Just took down feeders and bath. Did I really need to do that? (1 Viewer)

Seemingly knowledgeable people on a Colorado bird forum are saying to take down your feeders and bird baths as finches and sparrows are showing up with MG around the state.

I'm feeling REALLY irritable about taking down my feeders (and bath!) but I don't want to be part of the chain that hurts them.

Is taking them down the right course of action? How long must they stay down? A lot of other creatures drink from the bath. How do I give water for them?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Many suggest that the feeders be cleaned quite often including the portals and they said they had no problems.

Yes--I've always thought that cleaning them was enough. Here's someone else suggest that we take them down:

Today I called a bird rehab in Colorado. They told me that there have been reports of the bird conjunctivitis all over the state. Their recommendation is to take feeders and baths down unless you are willing to clean and sterilize them every two days. They did say that we could put out some food on a paper plate for the day. Also, we can put water in a bowl that will be cleaned everyday. It's a bummer for me and a lot of people--but I don't to hurt these birds.