What infected birds need most is water, which must be kept extremely clean and fresh to stop the spread of disease. When cleaning your feeders and bird baths, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Avian salmonellosis, one of the diseases common among birds using feeders, is a strain of bacteria that can potentially affect humans and pets. Dispose of dead birds by tightly wrapping them, then place in outdoor garbage containers with tight lids. Tell your neighbors who feed birds about these precautions.
Birds move among feeders and spread diseases as they go.
Fermented nectar causes enlarged livers in hummingbirds, and may have the same effect on orioles. Buy nectar feeders that come apart so that all surfaces can be scrubbed. Nectar feeders should be cleaned and disinfected every two days. Scrub feeder parts with dish detergent and rinse. Immerse feeder in a 10 percent bleach and water solution for two to three minutes.