Living with Birds How to clean a bird feeder? Tweetapedia

Clean is good.

Keeping your bird feeders clean is an important part of bird feeding. Doing this regularly doesn't need to be a chore.

Uneaten bird foods can build up over time around the feeder. These can get wet and mouldy, particularly during the rainy seasons. Not only will deprive birds the nourishment they need, but it will most likely make them sick.

Dirty bird feeders can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Routinely cleaning your feeders helps keeps them hygienic. It also prevents the spread of diseases such as trichomoniasis, which can spread rapidly among wild birds.

Cleaning up any spilled food or fallen seed from below your feeders is also essential. This can attract unwanted attention from unwelcome pests like mice and rats. Stop rodents visiting your garden looking for leftovers by adding a seed tray to your feeder, to catch any spilled food.

Squirrel proofing your bird feeders with a baffle will also help prevent seed loss. A squirrel proof bird feeder is a great way to make sure your bird seed remains in place for your birds, instead of on the ground.

Fallen seed on the ground can quickly become rotten. Not only will it no longer give birds the nourishment they need, but mouldy seed can be fatal.

How should I clean my bird feeder? 

A cleaning brush is ideal for getting to those hard-to-reach places inside large tubular feeders. This will ensure thorough cleaning without leaving any scratches. Remember to wear gloves and clean your feeders outdoors.

Start by simply filling a bucket with hot, soapy water and a little washing up liquid. Then use the brush to thoroughly clean both the inside and outer parts of the feeder, removing any old bits of food or droppings. Take care to rinse the feeder and all parts after with clean water and allow them to dry off thoroughly before refilling with food.

Our easy clean bird feeders make cleaning a breeze. The Ring Pull™ Click range features a twist-off base and feeding ports that click off in an instant. Swiftly remove parts without any tools, to allow for hassle-free disinfecting. Simply reassemble in seconds, making year-round up keep of your feeders easy.

Or why not try our handy flo™ bird feeders that are easy to clean. Designed to encourage seed to flow freely down the extra wide tube, preventing unwanted build up. Read about the 'best easy clean bird feeders UK' here.

How often should I clean my bird feeder?

Clean your bird feeders at least once a fortnight. If you are refilling your bird feeders regularly, then the more often the better. During warm, wet weather it is even more important to make sure you are keeping them hygienic. If you do notice any mould or mildew buildup, then disinfect immediately, regardless of when last cleaned.

Afterall, a clean feeder equals healthy birds. Keeping your seed fresher for longer will in turn attract a wider range of birds to your garden.

Other ways to practice good hygiene

• Rotate feeders regularly if possible, to prevent food build up below your feeders
• Having multiple feeding stations mean a smaller congregation of birds in one place
• Don't allow uneaten foods to build up
• Always remember to provide fresh, clean drinking water for garden birds on a daily basis