Make enough solution to immerse empty feeders completely for 2-3 minutes. Allow the feeder to air dry. This should be done at least once a month. Clean and disinfect any storage containers or scoops that were used to store the feed to fill the feeders. Keep rodents and pets out of stored food.
Rodents can carry and spread some bird diseases without being affected themselves.
Since birds may use several feeders in a neighborhood, your feeder may not be safe until your neighbors' is. Follow these precautions and you and your birds will continue to enjoy your bird feeding efforts, Messmer says.