Many West Virginians enjoy passing their time on a cold winter’s day watching the likes of blue jays, cardinals, bluebirds, and doves flit about the backyard birdfeeder. While offering a food source helps get many birds through the winter, it can also hurt as much as it helps if feeders aren’t thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
"Conjunctivitis is a big disease. It’s actually an eye fungus that has infected house finches and some of the other finch species," said Rob Tallman with the West Virginia DNR’s Elkins Operations Center. "Birds are particularly susceptible at feeder because an infected bird can contact the feeder and the next bird contacts that so it spreads on pretty easily."
Similar problems can also be found in any artificial feeding source for wildlife. Deer feeding is one of the best-known areas where diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease can spread.
Tallman suggests cleaning the feeders thoroughly at least once every two weeks during the winter months.
"Usually just hot soapy water with a mild solution of bleach works," Tallman said. "Scrub them down real good, rinse the thoroughly and let them completely dry before you fill them back up."
Rinsing is very important to insure the bleach is completely diluted and poses no danger. Refilling a wet feeder will also promote decay and mold in the feed.
There are a host of commercially marketed birdseeds available at your local store, but if you’re looking to attract a variety of birds Tallman says one feed stands above all others.
"I recommend black oil sunflower (seeds),” said Tallman. "Most species prefer that anyway to some mixed seeds. It’s also cheaper."
Regardless what feed you put in your feeder, it will be attractive not only to birds but other forms of wildlife. Squirrels are particularly drawn to a free meal. It’s not unusual to see a squirrel climb into a feeder and toss feed in all directions as he helps himself. Although amusing, it’s also wasteful. Some feeders come with baffles or mesh wiring to keep the squirrels out of the feeders.
Occasionally those feeders will be an attractive food source to deer and bear. DNR Biologists suggest taking down the feeder for several months to discourage deer and bear from helping themselves. Although bringing deer and bear to the backyard can seem like a unique event, it’s never wise to allow it to continue.