Get good information on nest boxes before buying or making one. It is extremely important to keep bird feeders, nest boxes and birdbaths clean. There are five diseases associated with bird feeders, all of which can lead to death. The causes of the diseases are food and water contaminated by mold, fungus and infected feces, and surfaces contaminated by viruses from other sick birds. We can recognize sick birds because their feathers look unkempt, and they are less alert, less active, feed less, and are often reluctant to fly away.
Every few days clean up waste food and droppings from the ground.
Avoid crowding by providing ample feeder space. Use feeders that don't have sharp points or edges. Bacteria and viruses on contaminated surfaces infect healthy birds through even small scratches. Clean and disinfect feeders once or twice a month, and more often if you observe sick birds. Immerse an empty cleaned feeder for two or three minutes in a solution of one part liquid chlorine household bleach and nine parts warm water.