Bird Feeder Cleaning Reminder

[KentYeti]

Watching my lovely Goldfinches on their feeder yesterday reminded me of the thread we had about a nasty disease that was around. Possibly being spread by bird feeders as well as other means.

So that jogged my memory to clean the feeders. Just spent the last hour doing just that. Gently took them apart and used lots of hot water. Dried them all and put them back.

I also turned the Niger seed feeders around, (mine are positioned so the Goldfinches can only get to the seed from one side), so the access is now through the unused apertures.

I only used paper towels, and placed the feeders on paper towels whilst drying. Then very, very thoroughly sprayed the area where I had been working with disinfectant after I had finished.

Maybe there are others who need a reminder as well!

Cheers,

Bryan

[htcdude]

I did mine earlier this week actually, but it's a good reminder to clean them regularly

Thanks Yeti!

Nige

[jaelen]

I'm very allergic to most cleaning chemicals, so what I do is fill a large bucket with very hot water and a good-sized handful of the dried herb Calendula, (it has anti-fungal, astringent and antimicrobial properties, and when I did a basic herbalism course a few years ago we were told that they used it as an antiseptic in WWII.)

While that steeps nicely I give the feeders a scrub using a brush and washing up liquid, and then give each a good dip and rinse in the calendula 'tea'... that way I know I've hopefully killed off any remaining germs, without using anything that might not be good for the birds. AND I can tip it down the drain near the pond without any worries about the frogs, too.

*tip- it helps to put the calendula in a muslin or cloth bag... the petals are a bit of a nuisance to try and extract out of the mesh on a peanut feeder!

[Shrike]

Originally Posted by jaelen

I'm very allergic to most cleaning chemicals, so what I do is fill a large bucket with very hot water and a good-sized handful of the dried herb Calendula, (it has anti-fungal, astringent and antimicrobial properties, and when I did a basic herbalism course a few years ago we were told that they used it as an antiseptic in WWII.)

While that steeps nicely I give the feeders a scrub using a brush and washing up liquid, and then give each a good dip and rinse in the calendula 'tea'... that way I know I've hopefully killed off any remaining germs, without using anything that might not be good for the birds. AND I can tip it down the drain near the pond without any worries about the frogs, too.

*tip- it helps to put the calendula in a muslin or cloth bag... the petals are a bit of a nuisance to try and extract out of the mesh on a peanut feeder!

I think thats a very good idea , i only use hot water myself i just couldnt feel right about using bleach , look what happened with DDT in the 60's.My birds are all seemingly fine so far anyway but tbh i dont get any Greenfinches which i may be wrong but seem to get the impression are the main carriers.

[Littlesparrow]

I cleaned mine out this morning and found that one new type of feeder I had put up had got very wet inside from the rain. I have tipped the good feed into an old dry one (clean) but was surprised at what a bad design it was,the food could easily gone mouldy.

[wezwez]

Cleaned mine earlier this week, just waiting now to see the birds at them as its dark when i go and come back from work.

[tigertom]

Originally Posted by Shrike

I think thats a very good idea , i only use hot water myself i just couldn't feel right about using bleach , look what happened with DDT in the 60's.My birds are all seemingly fine so far anyway but tbh i don't get any Greenfinches which i may be wrong but seem to get the impression are the main carriers.

IF you are worried about what use to clean them use what I use wilco do a sanitizer spray for vivariums great stuff about 5 quid
MIKE
ps I still give them good rinse with very hot water after I have sprayed them

[actionfinch]

A sense of do gooding when i clean mine , i even feel cleansed myself....
A personal saisfaction when i do clean them....