Hygiene at the birds bird feeder is important. Since your bird feeder is a meeting place for several different birds, the risk of infectious diseases spreading is very high. It is not unusual for birds to carry diseases that are harmful to both humans, their pets or poultry flocks. Examples of bacteria are campylobacter, e.coli and salmonella. It is green irish and house sparrows in particular that spread these bacteria with their excrement.

A bird feeder should therefore be properly designed so that the birds do not sit in the food, and it is very important that it is cleaned regularly. A few times each month you should wash away excrement and remove food residues.

Lukewarm water mixed with a mild detergent works fine, but to be on the safe side, you can add 10% disinfectant. Afterwards rinse thoroughly with water. Be careful and wash your hands afterwards or wear protective gloves during cleaning.