Memphis, Tennessee

Keeping your feeders clean and food fresh are the most important factors in attracting birds to your yard. A dirty feeder is not only unappealing to you, but also to your birds.

Here are 3 simple steps to keep your feeder clean and fresh for the birds!

Step 1: Rotate old seed to the top

Birds will often eat from the top perches of a feeder first, leaving the bottom alone. To keep your seed fresh rotate the old seed to the top of your feeder when refilling it.

Pour the old seed into a bucket or cup, fill your feeder halfway with the new seed and then put the older seed on top. This will keep the bottom of your feeder from becoming compacted with old seed and possibly molding.

 

Step 2: Regularly clean your feeder

Every 4 - 6 weeks we recommend taking your feeder down and washing it with warm, soapy water and a stiff bristled brush. This will prevent any mold or bacteria build up in your feeders, and keep them looking new for much longer.

If your feeder has signs of mold or has not been cleaned in a long time we recommend soaking it in a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 15 minutes. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your feeder and let it dry completely before refilling.

An alternative to bleach is white vinegar, but it needs to be a higher concentration (at least 50%, or 1 part vinegar to 1 part water).

Cleaning your feeder regularly will keep it looking good for longer and encourage birds to visit it more often.

 

Step 3: Keep your feeder dry

Wet seed can quickly clog your feeder, or even begin to mold. Birds don't want to eat moldy food any more than we do!

Use a weather guard over your feeder or hang it in a sheltered area to prevent wet and moldy seed. If the feeder is only a little damp, a simple shake can get enough air into it to allow the seed to dry.

If your seed does get wet and moldy, be sure to clean thoroughly clean it with a 10% white vinegar solution.