Birds Eat Off The Ground So Why Do I Have To Clean The Birdfeeder?
True birds eat off the ground, so why is cleaning the birdfeeder regularly so important? It may be easy to think someone who clearly has too much time on their hands made up this crazy rule.
But really it is necessary because spreading diseases is a problem.
And birds with diseases die a very uncomfortable death, and can easily spread the disease to other birds.
This should in no way deter you from setting out a birdfeeder.
Birdfeeders are not only are helpful for birds in harsh weather, but they offer enjoyment for the whole family.
They just require some commitment to their maintenance to protect them from diseases.
Diseases are easily transmitted in birdbaths and birdfeeders.
Four common diseases that are commonly found on birds that use feeders are Salmonellosis, Avian Pox, Trichomoniasis, and Aspergillosis.
If you are wondering "how can you tell if a bird has a disease or not?" When contaminated they often appear less alert and active, may show reluctance to fly.
They don't eat as much and may cower on the feeder.
Their feathers will not be in good condition.
Salmonellosis, commonly known by the Latin name Salmonella, and is the most common birdfeeder disease.
Birds infected by this bacteria, often have abscesses form on the lining of the esophagus causing them to die quickly.
It is spread through their fecal droppings contaminating the food.
Avian Pox is easier to detect than the other diseases, because it causes wart like growths to grow on featherless areas.
Such as the face, legs, feet, and wings.
This virus is spread by direct contact of contaminated food or birds at the feeders.
Birds with Trichomoniasis will often have sores in their mouths and throats making them unable to swallow.
Which causes them to drop food or water and when other birds consume it, cause the disease to spread.
Birds that have disease are more likely to die from dehydration, starvation, extreme weather, and are more vulnerable to predators.
Another disease is Aspergillosis fungus (or mold).
When the fungal spores are inhaled, it spreads through the lungs and air sacs, and it causes bronchitis and pneumonia.
Results are almost always fatal.
So now you know the ugly part of bird feeding.
Lets focus on what you can do to prevent or minimize disease issues.
You can disinfect feeders and birdbaths, by fully immersing them in 9 to 1 water-bleach solution.
Be sure to keep it completely immersed for two to three minutes.
Follow by rinsing thoroughly, and allowing it to air dry.
This needs to be done once or twice a month.
If you have noticed an outbreak, then be sure to disinfect your feeders and birdbaths at least once a week.
If you have a birdbath, empty the water daily (Because The Trichomonad protozoan can live up to several hours in the water.
) and wipe or brush it clean, then refill with fresh water.
The next step after keeping the feeders disinfected is to be sure to keep feeders clean of old seeds, hulls, and droppings.
Rake up any uneaten hulls off the ground (Because The Trichomonad protozoan can live up five days in food).
Avoid overcrowding.
Overcrowding is the key factor in the spread of disease.
So if you have lots of birds using one feeder in your yard, consider adding another feeder to accommodate the extra birds.
Don't use food that has gotten wet, looks moldy or rotten.
And if your food storage containers have gotten soiled, be sure to disinfect before adding fresh food.
Keep your feeders safe by take care of sharp edges that could cause small cuts or scratches.
These allow germs to enter an otherwise healthy bird.
Keep mice out of the bird food.
Mice spread diseases to birds without even being affected themselves.
If you maintain a clean safe environment for your birds you will rarely find a sick or dead bird at your feeder.
Bird feeding is a fun and enjoyable past time.
You can learn a lot from watching and helping birds and it is considered one of America's favorite past times.
Although it is not problem free, it doesn't mean you shouldn't participate in it.
Just remember should be done responsibly.
So it can be enjoyable to you as well as safe for your feathered friends.
But really it is necessary because spreading diseases is a problem.
And birds with diseases die a very uncomfortable death, and can easily spread the disease to other birds.
This should in no way deter you from setting out a birdfeeder.
Birdfeeders are not only are helpful for birds in harsh weather, but they offer enjoyment for the whole family.
They just require some commitment to their maintenance to protect them from diseases.
Diseases are easily transmitted in birdbaths and birdfeeders.
Four common diseases that are commonly found on birds that use feeders are Salmonellosis, Avian Pox, Trichomoniasis, and Aspergillosis.
If you are wondering "how can you tell if a bird has a disease or not?" When contaminated they often appear less alert and active, may show reluctance to fly.
They don't eat as much and may cower on the feeder.
Their feathers will not be in good condition.
Salmonellosis, commonly known by the Latin name Salmonella, and is the most common birdfeeder disease.
Birds infected by this bacteria, often have abscesses form on the lining of the esophagus causing them to die quickly.
It is spread through their fecal droppings contaminating the food.
Avian Pox is easier to detect than the other diseases, because it causes wart like growths to grow on featherless areas.
Such as the face, legs, feet, and wings.
This virus is spread by direct contact of contaminated food or birds at the feeders.
Birds with Trichomoniasis will often have sores in their mouths and throats making them unable to swallow.
Which causes them to drop food or water and when other birds consume it, cause the disease to spread.
Birds that have disease are more likely to die from dehydration, starvation, extreme weather, and are more vulnerable to predators.
Another disease is Aspergillosis fungus (or mold).
When the fungal spores are inhaled, it spreads through the lungs and air sacs, and it causes bronchitis and pneumonia.
Results are almost always fatal.
So now you know the ugly part of bird feeding.
Lets focus on what you can do to prevent or minimize disease issues.
You can disinfect feeders and birdbaths, by fully immersing them in 9 to 1 water-bleach solution.
Be sure to keep it completely immersed for two to three minutes.
Follow by rinsing thoroughly, and allowing it to air dry.
This needs to be done once or twice a month.
If you have noticed an outbreak, then be sure to disinfect your feeders and birdbaths at least once a week.
If you have a birdbath, empty the water daily (Because The Trichomonad protozoan can live up to several hours in the water.
) and wipe or brush it clean, then refill with fresh water.
The next step after keeping the feeders disinfected is to be sure to keep feeders clean of old seeds, hulls, and droppings.
Rake up any uneaten hulls off the ground (Because The Trichomonad protozoan can live up five days in food).
Avoid overcrowding.
Overcrowding is the key factor in the spread of disease.
So if you have lots of birds using one feeder in your yard, consider adding another feeder to accommodate the extra birds.
Don't use food that has gotten wet, looks moldy or rotten.
And if your food storage containers have gotten soiled, be sure to disinfect before adding fresh food.
Keep your feeders safe by take care of sharp edges that could cause small cuts or scratches.
These allow germs to enter an otherwise healthy bird.
Keep mice out of the bird food.
Mice spread diseases to birds without even being affected themselves.
If you maintain a clean safe environment for your birds you will rarely find a sick or dead bird at your feeder.
Bird feeding is a fun and enjoyable past time.
You can learn a lot from watching and helping birds and it is considered one of America's favorite past times.
Although it is not problem free, it doesn't mean you shouldn't participate in it.
Just remember should be done responsibly.
So it can be enjoyable to you as well as safe for your feathered friends.