How to Maintain Your Backyard Bird Feeders

Attract more birds to your backyard with these bird feeding tips to keeping your feeders filled and fresh, and keeping the birds in your backyard happy and healthy. 

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 can be mouldy, a potential hazard. Ask us about feeder protectors that will shield your feeders from wet and snow. If feasible, you can also set your feeders up under a protected area.

Good Storage

The seed you use is only as good as your storage method. 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, preferably a container that is "chew-proof". 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.  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. 

An exception is hummingbird feeders, which should be cleaned with soap and water every few days during the height of the season.

Tip:  Nyjer seed can get mouldy when wet, especially in a new feeder birds haven’t found yet. Solution? Fill your feeder halfway until it gets established at a dinner destination for your birds. 

 Photo credit: Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery