How to clean nestboxes and bird feeders

Nestboxes can harbour parasites so it is good practice to take them down at the end of the season and give them a clean. Likewise it is important to keep bird feeders clean to stop the spread of diseases.

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Cleaning bird feeders and bird baths

Clean feeders and feeding sites regularly using warm soapy water or 5%. Make sure to rinse any disinfectant off thoroughly and always allow feeders to air-dry completely before adding food.

Brushes and equipment used to clean feeders, tables and baths shouldn’t be used for other purposes. Rubber gloves should be worn and hands washed afterwards

Cleaning nestboxes

After the end of each breeding season, all nestboxes should be taken down, old nesting materials removed, and the box should be scalded with boiling water to kill any parasites. Do not use insecticides or flea-powders – boiling water is adequate. Annual cleaning should only be carried out at the end of the breeding season, from late September to February.

Under the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, if abandoned or unsuccessful eggs are found in the box, they can only legally be removed from September to January inclusive, and they must be destroyed – it is illegal to keep them. Only remove eggs during this window and if you are absolutely sure they have been abandoned.

Robin on bird feeder by Janet Packham

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