AVOID BIRD DISEASE BY KEEPING FEED AREAS CLEAN

As much as it’s important to provide birds with food and water to help maintain healthy bird populations, it’s vital to keep feeding areas clean to help prevent the spread of diseases.

Our partner, the British Trust for Ornithology, provides the following information:

Clean and disinfect feeders and feeding sites regularly.  Use an appropriate disinfectant (Gardman sells a 500ml Wild Bird Feeder Hygiene Spray which kills bacteria and fungi) and always rinse feeders thoroughly and air-dry before re-use

Rotate positions of feeders in the garden to prevent the build up of contamination in any one area of ground below the feeders

Empty and air-dry any bird baths on a daily basis.

Easy-to-clean feeders

Gardman has developed feeders which are particularly easy to take apart for cleaning.  A range of Gardman flip top feeders and the new BTO seed feeder have removable ports and base.

Feedsafe

Feeders to look out for are ones with Feedsafe, an antibacterial coating which improves hygiene and helps prevent the spread of disease.  The Gardman Large Heavy Duty Flip Top Seed Feeder and Large Heavy Duty Flip Top Peanut Feeder and all the BTO feeders benefit from Feedsafe.