Responsible Bird Feeding

Wild Birds Unlimited Recommends Responsible Bird Feeding.

It is always important to provide a safe feeding environment for the birds. Responsible bird feeding techniques play a crucial role in helping to prevent the spread of disease among bird populations. The following strategies will help you to improve the health and safety of your birds.

Healthy Bird Feeding Techniques

1. Bird feeders with cracks and crevices are difficult to sanitize and should not be used. Replace them with new feeders. Focus on using only feeders that can be cleaned easily.

2. Limit the amount of seed provided in feeders to only the amount your birds will consume in one or two days.

3. Give the birds MORE SPACE. The addition of more feeders, spreading your feeders far apart from one another, will reduce the crowding of birds that is often found around a single feeder.

4. Periodically move feeders to new locations in the yard to avoid the build-up of waste materials and feces.

5. Clean feeders, bird baths, and all hardware often with a 10% bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water) solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to completely dry before refilling feeders. If you are using a WBU Eco-Clean (Antimicrobial) Tube or Finch feeder, use hot-soapy water, rinse, and allow to completely dry before refilling with fresh seed. 

6. Be sure to keep the ground below and around the feeders clean. Rake up and discard seed debris and bird droppings on a regular basis.

7. Store all birdseed in rodent and insect-proof containers to avoid contamination. Use all seed in the container and sanitize the container before storing new, fresh seed. 

8. Always discard any seed that has become wet, moldy or foul smelling.

9. Avoid handling sick birds and always wash your hands with soap and water after filling bird feeders.

10. If you see any unusual activity or if you find a dead bird, we suggest you contact your local authorities. DNR Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting Link  

Responsible Bird Feeding Link

Keeping Bird Food Fresh Link

Bird Feeder Cleaning Link

 

Feeder Cleaning Event

Maintaining clean bird feeders is important for responsible bird feeding & keeping your birds healthy and safe.

 

During our Bird Feeder Cleaning Event, bring in your feeders and we will give them a good scrub with a bleach solution.   

*Please bring all feeders in clean and free of any seed or debris and in a plastic bag.

*Acceptable feeders for the Cleaning Event: Any feeder that is made of metal, plastic, or a composite material. Feeder Cleaning Event does not include wood or copper feeders, as these feeders cannot be cleaned with our bleach wash solution. 

*Cost: $10.00 PER FEEDER

*Drop Off & Pick-up Dates: Call for more info. - (574) 247-0201 

*Cleaning Event Dates are now thru an indeterminate time

While you are here, check out our WBU Eco-Clean Bird Feeders. Eco-Clean Bird Feeders are the most advanced bird feeders on the market and just another way you can take care of your birds.