There comes a time in every feeder's life that it has to be cleaned. Ideally, that is every few weeks or so.
Why take the time? Clean feeders are better for the birds. We feed the birds to watch and enjoy them, so it is our responsibility to care for the birds by providing a healthy birdfeeding station with clean feeders.
I don't clean all my feeders at once. I have more feeders than I have openings; this allows me to clean feeders one at a time and I'll typically have a clean feeder to immediately replace the dirty feeder.
Today's the day to clean the Eliminator feeder. The Eliminator is part of our woodland APS® setup, I fill it with WBU Choice Blend (black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, safflower, sunflower chips, and peanuts). Surrounded by so many trees, this squirrel-proof feeder is the way to go.
The Eliminator comes apart fairly easily to access the innards where seed can tend to compact and accumulate. I take it apart and give it a good hosing off outside to get rid of the larger debris.
Then it comes inside for a good soaking. I soak all parts in a weak bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) for about 1/2 hour.
Rinse next, scrubbing or wiping to remove any remaining debris or scum. Today, just the soaking took care of just about everything. Rinse very thoroughly, rinse again. Then air dry. In today's bright sunshine, that should take no time at all.
It doesn't take it long for them to use it (less than 1 minute!!)
Cleaning your feeders does not have to be a time-consuming ugly task. Clean each feeder every few weeks and the feeder will be easier to clean; clean one at a time and the job will be less overwhelming. Your birds will appreciate it!
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