How to keep your bird feeder clean

Tips on how to keep your bird feeder clean are essential for keeping your garden birds healthy, and it’s easier than you think! Bacteria and fungus can build up quickly, therefore regular cleaning is needed to keep your bird feeder sanitary and fungus-free. This is especially important in those warm, summer months as the heat can make food go off quicker and harbour harmful bacteria. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide with our best tips for cleaning your wild bird feeders, and keeping your garden birds happy and healthy!

What should I clean my bird feeder with?

It’s important to clean with a disinfectant or antibacterial soap to keep your feeder free from germs. Bottle cleaner brushes are the perfect tool to get in all the nooks and crannies of your feeder and ensure there’s no residue or food left behind. As well as this, a good old bucket of water and soap are all you need to keep your feeder squeaky clean. Veterinary disinfectant can be used as it helps to protect against bacteria, fungus and viruses and is usually sold at a safe concentration for birds. Bleach can also do the trick, however it must be diluted at 1 parts bleach to 9 parts water to ensure it is safe. Once you’ve washed your feeder, make sure to rinse it with clean water so that no harsh chemicals are left behind, and leave it to dry completely before refilling it with food.

How often should I clean my feeder?

Ideally, at least once a month is the recommended amount to clean your bird feeder, however this can vary. You should clean your feeder more often during times of warm or wet weather to keep it bacteria-free. If you have water containers in your garden, it’s important to clean these daily as they are at risk of being contaminated by droppings. It’s also important to clean the areas around your bird feeders and water baths to keep them free from parasites and mouldy food. These areas should be cleaned at least monthly, along with your bird feeders. Whether you’ve got a Fat Ball Feeder or a Niger Feeder, these tips should help you to keep your feeders sanitary and clean and keep your birds healthy!

25th Jul 2017 Kennedy Wild

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