How to do Spring Cleaning for the Birds

Winter's extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on backyard bird houses, feeders and birdbaths. To ensure the health and safety of the birds you are hoping to lure to your yard the feeders and houses must be free of insects, disease and moisture. Early spring is the perfect time to "spring clean" for the birds. Follow these steps before migrating birds arrive and they may move in for many summers to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Bleach water
• New feeders, houses if necessary

1. Even the strongest pole or hanger can deteriorate with the harshness of winter. Check all poles and hangers for signs of rust. If present, brush the pole or hanger down with a steel brush and then paint with an anti-rust paint. While they dry move on to bird houses and feeders.

2. 
   Wooden houses deteriorate with time.

   Most birdhouses are made of wood. Check the houses for insect infestation, mold and needed repairs. Hammer in any loose nails and screw in any lost or loose screws. Using long rubber gloves clean out the birdhouse with a pair of cooking tongs, completely clean out any leftover nesting debris. Sometimes spiders take up residence in abandoned birdhouses and this will help prevent bites. Set aside.

3. Most birdfeeders are made of plastic. Check for signs of cracks or splits in the feeder that would allow moisture to seep through. Moisture in feeders is the leading cause of seed rot that can spread disease through a bird population faster than anything else. If the cracks are small they may be repaired with clear silicone seal. Let dry and then continue to step 4. Replace any feeders that are broken beyond repair.

4. Once the repaired feeders are completely dry scrub down the feeders with a weak bleach water solution of about 1/10th bleach to 9/10ths water. Do not use soap. Use bottle brushes to clean the inside and a small toothbrush to get into tiny nooks and crannies. Rinse well and dry well. Once they are COMPLETELY dry fill with birdseed. Set aside.

5. A birdbath will also need attention before the birds arrive. Scrub it down with brushes and weak bleach water if it has mold or heavy dirt. Consider adding a bubbler if you don't have one. The bubbler will help prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and the sound of moving water attracts birds to the yard.

6. Lastly, check the ground under the feeding station and rake any old and matted seed up and discard. I have had great luck with putting a recycled mulch circle down. Once everything has been cleaned, repaired or replaced hang the feeders and houses. The birds are going to love you for it!

Tips & Warnings

• Continued maintenance throughout the spring and summer will provide your birds with health and vitality.
• Check feeders periodically to make sure moisture hasn't seeped into the feeder.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/11/2009 There is something so nice about seeing nature, all the birds and other creatures. Thanks

[johnnyutah]

on 4/27/2009 great article on How to do Spring Cleaning for the Birds 5*..thanks for sharing

[bossypants]

on 4/26/2009 I love attracting birds to my yard. Thanks for the reminders and good advice to keep things clean and healthy for the birds.

[campanaro]

on 4/23/2009 This was a very nice article. I too love to attract birds, so I can understand the necessity of good maintenance. Rec5*

[From-the-Heart]

on 4/22/2009 Wild birds are one of my simple pleasures, listening to them in the wee early mornings is a great way to start the morning! This is a great article to remember the birds this spring too! ♥