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How to clean a bird feeder is a problem for all bird lovers who own a bird feeder in their garden or backyard. Placing a bird feeder can bring so many benefits to birds, humans, and the garden. It can support the populations of birds, allow people to admire these cute little creatures in their gardens, and reduce the pests in the gardens.
But setting up a bird feeder isn't the end of the story. Adding food and cleaning the feeder regularly are also important tasks, especially the latter.
How to Clean Bird Feeder?
Cleaning a bird feeder is an important task for maintaining the health and safety of the birds that visit your garden. Here are the steps for cleaning a bird feeder:
Step 1. Empty the Feeder:
Begin by emptying any remaining seeds or debris from the bird feeder.
Step 2. Disassemble the Feeder:
If your feeder comes apart, disassemble it as much as possible. This allows for a more thorough cleaning.
Step 3. Soak and Scrub:
Soak all parts of the feeder in warm, soapy water(If it's a smart bird feeder, soaking it is not a smart choice, though some smart bird feeders are waterproof. Wiping down the exterior of the smart bird feeder is a better choice.) Use mild dish soap that is safe for animals. After soaking, scrub the feeder with a brush to remove any dirt, bird droppings, or mold. Special brushes or old toothbrushes can be useful for getting into small crevices.
Step 4. Disinfect:
Rinse the feeder well to remove soap residue. Then, to disinfect, soak the feeder in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial to kill any bacteria or viruses.
Step 5. Rinse Thoroughly:
After disinfecting, rinse the feeder thoroughly with clean water to ensure all bleach is removed. No bleach residue must remain as it can be harmful to birds.
Step 6. Dry Completely:
Allow the feeder to air dry completely before refilling. Moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria in birdseed.
Step 7. Refill and Reassemble:
Once the feeder is dry, reassemble it (if necessary) and refill it with fresh bird seed.
Step 8. Clean the Surrounding Area:
Finally, don’t forget to clean the area around the feeder. Remove any spilled seeds, hulls, and droppings, as these can also harbor mold and bacteria.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your feathered friends have a safe and healthy place to eat.
How to Disassemble and Clean Your Birdfy Feeder?
1. Turn the antenna 90 degrees sideways to avoid damaging it. Unbuckle the roof of your Birdfy Feeder and lift it up until it detaches.
2. Remove the perch by unscrewing the perch screw in a counter-clockwise direction. If you have the Hummee extension attached, unclip the buckles on both ends of the Hummee extension and pull it out.
3. Find the screw for the feeding tray at the back of the feeder body, just below the charging port. Unscrew it in a counter-clockwise direction and take off the feeding tray.
4. Clean the roof, perch, and feeding tray in a bucket with a brush and soapy water.
5. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside of the bird seed bin. Make sure that the silicone covers on the charging ports are securely sealed to prevent water from getting into the camera.
6. Dry your Birdfy Feeder thoroughly before reassembling and using it.
How to Disassemble and Clean Your Birdy Feeder Bamboo?
1. Unscrew the extension perch from the feeder.
2. Open the camera compartment and take out the camera.
3. Remove the acrylic panels.
4. Push up the metal mesh from the bottom of the feeder and pull it out.
5. Use a brush and water to clean out any debris or clumped matter.
6. Dry the feeder thoroughly, then replace the components.
Why Cleaning Bird Feeder Is Crucial?
Cleaning bird feeders is crucial for several reasons, all centered around the health and safety of the birds and the environment.
Preventing Disease Spread:
Bird feeders can become breeding grounds for pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Diseases such as salmonellosis, avian pox, and trichomoniasis can spread rapidly among birds sharing a feeder. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of these diseases.
Avoiding Mold and Mildew:
Old seeds and hulls can become moldy, especially if they get wet. Mold can cause respiratory and other health problems in birds. Cleaning feeders help to remove moldy debris and prevent its growth.
Deterring Pests:
Unclean feeders attract pests like rodents and insects. These pests not only eat the bird food but can also bring diseases and parasites to the feeder and surrounding area.
Attracting More Birds:
A clean, well-maintained bird feeder is more attractive to birds. Birds are less likely to visit a feeder that's dirty or has old, moldy food.
Protecting the Environment:
Keeping bird feeders clean also helps protect the surrounding environment from potential contamination and maintains the natural balance.
In April 2025, Birdfy, a leader in birdwatching and caregiving technology, launched a heartwarming global initiative for bird lovers around the world: Birdfy Live 30-Day Challenge.
Birdfy invited users to transform their backyards into "nature livestream studios" using Birdfy's smart bird feeders, sharing moments with birds daily for 30 days. Over 150 people signed up for the challenge. After a rigorous selection process, we invited 25 outstanding participants to join the 30-day livestream challenge, creating a vibrant mosaic of life in motion.
More than just a global campaign, Birdfy Live was a dialogue between humans and nature. With thoughtful support like Birdfy Feeder 2,start-up fund, gift cards, Birdfy made it easier for participants to embrace the livestreaming journey. These gestures of care sparked enthusiasm and inspired users to capture overlooked moments of beauty, reconnecting with family, neighbors, and distant friends in the process.
Many participants shared how the challenge helped them truly "see" their backyards:
Some identified familiar birds for the first time.
Some rearranged their gardens to better support local wildlife.
Others built new bonds with neighbors and communities through the joy of livestreaming.
