, any debris like feces or food residues must be removed before washing the feeder. It is advised that the feeder is completely dry before hooking it back up outside. The frequency of cleaning should be increased in case of diseases. New feeder models can now be cleaned in the dishwasher whereas the older ones require a weak bleach solution, per the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. In particular, hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned every 3 to 5 days. 

While cleaning the bird feeder might seem like the most important task, keeping its surroundings clean is also crucial. The fact that birds poop frequently makes it a responsibility to keep the surroundings hygienic. Otherwise, the droppings could become a breeding ground for diseases. Also, the leftover seed shells are required to be collected and dumped accordingly, per Project FeederWatch. Failure of this may invite rodents and other predators and spread diseases. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service advises putting up feeders at least three feet away from reflective windows or covering them up with screenings to protect the birds from crashing into them. Research suggests that windows within 15 to 30 feet of a feeder are a hazard that causes bird strike risk. 

These steps are quite essential for anyone having a bird feeder in their backyard. Common diseases that birds can spread- like finch eye disease, bacterial infections, fungal infections, avian pox and avian flu can be averted. Nevertheless, feeding birds has significant effects on a bird’s life as it helps them survive harsh winters and long migrations. Besides that, it also makes up a fraction of the destruction of habitats caused by the mindless expansion of human settlements by clearing out forests and meadows.