Spring is here and bird lovers have their bird feeders out to get a close-up look at their favorite species.  While that can be fun, it's also important to keep feeders clean.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that wet spring conditions often lead to mold developing on birdseed.  The mold can cause an avian disease called aspergillosis, which affects the birds’ respiratory systems. Salmonella is another disease that affects birds and is associated with unclean feeders. Both diseases can be fatal to birds.

Therefore, it's imperative to keep your bird feeders clean.  The DNR offers these tips:

To clean a feeder, use a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water, and scrub the entire surface. Always allow the cleaned feeder to dry out in the sun, as the sunlight will help kill bacteria on the feeder. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned about every week to 10 days during the summer, to keep the sugar water from producing mold.

It is also recommended that you rake away birdseed that falls to the ground as it can also develop mold.

Simply put, clean bird feeders keep birds healthy.  For complete information and more tips, follow the link below.

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