Feeding station maintenance

By Paul Stancliffe

Alphabet O Once a bird feeding station is up and running, it is just a case of sitting back and enjoying the birds that come to use it. Here are five top tips to get the best out of your feeding station from the BTO's Paul Stancliffe
Long tailed tit feederLong tailed tit feeder
  • Provide a daily supply of fresh water, and experiment with different types of food and different types of feeders.
  • Keep your feeding station clean to prevent the spread of disease; ideally bird tables and the ground beneath should be swept clean daily to remove droppings and any uneaten food.
  • Store your bird food in a clean, dry and cool environment, this will minimise the risk of fungal or bacterial contamination.
  • Buy your food from a reputable source, this way you can be sure that you are giving the birds the right type of food.
  • Always wash your hands after stocking up or cleaning a bird feeding station.

For a free leaflet on Garden Birds, Hygiene and Disease write to, GBW, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, or telephone 01842-750050.

British Trust for Ornithology: www.bto.org

Related

  • Birdwatching

    Bird watching

    Author Niall Edworthy on the free pastime that travels to you

    Read on

  • Mistle thrush

    Planting to attract birds into your garden

    By choosing the right plants you can provide both food and cover for garden birds, says the BTO's Paul Stancliffe

    Read on

  • Bluetit

    The big garden birdwatch

    The recent cold weather has sent birds flocking into my garden and I imagine that the same is true all around the country.

    Read on

  • Bird feeder

    What to feed garden birds

    Find out which treats your feathered friends like best with this advice from the British Trust for Ornithology

    Read on

  • Fieldfare

    Winter garden bird spotting

    Wintry conditions could tempt both familiar and not-so-well-known feathered guests to your garden in search of food.

    Read on

  • Home thumbnail

    Home insurance

    Cover of up to £50,000 for contents and up to £500,000 for buildings as standard.

    MORE DETAILS

  • Motor thumbnail

    Car insurance

    Superb cover and excellent customer service, with an additional discount up to 15% when you buy online.

    MORE DETAILS

  • HCP thumbnail

    Health Cash Plan

    You can claim up to 75% of your common everyday healthcare expenses including dental and optical treatments.

    MORE DETAILS


COMMENTS

Type your comment here


 characters remaining.

WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS

Getting you closer

Designed to appeal to the more adventurous traveller, our wildlife holidays allow you to observe the natural world in its purest form.