Knowledge base: Feeding garden birds
How often should I clean my bird feeder?
At least once a week while the feeder is in use. The RSPB says clean feeders and water baths “at least once a week”, and the BTO gives weekly as its example for feeders and bird baths. Change bird-bath water every day as well.
What to clean with
- RSPB: hot soapy water, then a non-toxic disinfectant.
- BTO: a weak solution of domestic bleach (it gives 5% sodium hypochlorite as the example), or a commercial product designed for the job, diluted as the bottle says.
Rinse well and let the parts dry before refilling. Wear gloves, and wash your hands afterwards.
Cleaning is only part of it
Disease spreads where birds gather, so where and how you feed matters as much as the scrub:
- The RSPB asks you to put feeders in a different spot every week. The BTO suggests rotating feeder locations to stop waste building up in one place.
- The RSPB says food in feeders should be eaten within one or two days, and suet within seven days. It also says never let uneaten food build up.
- Both organisations advise against flat feeders such as bird tables, because sick birds can drop contaminated food onto them. See should I still use a bird table?
- From 1 May to 31 October, pause seeds and peanuts. See should I stop feeding birds in summer?
If you see a sick bird
Weekly cleaning is the routine. A sick bird changes it: the RSPB and the BTO both say stop feeding for a while, though they give different lengths of time. That is covered in what to do about a sick bird at the feeder.
Sources
- RSPB: How to help garden birds, opened 14 November 2026.
- RSPB: Feeding birds near you, opened 14 November 2026.
- BTO: Good hygiene practice, opened 14 November 2026.