
Prevent Disease at Your Bird Feeders |
There are several diseases that wild birds can acquire at feeding stations if they are not properly cared for. Providing a safe-and-clean bird feeding environment will allow you to enjoy our feathered friends. Follow these simple steps and reduce the risk of disease at your bird feeders. Click here for a printer-friendly version of Five Steps to Prevent Disease at Your Bird Feeders.
2. Keep the birds' feeding area clean of both seed hulls and bird droppings – A clean feeding area can be maintained by sweeping or vacuuming the ground below the feeder. One way to minimize the cleaning needed is to use no-waste seeds or seed mixes that contain hulled seeds and to offer only the preferred seeds for the bird species in your area. 3. Purchase bird feeders that do not have sharp points or edges – Sharp points or edges may cause bleeding or scratches on birds that can facilitate the transmission of disease.
5. Store bird food appropriately and ensure that fresh seed is in your feeder – Use a rodent-proof container to store bird food and avoid having wet, moldy, musty-smelling seed in your bird feeder or storage container. Your bird seed should be stored in areas that are cool and have low humidity. Providing feeders that protect seed from the elements and using birds’ preferred seeds should reduce the chance of seed getting wet or moldy. |