University of Wisconsin - Extension

Setting up bird feeders and birdhouses is a good way to bring birds into our backyards so we can enjoy them up close. In return, there are things we can do to keep the birds healthy. UW-Madison/Extension wildlife ecology outreach specialist Rebecca Christoffel has the following recommendations for keeping birds healthy and safe when they use your backyard feeders and birdhouses.

Some birds live separately between mating seasons, establish their territory and do not appreciate intruders. By setting up more than one feeder in different areas of your yard, you will avoid crowding. Crowding can cause stress and make birds more vulnerable to disease.

Place feeders in locations that do not provide hiding places for cats and other predators who will wait to ambush the feeder. Birdfeeders should be at least 10 to 12 feet from low shrubs or bushes that provide cover.

Clean and disinfect your bird feeder regularly, ideally once a week, or whenever you refill it.

Use liquid chlorine household bleach by mixing one part bleach with nine parts water, which gives a 10 percent solution. The bird feeder should be scrubbed and rinsed and if possible, soaked for up to 10 minutes in the bleach solution. For a large feeder, use a spray bottle of the bleach solution and spray it well, including the corners. Mix the solution fresh each time. Then rinse the bird feeder and let it air dry completely.

While cleaning the feeder, inspect it for sharp points or edges that can injure birds. Small scratches and cuts allow bacteria and viruses to infect otherwise healthy birds.

Use a good blend of birdseed. Keep seed clean and dry and watch that it doesn't get moldy in the feeder. Offer only fresh seed. Store food in rodent and water proof containers in a cool area. Discard any food that smells musty, is wet, looks moldy or has fungus growing on it. Disinfect any storage container that holds spoiled food as well as the scoop used to fill feeders.

Provide seeds from a feeder rather than broadcasting or scattering seed on the ground

If possible, move the feeding stations periodically, to reduce accumulations of droppings. Birds are messy eaters, but you should clean the feeder area of wasted food and droppings because these are perfect sources of infection. If the ground beneath your feeder is smooth, a broom and shovel will do the job. You may also use a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Hose down the area generously. If you can, without causing damage to nearby plants or buildings, apply the rest of your 10 percent bleach solution and disinfect the area.

Nectar feeders should be thoroughly cleaned and bleached once a week and refilled on a regular base. Birdbath areas with standing water need to be bleached weekly and should be emptied and refilled with fresh water on a daily basis. Allow ample space between the birdbath and the feeder area.

Act early. Don't wait until you see sick or dead birds. Spread the word. Encourage your neighbors who feed birds to follow the same precautions.

Always wash your hands after filling or cleaning your feeders.

For more information about wild birds, contact your county UW-Extension office or visit the Web sites of organizations such as Wild Birds Unlimited at http://www.wbu.com/ .

UW-Extension has the following publications available: "Bird Feeding: Tips for Beginners and Veterans" (G3176), "Landscape Plants that Attract Birds" (G1609), and "Shelves, Houses and Feeders for Birds and Mammals" (NCR 338). The publications are available from UW Cooperative Extension Publications through your county UW-Extension office and can be viewed online at http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/index.cfm .