That Time Of Year Again - Responsible Bird Feeding

Are You A "Responsible" Birdfeeder?

If you enjoy feeding and watching your backyard birds, then you probably want to do as much as you can to practice your hobby safely and ensure the birds’ overall health and well-being. Just as people can catch colds or other illnesses from people who are sick, birds that feed at crowded or dirty feeders have the potential to develop diseases that are harmful to them.

While the incidence of birds falling ill from feeders is small compared to other natural hazards birds face, there are things you can do to help your birds stay healthy:

1. Provide multiple feeding stations in different areas of your yard to disperse bird activity. Crowding at the feeder - which is a more common occurrence in winter months - can cause stress that may make birds more vulnerable to disease.
2. Clean your feeders more frequently and keep areas under and around the feeders clean.
3. Keep seed clean and dry and watch that it doesn't get moldy. Offer only fresh seed.
4. Dry rake or use other methods to keep the area around your feeder clean.
5. Provide seeds from a feeder rather than broadcasting/scattering seed on the ground.
6. If possible, move your feeding stations periodically, so there will be less concentration of bird droppings.
7. If you find a dead bird near the feeder that has not been killed by a predator, disinfect the feeders with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
8. Always wash your hands after filling or cleaning your feeders.
9. Place birdfeeders in locations that do not provide hiding places for cats and other predators to wait to ambush the feeder. Birdfeeders should be placed at least 10' to 12' from low shrubs or bushes that provide cover.
Thanks for your help in keeping our feathered friends healthy and safe!