Don’t forget to clean out your bird feeders. Late winter is a good time to prepare them for new spring arrivals.
Keep the birds in your backyard happy and healthy with these bird feeding tips and tricks.
More Is Better
Crowded spaces can quickly lead to messy surroundings. This is true in many aspects of life, and it’s also true for birds. If you have a single bird feeder constantly being mobbed by visitors, then maybe it’s time to put out another one. This will instantly alleviate all the traffic going to a single source, and it’ll help keep your feeding space cleaner longer.
After the Rain
No one likes to eat soggy food, and birds, too, will avoid food that has been out in the rain. Even when it dries, the food is usually moldy, a potential hazard. If you can, set your feeders up under a protected area, away from the rain and damp. If this isn’t an option, then be sure to clean them out after the rain.
Good Storage
The seed you use is only as good as your storage method. Let’s face it—feeding birds is an investment. That’s why it’s worth spending some time and effort to come up with a good seed storage solution. Ideally, you’ll store your seeds in a sealed container, away from mice, squirrels and other critters. This will keep your area tidy and birds healthy.
Power of Bleach
A good rule of thumb is to clean your feeders at least once with every new season. (An exception is hummingbird feeders, which should be cleaned every week or two during the height of the season.) All you need is a little bit of bleach to give them a good cleaning. Scrub with a mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.
Did You Know?
Thistle seed can get moldy, especially in a new feeder birds haven’t found yet. Solution? Fill your feeder only halfway and clean it regularly.
READER CLEANING TIPS
The easiest way to clean a birdhouse is by first soaking the inside with water using a spray bottle. Then I just scrape out the old nesting materials. – Tom KovachPark Rapids, Minnesota
Here’s an easy way to make your birdbath sparkle. Toss a handful of sand into the basin and scrub it with a clean brush. The grit helps grind away residue. – Marilyn ClancyEnglewood, Florida
I could never get my hummingbird feeders completely clean until I discovered this method. Place a few uncooked navy beans in the feeder with some water, and then gently shake. Even the hard-to-reach crevices come clean. – Lynn RayGreenuP, Illinois
An old toothbrush is my secret weapon for cleaning sugar-water feeders. It’s great for getting into the small feeding ports. – Mrs. David RossHenderson, Tennessee
Photo: Storkalex/IStock
Jo Lynne says
I hate to be stupid. I’m not sure what type of food to use in the different types of feeders. I do know on the suet ones. Is it just any type that will fit through the openings?
Kim says
The feeder they show in the picture at the top probably has Thistle or Nyger seeds in it. The Goldfinches love it!
Lottie Phinney says
As for cleaning hummingbird feeders.. it is difficult if they have a “narrow” opening. I have discovered a feeder at Walmart that has a larger opening, built in bee guards, and an ant guard! I replaced all of mine with this one. They can be easily cleaned with an ordinary bottle brush! Wish I had ‘invented’ that feeder…bet a WOMAN did!!
Becky Morris says
Which feeder? They carry quite a few of them.
j Jean says
I have two Hummingbird feeders, identical, (wide mouth, easy to clean) but am having a major problem with one of them, thankfully, not both. The nectar bubbles and runs completely out within seconds of turning it upright after filling it and runs until the feeder is empty! Help! I really need advice on this! Its a huge waste of nectar, and the time and effort to make new nectar! I can’t find a reason for this to happen. and Yes, the feeder hangs perfectly up-right. Please help!
Tim says
On my smaller hummingbird feeds with 4 bee guards, the liquid glass container screws into the red base. Inside this red base is a white plastic fitting that is suppose to push straight down into the red base. (This white plastic fitting also has threads that the liquid container screws into. It also is removable make sure it is pushed down into the red base squarely. Or the liquid will leak out. You can take this white thing out and clean it too.
Deb Eisenberg says
I had the same problem and my neighbor showed me it had to be just level in order just a full and we had to make sure it was screwed on correctly. Fill it up over your sink and tip it very quickly and hold it completely level. Wait to see if it stays full if not, immediately turn it back upside down so you don’t waste nectar. If that doesn’t work, you could try making the opening smaller.
Juanita Gardner says
to clean hummingbird feeders that have a small neck, put about an inch of water and about a tablespoon of uncooked rice. Cover the opening with your hand and shake until the feeder is clean.
Ginny says
I do that also with my small opening feeder. Works well.
Debra Eisenberg says
I love the a spot Aspects quick clean bird feeder with the Superdome, which slides right over the top handle. I don’t use the optional tray, as it keeps away the squirrels and undesirables. This also keeps the food dry for quite a while no I am constantly cleaning and refilling it in layers of different types of food and treats. This way, the smaller birds go to different purchase than the larger birds and it only accommodates a cardinal as the largest size. I have the tongue on a 6 feet extension bar that’s adjustable mounted on a tall wooden post. Most important, there must be baskets and bushes nearby for the birds to feel safe enough to feed. When my bushes died I had to replace them immediately as I lost my regulars. The tiny birds hide in the flower basket right next to the feeder. Available everywhere and Amazon. Had it for 5 years and it looks like new. It’s unbreakable, beautiful and the smartest investment for a real birdelover like me.
Debra Eisenberg says
Sorry for typos: meant PERCHES not purchases etc…
JAN KEPPLER says
I use a baby bottle brush for cleaning my hummingbird feeders. Usually they have a larger brush on one end and a much smaller brush (for cleaning the nipples) On the other end. Just warm water and maybe a little dish washing liquid rinsed well does the trick. I also clean mine every 3 days as I live in the south and it is already very hot here!
Barb Becker says
Denture cleaning tablets are the best for cleaning feeders & baths! Especially crevices. Nothing beats them. They just eat anything away & then you rinse them well. Sometimes I use toothbrush along with but the tablets do the work.
sthorson says
use pipe cleaners for the small ports/holes
Ginny says
After soap cleaning my feeder, I also use a few drops of vinegar and fill the feeder with water, shake well, and rinse really well. It acts as a bit of disinfectant.