The Gardener’s Rake

When feeding birds you need to keep an eye out for a couple of problems. One is over crowded birdfeeders. Another is to have a clean water supply nearby. And the last is to keep an eye out for bird diseases.

When birds use feeders they are more likely to get bird diseases. The following article tells how to care for your feeders: http://thegardenersrake.com/feeding-birds-keep-your-feeders-clean-to-prevent-bird-diseases

There are four main diseases to look for when you are using feeders:

Salmonellosis: This is the most commonly spread disease at feeders. The “Salmonella” group of bacteria causes it. Birds can die quickly from this disease. Symptoms include abscesses in the lining of the upper digestive tract of the birds. The infected birds spread the bacteria in their droppings and other birds get sick when infected droppings land on the food.

Trichomoniasis: is caused by a one-celled protozoan parasite. Trichomoniasis cause sores in birds’ mouths and throats, making it difficult for birds to swallow or drink. The disease spreads when a sick bird drop contaminated food or water at a feeder or watering area.

Aspergillosis: A mold that grows on damp feed and in the debris beneath feeders. Birds can inhale the mold spores and infection spreads in the lungs. This can cause bronchitis and pneumonia.

Avian Pox: A virus that causes warlike growths on featherless surfaces of a bird’s face, feet legs or wings. The virus will spread by direct contact, by insects or by viruses shed on food by infected birds.

The best control of these diseases is to make sure your feeders and surrounding areas are kept clean.

Tags: Identifying bird diseases, keeping your feeders clean, the four main bird diseases, taking care of you birds