How to Care for Bird Feeders

Cleaning and Protecting

Why Clean Bird Feeders - doesn't the rain take care of this?

Some bird feeders make it easier to spread avian diseases than others. This would be the most important reason for regular cleaning. If birds have to push their heads up against feeding ports, for example, this could spread eye infections.

Forceful rain can cause moisture to enter feeders that normally wouldn't have a problem with dampness spoiling seeds. Spoiled seeds will discourage wild birds from using your feeding stations and cause a harmful build up of mold.

In some circumstances birds may contaminate the seeds with droppings. Goldfinches are notorious for this so don't use open tray feeders for finch feeding and don't place a tube finch feeder above anything of importance to you!

Cleaning Solutions

A diluted mixture of water and a few drops of bleach, or a few drops of dish detergent or diluted vinegar and some good brushes will clean most feeders. Vinegar will work just fine if you don't wish to use a strong chemical.

The Importance of Rinsing

Rinse at least three times longer than you think you need to. You do not want to injure the birds from residual soap, bleach or even vinegar. Rinse, rinse, rinse.

Keeping Clean Under and Around Bird Feeders

What's good for the sparrows may be good for the rats and snakes too. No need to ask for trouble if you live in the country or near a park. A few seeds spilled by a careless cardinal will not present a problem but if you have certain birds, overly enthusiastic doves or feisty blue jays for example, your birds may be spilling a lot of seeds under the feeders. This can be the cause of an unhealthy and moldy clump of seeds but it also may attract unwanted creatures.

You should evaluate whether this feeder is working for your particular birds or whether or not you should just scoop up the spilled seeds periodically. If you watch a blue jay rake every single seed out of your feeder tray, it is time for a feeder with a lip around the bottom. Nothing else will stop this bird from continuing to do this. Another alternative is choosing a feeder that forces birds to pluck seeds individually. (Example of this style bird feeder)

If you use tube bird feeders, a seed scoop can be a handy tool for filling the seed tubes without spilling.

Storage

If you store hummingbird feeders during any off-season

Simply clean them and store them where they won't deteriorate.

Collapsible bird feeders for storage or travel

The need for Collapsible Bird Feeders has finally been recognized and these feeders make storage or travel so easy. They come in all sizes and store flat so they don't take up much room in the RV or the garage.

Avoiding Squirrels and the Damage They Do

Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffles

Baffles can keep squirrels off your bird feeders IF they are used properly. The first requirement, they work if hung directly above feeders, on the same hanging wire or chain, or when positioned directly below feeders on a pole or post out of reach of the vertical jump of the squirrel. The second requirement is very important. Squirrels can jump across long distances also. A feeder and baffle must be placed far enough from any lateral jumping opportunity (fences, cars, tree branches and shrubs, patio furniture, BBQ cooker, porch rail, mailbox, awning, vertical terrain, greenhouse, swing set, play equipment, pool slide, garden shed, flag pole, air conditioning unit, steps, brush pile, etc.) or any structures above the feeder that could offer a jumping off point. In other words, a solitary branch or similar location.

Caged Bird Feeders

Since it isn't always easy to find a location that will work with a squirrel baffle, you may wish to try Caged Bird Feeders as an alternative. These force a squirrel to reach with fingers, if they can reach, to grab individual seeds. They can just gobble seeds directly. Chances are, they will go to the neighbor's feeders instead. Chewed feeding ports will no longer damage your feeders.

Squirrel-resistant Bird Feeders

There are Other Squirrel-resistant Bird Feeders that use various methods to keep squirrels from damaging your bird feeders and stealing your seeds.

Placement

Sun and Rain - and Hawks and Feral Cats

Whenever possible, most materials will hold up better if not exposed to sun rays 365 days of the year. Moisture will weather wood quicker than metal and plastic so consider your annual rainfall measurements. Hungry hawks will be most appreciative if you place your feeders right out in the open too. If you choose to place your bird feeders under a tree canopy or in another sheltered location, just be sure that you don't have hiding places for feral cats in that spot.