Tips on How to Maintain a Bird Feeding Station Properly

You’d think that once a bird feeding station is up and running, your task is over. It’s not. A bird feeding station requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some practical tips on how to maintain it the right way.

• Replace water every day. It’s a must to provide birds with a daily supply of fresh water. It’s also good to experiment with various types of foods like bird seeds, fruits and vegetables to attract different species of birds.

• Store the bird food in a clean and dry environment. This is to lower the risk of bacterial contamination, which can bring illness to birds. Remember that moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Keep the feeding station clean at all times. Again, this is for the sake of the birds’ health. After you’re done cleaning the station itself, move on to the ground beneath the feeders. Use a rake to get rid of spilled seeds, hulls, dead grass or other debris that may have accumulated underneath the feeder.

• Buy your food from a reputable source, this way you can be sure that you are giving the birds the right type of food.

• Practice proper hygiene when handling the feeding station. Don’t forget to wash your hands first before and after cleaning the station or stocking it up with new food or water.

• Check for defects. Find time to look around the feeding station. Look at the feeder and see if there are any cracks or chips. This may cause for moisture to seep in and seeds to get spoiled, spreading disease to birds. Look for signs of insect damage, rust, flaking, loose connections, or loose screws. Perches should be stable and secure, as should the feeder. An unstable one can easily collapse. Replace anything that’s broken or defective before it causes injury to birds.

Maintaining a bird feeding station isn’t as hard as some people think. With these tips, you can keep one running properly and attracting a wide variety of bird species into your backyard.