Essential Bird Feeder Care

Bird feeders can bring many wonderful creatures to your door, both local birds and occasional traveler on migration. Although there are ongoing discussions about how feeders affect a bird food gathering patterns, it is quite possible to make your feeders a safe and healthy place for little visitors. A small amount of effort and attention can go along way in caring for your bird feeder.

The physical integrity of a feeder is always a risk when a marauding squirrels. Squirrels can chew through almost any material, and tends to spread the seeds all over, attract rodents on Earth. A squirrel baffle located above and / or a feeder can eliminate this risk. Another option is to place a squirrel feeder nearby to keep them away from the birdseed. 

Just to give the feeder a shake before refilling it will help keep food containing dry and fresh. Clumps of compacted seed attract moisture and wet clumps of old seed invite mold and decay. If you see something wet, compacted seed, be sure to dump them out before refilling the feeder. Hulls should be cleaned regularly to prevent the same risk of dampness and mold. Hold a brush or spatula of feeder gives a very quick cleaning. 

Every few weeks a feeder should be disinfected. The best approach is to disinfect feeders by scrubbing it with a weak bleach solution, which will consist of 2 liters of water and quarter cup of bleach. During wet weather more frequent disinfection is required. It is important that the feeder be completely dry before more seeds are added.

When they put out seeds in persistent wet weather, use a feeder that has a cover or only small quantities of seeds in an exposed feeder. If they supply sunflower hearts, platforms and avoid vulnerable areas such as rain causes this type of food to spoil. Using a funnel or a tube feeder can provide a reasonable degree of protection.

Suet, in turn should be given to birds only in cool or cold weather. Hot weather can cause this type of food to be unhealthy and unsafe. Continuous fat is known to adhere to the feathers and the bird is hard to clean.

Proper storage is an important part of the equation for good bird feeder care. All seeds must be kept in a clean, airtight and dry container. Plastic garbage cans with tight-fitting lid is a common solution. This practice will also prevent rodents from gaining access to bird feed. Suet is best preserved in a freezer.

If a dead or sick birds is ever spotted on or around the feeding area to remove the birds forage for a few weeks to spread the healthy birds. This will reduce the possibility of spreading disease. It is also a good practice to report sick or dead birds to the wildlife officials so that they can monitor local bird populations.

Take a few steps to maintain a bird feeder will protect your wild visitors, and possibly the local bird population. Proper care can also have side benefits such as keeping unwanted rodents out of the yard and home. Bird watching can actually be enjoyed in the comfort of a kitchen window or a backyard chair.