I've had 3 dead birds in the past 2 months...1 in my bird bath. I am concerned not keeping everything clean enough.
This is from audobon's web site:
"Disinfect your feeder and birdbath: To keep pathogens at bay, immerse your seed feeder or birdbath in a nine to one water-bleach solution, rinsing it thoroughly, one to two times per month (for tips on cleaning hummingbird feeders, click here). In the presence of outbreaks, disinfect twice as often.
Empty water from your birdbath every day: Brush or wipe it clean and rinse, then refill the birdbath with fresh water.
Discard old seed and hulls: When you clean your feeder, get rid of the old seed. Rake or sweep up any uneaten hulls on the ground. The disease-causing Trichomonad protozoan, for example, can live for up to five days in food and several hours in water.
Avoid overcrowding: If possible, provide more than one feeder and spread them out. Crowding only expedites the spread of disease, so give the birds variety and plenty of room."
..... However there is no way I could even come close th this schedule, these groups always seems to be overboard. I would have to take my feeding station down first. I am not retired. Anyway, what does everyone Else do to maintain sanitary conditions?
