Hello Tweeters,

After reviewing the recent Tweeters communications about
serious, life threatening Salmonella infections of birds at feeders, I have
wondered about the relative risks of different feeder designs.

If the feeder is a flat tray with seeds on it, there would be
significant risk of feeding birds becoming infected by the excretions of
their predecessors. On the other hand, a cylinder feeder, with or without
perches, could effectively separate the food and excrement, the latter
dropping to the ground. In any case, the Salmonella could still be a risk
for other birds and wildlife, but not specifically for those using the
cylinder

Has anyone seen any studies of such comparative risks?

Good birding as
we search for uninfected critters.


Fran Wood (male)


412 ? 36th Ave.


Seattle (Madrona)


fbwood at u.washington.edu


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5:10 PM