National Trust Build Your Own Dana Feeding House Kit

Care instructions

Keeping bird feeders, tables, and baths clean is essential for maintaining the health of visiting birds. We recommend cleaning these at least once a week and changing the water in bird baths daily. Follow these tips to ensure your bird feeding areas remain safe and hygienic: • Prevent droppings from building up: Clean or relocate feeding areas weekly to minimise contamination risks. • Thoroughly clean feeders and water dishes: Use a wildlife-friendly disinfectant for the best results. • Discard uneaten food promptly: Remove any uneaten food from feeding tables or ground feeders after 48 hours to prevent contamination and deter pests. • Choose high-quality bird food: Options like sunflower hearts generate minimal waste. Leftover food can spoil and attract vermin, so it’s best avoided. • Avoid overfeeding: When feeding directly on the ground or bird tables, only put out what can be consumed within 24 hours, especially during damp weather. Refill daily and rotate feeding spots to prevent waste build-up. • Wear gloves and wash thoroughly: Use rubber gloves when cleaning and wash your hands, wrists, and forearms with soap and water afterward. • Keep cleaning outside: Avoid cleaning feeders indoors or near food preparation areas. • Use dedicated cleaning tools: Reserve specific scrapers and brushes for cleaning bird equipment and clean them thoroughly after each use. • Maintain bird baths: Replace water regularly and disinfect baths or drinking containers frequently, ensuring they are rinsed well before refilling. By following these steps, you’ll help protect the wellbeing of the birds visiting your garden.