A Simple Habit That Makes a Big Difference
Feeding birds is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to connect with nature. Whether you’re just starting out or have a garden full of feeders, your help really does make a difference, especially during cold spells, breeding season, or when natural food is scarce.
But did you know that dirty feeders can be dangerous? Without regular cleaning, feeders can become a breeding ground for disease, harming the very garden birds we want to help. The good news? A few simple cleaning habits can keep your garden birds safe and healthy all year round.
Why Clean Feeders Matter
Birds often gather in large numbers at feeders, which means illnesses can spread quickly. Droppings, old food, and damp conditions all encourage the growth of bacteria, mould, and parasites.
Clean feeders = healthy garden birds.
Regular cleaning helps prevent common diseases, reduces pests like rats or insects, and keeps your feeders welcoming for wild visitors.
Common Bird Diseases Linked to Dirty Feeders
|
Disease |
Cause |
Symptoms |
Commonly Affects |
|
Salmonellosis |
Salmonella bacteria |
Fluffed-up feathers, lethargy |
Greenfinches, House Sparrows |
|
Trichomoniasis |
Trichomonas gallinae parasite |
Swollen throat, difficulty swallowing |
Greenfinches, Chaffinches |
|
Aspergillosis |
Aspergillus fungi |
Respiratory distress, lethargy |
Various species |
|
Avian Pox |
Avian pox virus |
Wart-like growths, eye and breathing difficulties |
Great Tits, other species |
How to Clean Your Bird Feeders
In order to clean your bird feeders thoroughly, you will need:
• Gloves
• Warm soapy water
• A long-handled cleaning brush
• A bucket
• Bird-safe disinfectant or diluted bleach (5%)
Important: Use separate cleaning tools just for your bird feeders, and always wash your hands after handling.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1. Empty & dismantle – Remove old food and take the feeder apart if possible
2. Scrub – Wash with warm soapy water using a brush
3. Rinse – Thoroughly rinse off all soap or disinfectant
4. Dry – Let air-dry fully before refilling
5. Disinfect (optional but recommended) Spray or soak in bird-safe disinfectant or diluted bleach (then rinse thoroughly)
6. Reassemble & refill – Add fresh seed and hang back in place
Quick Cleaning Checklist
|
Step |
Action |
How Often |
What You Need |
|
Empty Feeder |
Remove old food |
Before every refill |
Gloves |
|
Disassemble |
Take feeder apart |
Each clean |
— |
|
Wash |
Scrub with soap/disinfectant |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
Bucket, warm water, soap, cleaning brush |
|
Rinse |
Rinse with clean water |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
Fresh water |
|
Dry |
Let air-dry completely |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
— |
|
Disinfect |
Use bird-safe disinfectant or diluted bleach |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
Disinfectant or 5% bleach |
|
Reassemble |
Put feeder back together |
After drying |
— |
|
Refill |
Add fresh seed |
As needed |
Quality birdseed |
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Feeders?
• Spread of disease: Salmonella, trichomoniasis, and fungal infections can thrive
• Mouldy or spoiled food: Causes digestive and respiratory illness
• Pests: Dirty feeders attract rats, flies, and other unwanted guests
• Bird flu risk: While rare in humans, avian flu can devastate bird populations
Bird Flu and Feeder Hygiene
Bird flu (avian influenza) is a serious concern in the UK right now. Although the risk to humans is low, it's important to keep feeders clean to help protect wild bird populations.
To reduce risk:
• Clean feeders weekly with disinfectant
• Stop feeding for two weeks if you notice sick or dead birds nearby
• Wear gloves and always wash your hands after handling feeders
• Report sick or dead wild birds via Garden Wildlife Health
You should not touch the bird without gloves, and avoid contact with pets.
Tips for Healthy Bird Feeding
• Clean feeders at least weekly, more often in damp weather or when busy
• Move feeders around your garden occasionally to prevent waste buildup
• Avoid placing feeders directly under branches, rooftops, or other areas where birds perch or nest, as droppings can fall into the food
• Only put out a day or two’s worth of food at a time
• Check and remove any wet, mouldy, or uneaten food promptly
A Little Cleaning Goes a Long Way
By keeping your bird feeders clean, you're doing more than just offering food, you're providing a safe, healthy space for garden birds to thrive. It’s a small act that supports local wildlife and helps prevent the spread of serious diseases.
