Posted by Philip Kirkham on November 30, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Andy's recent posting about feeders has prompted me to write this.
Since moving to my new cottage 2 years ago, I have had 2 feeding stations on the go in the garden, with both sites attracting many visitors all year round.
HOWEVER, for the last few months the greenfinches have suffered terrible losses from finch disease, and, despite regular disinfecting of feeders, perches, etc. the losses continued unabated. I therefore decided that the only way to stop the disease was to stop feeding the finches (by no longer feeding seeds), and therefore not attracting many of the species to a concentrated area.
After a period of 2 months, I am delighted to report that I am once again feeding seeds to a healthy greenfinch population, and have seen no more diseased birds.
Best wishes
Phil
Posted by Andy Bate on November 30, 2007 at 1:19 PM
something to think about, thanks Phil
Posted by Andy Astbury on November 30, 2007 at 1:28 PM
I've not seen any sight of the disease around my 'patch' this year thank god, though I know in some areas the losses have been very significant.
I actually always take my feeders down the moment nesting starts and only put them out now anyway.
There's nothing more sickening than finding a nest full of dead blue-tit chicks all choked to death on whole sunflower seeds or chunks of peanut.
A damned good soak and scrub with Virkon will get your feeders in top shape when you are ready to put them out.
That's my method at any rate
Posted by Paula Graham on December 1, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Yes, the above is a problem when feeding many birds. There does not seem to be an easy solution. I find it very distressing to see too.
Discussion
3 repliesSince moving to my new cottage 2 years ago, I have had 2 feeding stations on the go in the garden, with both sites attracting many visitors all year round.
HOWEVER, for the last few months the greenfinches have suffered terrible losses from finch disease, and, despite regular disinfecting of feeders, perches, etc. the losses continued unabated. I therefore decided that the only way to stop the disease was to stop feeding the finches (by no longer feeding seeds), and therefore not attracting many of the species to a concentrated area.
After a period of 2 months, I am delighted to report that I am once again feeding seeds to a healthy greenfinch population, and have seen no more diseased birds.
Best wishes
Phil
I actually always take my feeders down the moment nesting starts and only put them out now anyway.
There's nothing more sickening than finding a nest full of dead blue-tit chicks all choked to death on whole sunflower seeds or chunks of peanut.
A damned good soak and scrub with Virkon will get your feeders in top shape when you are ready to put them out.
That's my method at any rate