How to keep your feathered friends healthy and happy

Bird feeders are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a front row seat to the wonders of nature. While watching birds flit and flutter can be a joy, keeping bird feeders clean might not seem like the most thrilling task, but it is an extremely important one. A clean feeder ensures that the birds who brighten your garden stay healthy and happy. Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife, shares some advice on why cleaning bird feeders is a vital task and how to make it a breeze. 

Cleanliness prevents diseases 

“Imagine your bird feeder as a popular café for your feathered friends. Just like us, they prefer a clean, well-kept spot to enjoy their meals! A dirty feeder can quickly become a breeding ground for germs, spreading diseases like E. coli, salmonella and avian pox. By keeping your feeder sparkling clean, you're not only providing a top-tier dining experience, but you’re also playing a small yet vital role in protecting your local bird populations. 

“This is especially important as some of the UK’s most beloved species, such as sparrows, starlings and greenfinches, have faced a big decline over the years. Greenfinches in particular have been affected by trichomoniasis, a disease carried by parasites that can thrive on unclean feeders. But here’s the silver lining – by simply maintaining a clean, well-kept feeder, you’re offering these vulnerable species a safe space to feed and thrive. A little effort can make a big difference in their ongoing recovery.” 

Empty it out 

“The first step to a clean feeder is to remove any leftover seed from your feeder. If your feeder can be disassembled, even better – you can get into every nook and cranny to ensure that no old, mouldy seed is left behind. A clean feeder helps keep your feathered friends healthy and makes the feeding experience more enjoyable for them. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your feeder in top shape and welcoming to all visitors!” 

Scrub-a-dub 

“Next, it’s time for a good scrub. Ideally, aim to clean your feeder every 14 days or so to keep things in top shape. The Complete Bird Feeder’s Hygiene Kit makes cleaning easy with a pre-diluted spray that gets the job done with minimal fuss! Or, if you prefer a DIY approach, warm soapy water and a reliable brush will work just as well. After scrubbing, make sure to thoroughly rinse each part – think of this like washing your dishes, no one wants to eat off a sudsy plate! Before reassembling and refilling, make sure to leave your feeder out to airdry, this ensures no sneaky moisture lingers, which can lead to mould!” 

Tidy the surroundings 

“Lastly, don’t forget to tidy up the area around your feeder. Fallen seeds and bird droppings can create a mess and attract unwelcome guests like ants and rodents, who might see your feeder as their personal buffet and scare off the birds you’re trying to attract. A quick sweep will keep things looking tidy and inviting. It's also a good habit to occasionally move your feeding station. This practice prevents droppings and spoiled food from accumulating in one spot, reducing the risk of disease and keeping pesky critters at bay. A little movement can go a long way in maintaining a clean and welcoming feeding area! 

For more expert advice from Sean, and to browse Ark Wildlife’s range of solutions for wildlife, visit www.arkwildlife.co.uk  

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Editors notes

Ark Wildlife is a UK-based company specialising in wildlife-friendly products and solutions. They are known for providing a wide range of products designed to support and encourage wildlife in gardens and outdoor spaces, while inspiring its customers to make one small, simple step to help nature thrive.

Ark Wildlife offers a wide array of bird feeders, bird foods, and bird care accessories to attract and nourish birds such as robins, blue tits, sparrows, and other garden birds. They also provide habitats for hedgehogs, bats, and insects, aiming to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in domestic environments.

The business was founded by wildlife enthusiast Sean McMenemy, an expert with an unparalleled understanding of garden wildlife which dates back to a passion developed during his childhood. He is regarded as a leading authority on garden wildlife and has personally driven more innovation, quality and convenience to the bird food and wildlife market than anyone else.