As warmer temperatures arrive and spring approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is urging residents to clean their bird feeders regularly to help protect backyard birds from disease.
State wildlife officials say reports of sick birds tend to increase during the spring and summer months. In many cases, unclean feeders and feeding areas are a common factor.
Todd Schneider, a wildlife biologist with the agency, said proper hygiene can dramatically reduce health risks. “A hygienic bird feeder can reduce the risk tremendously,” Schneider said.
Birds gathering at dirty feeders can be exposed to a range of illnesses. Conjunctivitis, for example, can cause crusty eyes and even blindness, leaving birds reluctant to leave feeders when approached. Salmonellosis, a bacterial infection caused by salmonella, may make birds appear lethargic and unusually approachable, though some infected birds show no obvious symptoms.
Fungal infections such as aspergillosis can develop when wet, moldy seed accumulates beneath feeders, leading to respiratory distress. Avian pox, another concern, causes wart-like growths on a bird’s face, legs or feet and can interfere with breathing and eating in severe cases. The disease can spread between birds at feeders and also by mosquitoes.
To reduce these risks, the Department of Natural Resources recommends cleaning feeders weekly with a 10-percent bleach solution, rinsing thoroughly and allowing them to dry completely. Officials also advise raking up discarded seed and droppings several times a week and spacing multiple feeders apart to limit crowding.
Bird baths should be emptied and cleaned every two days during periods of heavy use, and feeders should be moved periodically to reduce the buildup of waste in one area. Residents are encouraged to wear gloves and a mask while cleaning feeders and to wash thoroughly afterward.
With highly pathogenic avian influenza present in wild birds, officials also caution against placing feeders and bird baths near domestic poultry.
If sick birds are observed, wildlife experts recommend temporarily removing feeders for about a week to encourage birds to disperse. Residents who notice five or more dead birds at a single feeder over a short period are encouraged to report the findings to state wildlife officials.
Additional information about bird feeder-related diseases is available through the DNR and wildlife health resources online.