Among the many heartfelt stories, the two stood out—Kristi from Pennsylvania and Dayna from Arkansas. Though they lived miles apart, their shared love for nature and Birdfy Live brought them on a journey filled with quiet wonder and deep connection.
A First Step into Livestreaming
Kristi Farinelli lives in a quiet, forested town in northeastern Pennsylvania, where nature is part of everyday life. She first heard about the Birdfy Live 30-Day Challenge in an email from the Birdfy team introducing the new Feeder 2 Pro. Although she had never tried livestreaming before, she quickly signed up—marking the beginning of a new journey to share the daily life of birds in her backyard.
Her channel, "The Pocono Perch," named after the nearby Pocono Mountains, became a cozy corner of nature in her backyard. She livestreamed daily, offered thoughtful feedback, preserved video highlights, and actively engaged with the Birdfy team. After winning a reward from the challenge, she donated the prize to the National Aviary in support of bird conservation.
On the other hand, Dayna Hilton was already part of the Birdfy family, having supported the brand since its early Kickstarter days. A retired firefighter, Dayna had spent over a decade using livestreaming to teach fire safety to children—a mission close to her heart.
Her channel, "Molly's Firehouse," is located in the backyard of Dayna’s home in Clarksville, Arkansas, at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Originally a tool shed, she lovingly transformed it into a mini firehouse surrounded by gardens and birds, dedicated to her beloved Dalmatian, Molly. Molly started working with Dayna on fire safety education when she was just nine weeks old. Together, they traveled across the U.S. and Canada and taught children in 34 countries via Skype. Just as they were about to complete their mission of educating all 50 U.S. states, Molly sadly passed away at the end of 2022 after battling illness.
Now, this backyard firehouse—filled with birdsong and blooming plants—stands as a tribute to Molly and a continuation of Dayna's mission to bring light and warmth into others' lives.
Though their beginnings were different, Kristi and Dayna shared the same spirit when going live for the first time: a mix of nervousness, curiosity, and excitement.
It was so exciting when I got the notification from YouTube saying "You are now live!" . It was a busy day at the feeder and I loved that my friends and family were tuning in right away to see the visitors.
——Kristi
Each day I live stream from my Birdfy feeder 2, it feels like it did throughout the years when I live-streamed fire safety programming for children with my Dalmatians, Tango, Siren, Molly, and Boden. No matter how often you live stream, it is always exciting!
——Dayna
Everyday Lives Through the Lens
Each morning, Kristi launched her livestream using Birdfy Feeder 2 and Birdfy Bird Bath to showcase the natural rhythm of her backyard. Birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer would appear on camera, creating a living documentary filled with spontaneity and charm.
Dayna used three Birdfy devices—Feeder 2, Birdfy Hum Feeder, and Birdfy Nest Polygon—to capture hummingbirds, bluebirds, and the broader ecosystem of her bird garden. For her, every new sighting was a thrill: "All moments are exciting!"
Viewers also found peace in these streams.
Many people have shared that the live streams from my yard are relaxing, entertaining, and educational, and they seem to enjoy them.
—Dayna
From One to Many
For Kristi, the challenge started as a personal experience. But as the days passed, it blossomed into a new form of connection. Neighbors became curious about her livestream setup, and friends began tuning in regularly. Her shared clips on Facebook and YouTube drew engagement, turning casual viewership into real community bonds.
It was also a great conversation point for my close friends, family, and neighbors. Plus, I made new birding friends with the other livestream challenge participants!
—Kristi
Dayna, already a central figure in the Birdfy community, continued to foster connection through Facebook groups, answering questions and sharing livestream tips with enthusiasm. "Molly's Firehouse" became more than a channel—it became a beacon for people to gather, observe, and connect over a shared love for animals and nature.
Beyond Livestreaming: A Shift in Perspective
Kristi found herself paying closer attention to the subtle details of her backyard ecosystem. Identifying regular bird visitors led her to consider their needs in her gardening plans, gradually turning her yard into a haven for wildlife.
For Dayna, Birdfy became part of her everyday rhythm. Engaging with nature, chatting with viewers, and connecting with her online community gave her purpose and joy.
Through Birdfy, both users moved from being passive observers to active caretakers, transforming private outdoor spaces into shared sanctuaries.
Birdfy Live: A New Way of Living and Connecting
To many users, Birdfy Smart Feeders have become more than tools—they are windows into nature, catalysts for rediscovery, and bridges for sharing quiet, meaningful moments.
Instead of watching the day's news, my husband and I watch our YouTube channel throughout the day. It’s so relaxing and entertaining.
—Dayna
When the lens turns to nature, we begin to notice what truly matters. These seemingly simple streams have become threads of connection—between people and wildlife, and among communities worldwide. In Kristi and Dayna's journeys, Birdfy Live was more than just a broadcast. It was a quiet revolution in how we see, feel, and relate to the world around us.
As Birdfy continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to listening to its users. With easier installation, richer features, and more immersive livestreaming experiences on the horizon, Birdfy is making birding accessible to all—inviting everyone to embrace their Bird Side of Life.
For any questions or PR enquiries, contact press@birdfy.com, and stay tuned for what Birdfy has in store as it soars to new heights in the years to come.
Birdfy shined at the 2025 Biggest Week in American Birding, promoting inclusive birding through smart tech, community connection, and a shared love of nature for all abilities.