How To Clean a Bird Feeder
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Did you know it’s important to regularly clean backyard bird feeders? It’s true—a clean feeder helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, mold, and diseases to other birds and possibly humans.
Whether you’re a new wild bird enthusiast or a seasoned birder, it’s always important to review how to clean a bird feeder properly.
Key Takeaways
- Bird feeders should be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Cleaning bird feeders is easy and can be done with common household products.
- Easy-to-clean bird feeders can make maintenance more convenient.
How Often Should You Clean a Bird Feeder?
Bird feeders should be cleaned regularly—ideally every two weeks—to prevent health conditions including:
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Salmonellosis: Caused by salmonella bacteria, this disease can affect birds and humans, causing diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness.
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Avian pox: Highly transmissible, this infection can affect over 200 species of wild birds and causes potentially fatal lesions.
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Mycoplasmosis: This common bacterial infection is easily spread to birds through contact with contaminated feeders. Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, also known as “house finch eye disease,” causes inflammation of the eyelid lining in birds.
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Aspergillosis: This fungal infection can damage birds’ respiratory tracts.
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Avian flu: Found in more than 100 different species of wild birds, avian influenza viruses can range from mild to fatal, depending on the strain of virus and species of bird.
In addition to feeders, it’s important to clean the areas under your feeders, as well—bird feces and moldy seed casings from these spaces can transmit disease, as well as attract rodents, raccoons, and bears.
How To Clean a Bird Feeder Step By Step
Cleaning a bird feeder is quick and easy. Your backyard visitors are sure to appreciate a clean space to eat some snacks!
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to clean a bird feeder:
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Put on gloves: First things first—protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
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Empty the feeder: Remove all of the old bird seed and dispose of it. Do not reuse old seed, as it can recontaminate a clean feeder.
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Disassemble: If possible, take your feeder apart to ensure that every space gets clean.
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Scrub: Using a brush or sponge, scrub each part of your feeder using warm, soapy water. A mild dish detergent works great.
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Rinse: Remove any soap residue by thoroughly rinsing all parts with clean water.
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Disinfect: For an extra-deep clean, mix nine parts water to one part bleach; soak the feeder parts for a few minutes, ensuring all parts are submerged.
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Rinse again: Remove any bleach residue by thoroughly rinsing again with clean water.
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Dry: Before reassembling or refilling, allow all feeder parts to air dry completely.
To tidy the area beneath your feeder, use a shovel to remove old seeds, casings, and bird droppings, and put them in a closed bag in the trash.
Easy-To-Clean Bird Feeders
Some bird feeders are harder to clean than others. For easy maintenance, consider these convenient easy-to-clean bird feeders:
This back-to-basics feeder couldn’t be easier to use or clean. Simply fill it with seeds, let your backyard buddies feast, then wash the entire mesh sock in your sink.
This top-rated feeder features an innovative design that allows you to feed two varieties of seed at once. It can be easily disassembled without tools, making for quick and easy cleanings.
Made from animal fat, suet is a high-energy food that can help birds thrive in cold weather. This vinyl-covered wire feeder is easy to fill and refill, as well as clean—the entire feeder can be washed and reused all season long.
How To Clean a Bird Feeder FAQs
What is the best thing to clean bird feeders with?
Bird feeders can be easily cleaned using a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and allow the feeder to air dry.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for bird feeders?
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for cleaning bird feeders. In fact, Dawn donates soap to wildlife rescue organizations to help birds affected by oil spills and other natural disasters. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before use.
Is vinegar good for cleaning bird feeders?
Yes, vinegar can be used to clean bird feeders. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water, and soak your feeder for 60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before use.
How do you clean the inside of a bird feeder tube?
To clean a bird feeder tube, disassemble all parts if possible. Soak the tube and all parts in warm, soapy water, then clean using a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly before use.
Can I use Clorox wipes to clean a bird feeder?
Yes, you can use Clorox wipes as part of your bird-feeder cleaning routine. However, just as with bleach, you must thoroughly rinse all parts of your feeder after using Clorox wipes—bleach and bleach fumes can be harmful to birds.
