Feeding wild birds is a very popular hobby, second only to gardening in North America. In fact, over 63 million people participate in the hobby of backyard birdfeeding. An important element of feeding the birds is providing a healthy feeding environment. This includes periodic cleaning, to help promote bird health. Proper placement of birdfeeders is also important in keeping birds safe from predators.
When you feed the birds, take the following steps to provide a safe and healthy feeding environment.
Provide multiple feeding stations in different areas of your yard to disperse bird activity. Crowding at the feeder -- which occurs more commonly in winter months -- can cause stress which may make birds more vulnerable to disease.
Clean your feeders frequently and keep areas under and around the feeders clean.
Keep seed clean and dry so that it doesn't get moldy. Offer only fresh seed.
Dry rake or ask us about tidy feeding solutions to keep the area around your feeder clean.
Provide seeds from a ground feeder rather than broadcasting/scattering seed on the ground..
If possible, move your feeding stations periodically, so there will be less concentration of bird droppings.
If you find a dead bird near the feeder that has not been killed by a predator, disinfect the feeders with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Always wash your hands after filling or cleaning your feeders.
Place birdfeeders in locations that do not provide hiding places for cats and other predators to wait to ambush the feeder. Birdfeeders should be placed at least 10' to 12' from low shrubs or bushes that provide cover.
The complete picture of bird health in our backyards has rarely been examined. A 1992 study conducted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology concluded that 51% of bird deaths were caused by window strikes. Predation, predominantly by household cats, caused 36% of bird deaths. Disease caused only 11% of bird deaths in our backyards. In a 1997 study conducted by the American Birding Association, cats were found to be a significant source of mortality among birds that come to feeders. It has been estimated that a single household cat can kill more than 100 birds and small mammals each year.
It is important to keep your water source clean and fresh for the birds. Adding a dripper will provide a constant source of fresh water. To clean your birdbath, use a stiff brush or high powered hose at least every other day. If birdbaths become especially dirty, you can wash them with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. The solution can stand for five minutes, but do not leave the birdbath unattended. Be sure to rinse the birdbath well. It is recommended that you use a separate brush for birdbaths and birdfeeders.
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