by Donna Lewis
Would you like to eat off a dirty plate? Birds probably will, but it is not safe for them.
So, I bet your feeders are not clean. It’s a nasty job we all hate to do. Let’s face it, it’s work!
But a dirty bird feeder can transmit Salmonella enterica bacteria. Nasty…
Soap and water is not enough to do the job. Ole faithful…BLEACH is what is needed.
1. First, clear all the old seeds out of the feeder. Use a brush or putty remover because it will be like concrete to remove.
2. Wash the feeder with soap and water, scrubbing it good. Then dunk it in a bleach/water solution. A nine to one solution is recommended.
3. Next it must be completely dry before you add any seed again. Don’t get in a hurry.
Having a few extra feeders helps you rotate them.
4. Next clean under the feeders. Get rid of the old moldy seeds on the ground. Dispose of them so the birds cannot eat them again. They’re birds, they don’t know any different.
It’s a very good idea to wear rubber gloves while doing this. Birds can transmit some diseases
A good photo instructional to watch is www.wikihow.pet/clean-Birdfeeders.
Have fun…
Nature Along the El Camino Real 