Subject: [Tweeters] Bird Feeder Disease control suggestion.
Date: Apr 30 16:26:13 2007
From: FletcherGlen2002 at aol.com - FletcherGlen2002 at aol.com



Diane is "right On" !

Pine Siskins are the FIRST to show the symptoms. Actually this is the first
report I've heard this year. It's not unusual to start hearing of these
reports much earlier, even in Feb/March. Many other species are suffering as
well. We just don't see them. Most birds go off into the brush and crash.

IF you are able to get these birds into a box and to a rehab. center early
enough there is at least a 25% chance that they can be saved by a course of
antibiotics. But ONLY if caught fairly early -- else most will be dead in 72
hours or less.

Diane is right. Time to get diligent about cleaning or better yet removing
bird feeders and baths. Especially if you are seeing sick birds. Weekly
cleaning of the feeders/baths is very helpful and daily flushing of the baths.

One way to keep the grass and soil clean UNDER the feeders is to scrape out
the grass in a 3 to 4 foot circle under the feeder and put down a layer of
that fabric mulching material in this circle. Then you could put a thin layer
of bark over that to make it more attractive substrate that is easy to roll
up and replace on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I used to dump the thin layer
of bark in my trash can and put the fabric in a separate load of laundry with
some bleach in the water. This material will tolerate 2 or 3 washings! You
can buy a LARGE roll of this fabric at Costco for not much!

This method is a bit of work but is a nearly guaranteed way of successfully
controlling the bacteria (and many other diseases) that are spread at bird
feeders. I finally decided to stop feeding and plant for my birds. But if you
still feel you need to feed this is a good mitigation method if you must us
feeders.

FYI: Rehab Centers available around:

PAWS Wildlife Center 425.780.2500 Ext. 817 (Lynnwood)
West Sound Wildlife 206.855.9057 (Bainbridge)
NW Raptor Center 360.681.2283 (Sequim)
Wolf Hollow 360.378.5000 (San Juan)


Call them for help rather than email. I always feel it's worth a try.


Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has a complete list that includes many smaller
centers.

Happy birding all!

Sandy Fletcher

Fletcherglen Wildlife Services
P. O. BOX 2716
Silverdale, WA 98383+2716

Voice: 360.620.8688
eFax: 501.635.8688
eMail: _fletcherglen2002 at aol.com_ (mailto:fletcherglen2002 at aol.com)





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