Be honest now, I know it is a chore that often gets shifted down low on the priority list, but for the sake of the birds, please keep your feeders and bird baths clean. Because our feeders tend to congregate birds into small feeding areas so that we have the pleasure of watching them, it is our responsibility to keep those feeding stations clean and healthy for them. Dirty feeders spread disease.

To clean feeders, remove all the old seed debris. Soak your feeders in a 10% bleach or vinegar and water solution, (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) and scrub well. Rinse well and allow them to dry thoroughly before re-filling. Wild Bird Country carries handy brushes for tube feeders, bird baths, and hummingbird feeders, as well as enzyme solutions to make this chore easier. A once a month cleaning is recommended. While you are in the cleaning mode, rake up the accumulated hulls and droppings under your feeders. It is a good idea to rotate ground-feeding areas frequently to avoid contamination. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after filling, handling, and cleaning your feeders.