Simple steps to help keep your feeders clean and protect the health of your garden birds.

Cleaning bird feeders regularly is one of the best ways to
reduce the spread of disease among wild birds and keep your garden a safe and healthy place for them to feed.

Here’s a simple routine to follow:

Weekly Cleaning

• Empty out any remaining food.
• Brush off loose debris and droppings.
• Wash the feeder thoroughly in hot, soapy water.
• Scrub all surfaces, paying particular attention to feeding ports and perches where birds make contact.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling.

If Birds Appear Sick or Disease Is Suspected

If you notice birds with swollen eyes, fluffed-up feathers or lethargy, or find multiple dead birds:

• Stop feeding for at least 2–4 weeks to encourage birds to disperse.
• Remove and thoroughly clean all feeders and bird baths.
• Dispose of old or potentially contaminated food safely.
• Clean the ground beneath feeders where practical, removing accumulated husks, food and droppings.

Bird Baths

• Empty and scrub bird baths at least once a week.
• Refill with fresh water daily if possible.
• Clean more frequently during hot weather or whenever the water becomes dirty.

Extra Tips

• Rotate the position of feeders occasionally to help prevent droppings and waste building up underneath.
• Only put out as much food as birds are likely to eat within a day or two.
• Store bird food in a cool, dry place to help prevent mould.
• Check feeders regularly for cracked or damaged parts and areas that could trap moisture.

Disinfecting Bird Feeders

If a feeder may have been contaminated, it can be disinfected after washing. Use a
hygiene spray recommended for bird feeders, a suitable disinfectant such as
Virkon S, or a dilute household bleach solution of approximately
1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

Keep Yourself Safe Too

Wearing gloves while cleaning feeders and washing your hands thoroughly afterwards are sensible precautions.

Help Keep Garden Birds Healthy

Following a regular cleaning routine can help reduce the spread of diseases such as
trichomonosis and salmonellosis, while keeping your garden a safer place for wild birds.