Keep those songbirds singin’

OREGON: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife health experts remind Oregonians to keep songbirds healthy by cleaning bird feeders regularly.

Every year, Oregon songbirds contract deadly bacteria and viruses like salmonellosis, E. coli and avian pox from improperly maintained bird feeders. Dr. Colin Gillin, ODFW wildlife veterinarian advises wearing rubber gloves when handling bird feeders or nest boxes and to wash your hands afterward to protect yourself.

Here are tips on how to keep your bird feeder and other equipment clean:

• Replace food in bird feeders at least weekly and water in bird baths every three days and clean bird feeders every two weeks.

• Limit the amount of food you provide in feeders to what the birds can eat in a day or two to reduce the amount of matter that could harbor diseases.

• Provide fresh, dry seed that hasn’t molded.

• Dispose of old seed in the garbage, not in the compost pile.

Gillin also recommended that unoccupied nesting boxes be cleaned now, as nesting season begins this month.

Information: www.dfw.state.or.us