Bird feeders serve as transmission sites for a wide variety of diseases. These diseases are spread through close contact between birds or through contact with infected droppings and saliva, both of which occur where birds flock together in large numbers.

Bird feeders and bird baths can serve as reservoirs when not properly maintained for several diseases found in birds, including salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, aspergillosis, avian pox, and conjunctivitis.

A great way to attract birds to your yard is to plant a mix of native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide natural food sources, cover, and nesting sites for birds. Providing natural sources of food rather than stocking bird feeders will reduce the likelihood of healthy birds coming into close contact with sick birds. That being said, well-maintained bird feeders are still a great alternative!

If you notice sick birds at your feeder, take down the feeder and clean it with a dilute bleach solution (one cup bleach to nine cups water), and wait three to four weeks before feeding the birds again. Properly maintained feeders can help reduce the spread of diseases. Make sure to properly maintain your bird baths as well.