You Might Be Making A Big Mistake With Your Bird Feeder

Spring is officially here, which means bird feeders are going back up across Indiana.

But before you fill yours, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is asking Hoosiers to take one simple step that could make a big difference for local wildlife.

Why Cleaning Your Bird Feeder Matters

According to the Indiana DNR, dirty feeders can quickly become a hotspot for disease.

Each year, the agency receives reports of sick or dead birds near feeders, where illness can spread easily through shared surfaces and close contact.

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These Common Bird Diseases Spread At Feeders

The DNR says three diseases show up most often around bird feeders:

House Finch Conjunctivitis

A bacterial infection that causes swollen, crusty eyes and can make it difficult for birds to see, eat, or escape predators

Aspergillosis

A fungal infection that develops in old or damp bird seed, especially as temperatures warm up in spring

Salmonellosis

A bacterial disease that spreads through droppings that can leave birds weak, fluffed up, and struggling to survive

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Feeding Hummingbirds

How Often You Should Clean Your Feeder

To help prevent the spread of disease, the DNR recommends cleaning bird feeders at least once every two weeks.

How To Properly Clean A Bird Feeder

The cleaning process is simple but important:

• Wear gloves and remove the feeder
• Empty old seed and clean up debris underneath
• Scrub with soap and water
• Soak in a 10 percent bleach solution for several minutes
• Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry before refilling

Keeping feeders clean helps protect Indiana’s songbirds and ensures you can continue enjoying them all season long.

If you notice birds that appear sick, the DNR encourages reporting them through the state’s online wildlife reporting tool.