Q: How often, really, do I need to clean my bird feeders?
A: I'm glad you asked that question, because this is a topic that simply doesn't get enough attention. We aren't doing birds any favors if we offer them food in filthy feeders — these spread diseases that can sicken and even kill avian visitors.
Some of us may assume that winter's cold is enough to kill off harmful bacteria, but this isn't always true. The two major bacterial diseases that can be transmitted from bird to bird at feeders are salmonella and avian conjunctivitis, both of which can lead to bird deaths. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville sees a peak in both diseases in January and February, proof that cold doesn't necessarily prevent these illnesses.
In winter, birds bunch up at feeders and, if healthy, their bodies can generally fight off salmonella infections. But birds in less than peak condition due to lack of food or water or injury might succumb.
Dr. Leslie Reed, a wildlife veterinarian at the rehab center, notes that salmonella can be spread when bird feces come in contact with their food. And conjunctivitis passes between birds as they rub against feeder surfaces.
So hygienic feeders are very important. I'd recommend cleaning feeders at least twice a year, at the end of summer and again at winter's end. Four times a year is even better. Start by tossing any old seed, and then use the standard "recipe": Clean feeders thoroughly, then rinse in a solution of nine parts water to one part chlorine bleach (this kills bacteria). Rinse feeders thoroughly again, dry them, then fill with fresh seed and replace them outdoors. If you use inexpensive plastic tube feeders and find them hard to clean, toss them out each year and buy new ones.
Linnea Carlson, who owns Chickadee's House Wild Bird Store in Roseville, says "Clean feeders can be the difference between life or death to our feathered friends." She gives these tips to customers:
• Have many bird feeders, since more feeders mean less crowding and less sharing of diseases.