Plan regular cleanings for bird feeders, baths

Spring weather arrived and with it, the annual spring cleaning and garden prep rituals going in backyards and acreages across Iowa.

Iowans who set out bird feeders and watering devices are encouraged to include regular feeder cleaning as part of their annual to do list, to avoid unintentionally spreading disease among birds that frequent these feeders.

Clean bird feeders and watering devices with a 10% bleach solution about once each month and make sure the feeder is dry before refilling it with seed. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every three to five days with hot water and dish soap or with the 10% bleach solution, and rinsed thoroughly, and bird baths should get fresh water and a good scrub at least once per week.

Of equal importance to disinfecting the feeder is cleaning up spilled seed and bird droppings below feeders.

Be sure to wear rubber gloves while cleaning the feeders, since humans can contract some diseases, such as those caused by some Salmonella bacteria, from affected feeders or sick birds.

If people do find sick birds at their feeders they should take the feeders down for at least two weeks to help stop the spread of disease and contact the Department of Natural Resources.

Feeder birds are not typically impacted by avian influenza, which circulates mostly in waterfowl, shorebirds and waterbirds, and unless there are waterfowl using the feeders, there is no concern with continuing to feed.