If you are interested in welcoming birds into your garden, you will want to get a bird feeder. These can be enjoyed by local birds, as well as out-of-towners. Although there is some debate about how these bird feeders affect the bird’s feeding patterns, there are easy ways to make them safe and healthy for any visitors.

The physical integrity of a feeder is always at risk from a marauding squirrel. Squirrels can chew through almost any material and tend to scatter seed all over the place, attracting rodents on the ground. A squirrel baffle placed above and/or below a feeder can eliminate this risk. Another option is to place a squirrel feeder nearby to keep them away from the birdseed.

The other thing that you want to remember is to make sure that you keep the feed dry. If your feed gets wet or moist, you will find that it will create clumps, and we all know that wet things also attract mold. The simple way to combat this is to give your feeder and seeds a little shake to separate them before and after you have filled it up.

Another way you should keep it clean is to disinfect it once a week or so. You can simply use a solution of bleach to clean it with a scrubbing brush. You can make the concentration a quarter cup of bleach to 2 gallons of water. During the months of wet weather you should disinfect it more often and make sure that it is completely dry before you add more seeds, otherwise you will have a mold problem.

If you live in an area that has persistent damp weather, you should try to get a bird feeder that has an enclosed roof. Other possible options include a tube feeder or a hopper. A squirrel baffle can also double as a shelter from the rain.

Suet, in turn, should be given to birds only in cool or cold weather. Hot weather can cause this type of food to be unhealthy and unsafe. Runny suet is known to stick to feathers and is difficult for the bird to clean.

Along with bird feeder care, you should also take care of the food storage. The seeds must be kept in a sealed airtight container that is always dry. The best containers to use are the plastic garbage cans with tight lids. This will also keep rodents away. Suet should be stored in the freezer.

In the event a dead bird is spotted near the bird feeder, refrain from providing seeds for several months. If a disease caused the bird’s death, removing the food source will help prevent the spread to other birds. Animal or wildlife officials should be notified of any dead or diseased birds that are found.

If you want to enjoy watching birds from the comfort of your home, then take care to maintain your bird feeder and take measures to eliminate rodents and prevent diseases.

Robert Mann is a dedicated outdoorsman who has observed birds on four continents. He provides the latest birdfeeders and houses at his online store located at http://www.BirdhouseBirdFeeder.com.