Bird feeder warning as gardeners urged to help prevent ‘disease transmission’ (Image: Getty)
If you’ve noticed birds in your garden behaving unusually or , it’s time to pay closer attention.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has recently warned about the risk of disease transmission from , particularly diseases like finch trichomonosis, which can spread rapidly through contaminated feeding areas.
Richard Green, wildlife expert and head of production at Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, explains that certain species are more vulnerable to these infections due to their social nature.
He said: “Certain birds, such as Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Siskins, House Sparrows, and Collared Doves, are often more vulnerable to diseases.
“This is mainly because of their social nature and tendency to feed in flocks, which increases close contact and makes it easier for illnesses to spread.”
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An expert has raised alarm about bird feeder cleaning practices (Image: Getty)
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As these birds gather in groups, they inadvertently increase the chances of disease transmission, particularly when the feeding station is not properly maintained.
Cleaning your bird feeder regularly, especially before the busy spring season, is essential to avoid becoming an unintentional vector for illness.
Richard advised taking extra precautions when cleaning: “Wear disposable gloves and soak the feeder in a diluted bleach solution to thoroughly disinfect it. Be sure to rinse it well and allow it to dry completely before refilling it with seed.”
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The frequency of cleaning depends on how often the feeder is used. For busy feeders, clean them every two to three seed refills.
If you notice any signs of illness in birds visiting your feeder, it’s important to act quickly. Richard suggests removing the feeder “for at least two weeks” to prevent further transmission.
In addition to cleaning, there are several warning signs that your bird feeder may be infected. One obvious sign is “Finch eye conjunctivitis,” a disease that affects the birds’ eyes.
The expert explained: “Symptoms to watch for include birds with swollen, crusty eyes, difficulty seeing, and unusually subdued behaviour.”
If you observe these symptoms, disinfect the area and temporarily remove the feeder to prevent further spread.
Another concerning sign is discarded food around the feeder, which Richard noted can quickly cause contamination, especially with diseases like Trichomoniasis.
He said: “Infected birds drop food with the parasite, which is then picked up by others, spreading the disease.”
To prevent this, always clean up leftover food to stop the spread of harmful pathogens.