Clean Feeders Keep Birds Healthy and Happy

 

There are some bird feeders that, if they were restaurants, the Health Department would shut them down because they are so dirty. Taking proper care of bird feeders, including periodic cleaning, is an important part of responsible bird feeding.

 

Keeping your bird feeders clean is crucial to reducing the spread of bird illnesses and diseases.

Often individuals who feed the birds do not receive complete and accurate information on bird disease or how to safely offer food and water to the birds. We feel it is essential for those who enjoy the hobby of backyard bird feeding to understand the importance of proper feeding methods.

While having a feeder cleaned removes the build-up that accumulates over time, it won’t make the feeder look brand new. However, a clean feeder will not only decrease the spread of bird diseases, it can potentially increase the level of bird activity in the area where the feeder is located.

 

Give Your Feeders A Deep Clean!

Feeders should be cleaned every three months.  It's recommended to use a 10% diluted bleach solution.  Soak your feeders in a bucket for 15 - 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and let air dry completely before you re-fill them with bird food.  Bleach kills 99% of the bacteria that makes birds sick, but too much can also be toxic.  If you don't have bleach, diluted (Dawn) soap or white vinegar may also be used.  Again, rinse thoroughly.  Feeder brushes also come in handy.  They have long handles to help clean the entire length of your tube feeders.  You may purchase these online here: Feeder Brushes   

 

 

 

 

Quick-Clean™ Bottoms

If cleaning is a hassle, no one will want to do it.  With this in mind, Wild Birds Unlimited has
incorporated a quick-clean removable base on all tube feeders. Just squeeze the buttons to
pop the bottom out. This design helps to quickly and easily remove any caked seed, mold,
or dust that accumulates at the very bottom of the feeder in (normally) hard-to-reach places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eco-Clean™ Tube Feeders

Wild Birds Unlimited offers antimicrobial product protection on Eco-Clean™ tube feeders.  This option is designed to inhibit the growth of damaging bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and other microbes on the treated product surfaces.

This is especially beneficial to finch feeders since Nyjer, a.k.a thistle, can mold rapidly when wet.

 

 

 

 

Weather Guards / Domes

WBU Weather Guards are designed to fit over ALL WBU Tube Feeders.  Drawing inspiration from an umbrella, this additional accessory is designed to shield the birds from rain or snow and offers an extra layer of protection to your bird food.

 

Feeder Fresh

De-molding agents and weather guards act as great buffers to help keep your bird food dry, but they are not the only solutions.  To ensure your food stays fresh, consider adding Feeder Fresh!

Safe for Birds!  Feeder Fresh is very absorbent; made from sand granules composed of the same essential minerals as grit, which is naturally consumed by birds.  Pour a thin layer along the bottom of the feeder (where most water congregates) or mix it throughout the feeder to fight humidity.

 

 

 

Nectar Defender - contains no artificial preservatives or dyes, just a micronutrient
that is part of a hummingbird's natural diet.  Mix it with your nectar solution to keep
it fresh for up to 2 weeks!