How To Clean And Maintain Your Bird Feeders

Having bird feeders in your yard can give you a firsthand look at the amazing creatures that make our ecosystems function with ease. Backyard birds may look and sound beautiful, but they aren't just here for show—they are playing key roles in protecting the environment and keeping our gardens pollinated and pest-free. Providing a food source for birds around your area will help them maintain their health throughout every season to keep them alive during breeding, migration, and seasonal changes.

Whether you put out seeds, nuts, or even fruits, bird feeders are a fantastic and cost-effective option to preserve bird populations. With proper cleaning and care, bird feeders can last for many years and give our feathered friends a haven of nourishment. Keep reading to find out how to clean your bird feeders and why it's necessary.

Why Cleaning Bird Feeders Is So Important

While bird feeders provide a great food source for birds, not cleaning them regularly and properly can do more harm than good. Dirty feeders can harbor spoiled or moldy feed and seed hulls that are filled with harmful or even deadly bacteria. Bird droppings are also common on feeders, which can increase the spread of avian diseases among the bird population. Properly cleaning your feeders is vital in protecting the health and growth of birds in your area and beyond.

Cleaning a Seed Feeder

1. Once it's time to clean your seed feeder, take it apart and discard of any food or debris in and on it.
2. Grab a container (like a plastic bin) and fill it with water and dish soap.
3. Grab a brush and thoroughly scrub each part of the feeder.
4. Once scrubbed, rinse it off with water and let it dry completely and then fill it with fresh feed.

For an even deeper clean:

1. Follow the instructions above, then grab a container and fill it with nine parts water and one part bleach.
2. Place the feeder parts in the container and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Once soaked, take them out and rinse the parts thoroughly.
4. Allow for the parts to dry completely and fill it with fresh feed.
   

Cleaning a Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders typical require slightly more maintenance because of the nectar.

Frequency

Sugar water should be changed every three to five days depending on the season, and it should be cleaned every time the nectar is replaced.

How To

1. Pour out all remaining nectar
2. Rinse well with water, and take apart the feeder.
3. Grab a container and fill with a solution of one part white distilled vinegar and two parts water.
4. Let the feeder soak for a few minutes then rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Allow for it to dry completely and then refill with fresh nectar.
   

How Often To Clean Feeders

Seed feeders should be cleaned once every week or two, and hummingbird feeders should be cleaned once every two to five days. This all depends on the weather, temperature, and level of usage.

Signs It Needs Cleaning

• If you start to see a buildup of seed hulls or bird dropping on or around your seed feeders, it's best to give it a clean no matter the timeframe.
• If your sugar water starts to look cloudy, it's definitely time for a clean and refill.
• When the temperatures start to get warmer, it's very important to be cleaning on a more consistent basis due to the quick pace of rotting and moldy feed.
• It's also best practice to clean more frequently during particularly heavy wet spells and if there's been a salmonella outbreak in your area.