3.23.2005

Prevent Disease - Clean your Bird Feeders!


From Wisconsin DNR:

"MADISON -- Redpolls, a small red-capped finch that's attracted to finch feeders, have been found dead or dying in some northern Wisconsin counties and state wildlife health officials urge people providing finch feed to bring in their feeders and carefully clean them to prevent disease from spreading among birds."

"Feeders can be cleaned with a solution of 2 ounces of bleach to a gallon of water. The entire surface of the feeder should be scrubbed or brushed. Additionally, accumulations of discarded seed and droppings under feeders should be removed. Feeders can be put out again after about a week when redpoll numbers have diminished. People cleaning the feeders should carefully wash their hands," Langenberg says.

Full Article - Salmonella outbreak suspected in Redpoll deaths

Common Redpoll image © 2005 Michael Allen McDowell