How and When to Clean a (Possibly) Disgusting Bird Feeder
Feeders can be a calm and welcoming environment for birds if not cared for properly. Bird feeders spread diseases such as salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, pigeon paramyxovirus and avian pox, according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife . In other cases, old, damp seeds can grow mold and mildew , which can harm the birds that feed on them. All of these circumstances are life-threatening for birds, so keeping the feeder clean is an important part of the process.
Here’s how often you need to clean your feeder and how to do it right.
How often should the bird feeder be cleaned?
Elizabeth Tillman of theMichigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends cleaning bird feeders once a month to prevent clump and bacteria build-up, while Colorado Parks & Wildlife strongly recommends washing bird feeders twice a month.
Cleaning the feeders once a month is likely to be sufficient, but cleaning every two weeks is recommended during warmer months when more birds are feeding and there is a higher risk of bacteria. Professionals also recommend using plastic feeders instead of wooden ones, which tend to retain moisture.
How to clean a bird feeder
To clean plastic bird feeders, you will need the following:
- Two large containers or sinks
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cleaning brush
- Bleach or vinegar
- Rubber gloves for cleaning
- Microfiber towel
You will start by putting on these rubber gloves to protect yourself from any harmful bacteria that may have accumulated on the feeder. Then disassemble the feeder and pour out the seeds. If there are few seeds left in the feeder and it is dry, you can let the seeds fall to the ground – if you are in an open area where children and dogs are not playing. (You and the kids probably won’t want to mess around with bird droppings afterward.) You can also throw any bad seeds in the trash.
After you have removed the seeds from the trough, add some dish soap to the first container and fill it with one part bleach and nine parts water . (Use white vinegar as a natural alternative to bleach.) Then fill another container with cool, clean water.
Dip the pan in the solution so that it is completely submerged in the water . If the pan is particularly dirty, let it soak until the dirt looses. After soaking, use a scrubbing brush to work between the nooks and crannies of each item. After you’ve washed it thoroughly, place the feeder in a container of cool water for rinsing. Make sure all parts are completely free of soap and the bleach (or vinegar) is completely rinsed out. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to dry.
Allow the feeder to dry completely before filling in the seed, as any remaining moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth. A Place to Live The Spruce recommends letting the feeder dry in direct sunlight – the sun will remove any soap and chemical residues that could harm the birds.
WatchTillman’s tutorial video for detailed visuals.
Cleaning hummingbird feeders
The cleaning process for hummingbird feeders is slightly different because they contain liquid, not seeds. Cornell’s ornithology laboratory site, All About Birds, suggests changing the sugar water two or three times a week to prevent mold and fermentation.
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned with hot water and a brush. Cornel’s lab warns against using soaps or detergents that can contaminate the water. While this may seem like a harsher solution, nine parts water and one part bleach (or vinegar) are enough to disinfect the feeder. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining solution, and let it dry in direct sunlight to protect hummingbirds from cleaning agent residue.