Community Chat

[goldensrbest]

I have again been feeding them this winter,but wondering with the bird flu,spreading if i should stop?

[savetheanimals]

The bird flu is scary, but the birds are relying on your food for the winter. If you take that away right now they will struggle. As it gets nicer out and they have other options, like spring that would be the best time to stop. Just how I feel, winter is the worst time to just stop feeding them.

[AuntMame]

According to the Wild Birds Unlimited web site the USDA doesn't recommend removing bird feeders at this time unless you also take care of poultry. 

Song birds are not susceptible to avian flu. 

Wild aquatic birds like ducks, geese and shorebirds are however. 

Cleaning feeders regularly (weekly) with a solution of part bleach, detergent and water is an important way to help stop the spread of all bird contagious diseases. 

[occasionalrain]

I feed birds year round.

Do not stop feeding in the spring, the birds need dependable food to produce eggs and feed their babies. 

[PamfromCT]

We also love feeding the birds throughout the winter, and have many feeders for them.  I think these birds are healthy, as we have never heard of the bird flu affecting them,  or seen any signs of the little ones dying.

We attract so many to our feeders on our deck, it is like a mini bird U.N.  And they are get along so well.  So many varieties to admire.  We love watching the little ones feast on different feeders, as does Winston, our indoor kitty.  

[PamfromCT]

@occasionalrain 

You are so lucky to be able to feed the birds in the spring,  Where we live, we cannot,  We here in CT have bears, and if we keep our feeders out too long when the weather warms, we get unwelcome visitors.  our town also has an ordinance requiring no feeders after a certain date.  Mother Nature is quite interesting!

[luvzchiz]

We feed all year long and provide clean water.  

[occasionalrain]

@PamfromCT

 I live in the NE, we have bears too. I just take my four bird feeders inside at sunset and back out after dawn. 

[bargainsgirl]

I am totally against feeding birds.  It is totally unnecessary.  All wild animals can and should fend for themselves and if not, then that is mother nature's way of taking care of them.  We have people feeding deer, squirrels, etc. and it is crazy.  It also definitly attracts rats which is one reason they are growing in numbers in the suburbs.  This according to our local health department.   BIrd feeding has become a hobby but not a good one. Of course think of the $$ seed sellers make along with all those cute houses.  I know many will disagree with me but think about it....

[bargainsgirl]

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@occasionalrain wrote:

I feed birds year round.

Do not stop feeding in the spring, the birds need dependable food to produce eggs and feed their babies. 

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I disagree.  Birds can fend for themselves.  Who fed them before this feeding boom came into play?