Wild birds in gardens are susceptible to a variety of diseases, such as salmonella in winter. Larger numbers of birds visit gardens for our food supplies and fresh unfrozen water.
The diseases can spread quickly if droppings are left to mix with the food. If eaten, a birds resistance to illness decreases, making them vulnerable and in most cases they don’t survive.
How to prevent this?
Bird tables and feeders should be disinfected on a regular weekly basis using an appropriate sanitiser such as Garden Genie’s Bird Table Cleaner and Sanitiser or Bird Feeder Cleaner and Sanitiser, followed by rinsing and air drying before use.
Cleaning equipment should not be used for other purposes and should be kept and used outside. Rubber gloves should be worn and hands should be washed after cleaning bird feeders/tables.
Mark Brown