St Petesburg Fun with BirdsThis Is For the Birds!

Bird Feeder pole mount

Top 10 Things That Are Necessary to Maintain a Clean and Healthy Birdhouse and Birdbath

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Do you remember when you were a little child, helping your parents with outdoor chores? We had to help with the raking, spreading bark, planting plants and flowers. Along with, setting out and cleaning the lawn furniture for all our summer gatherings.

We would get out the birdbath and fill it with fresh water. The bird feeder needed to be cleaned and filled with fresh seed. We live in the north, so we normally cleaned it in the Spring.

Every Spring there was a momma and poppa Cardinal that would show up. I believed they were the same ones that came back every year. I loved to watch the birds come to the birdhouse and birdbath. It was funny watching them take a bath. They liked to sing and splash about.

Now, it is correct placement of your house and bath that attracts birds. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy and clean birdhouse and birdbath.

Buy or build the appropriate size house for the birds you will be attracting.

If you will be hanging the birdhouse near the house, make sure there is a clear path to and from the house. Make sure the birds have some cover. Stay away from overhangs, rain could ruin the house or the seed.

Make sure they are not close to your house. Birds are very messy animals.

It should be hung at the appropriate height.

The house should be in a very low traffic location.

Mount your birdhouse or birdbath on a post or a pole. Try not to hang it from a tree. The pole protects the birds from squirrels and chipmunks.

Do not face the opening of the birdhouse to the South or East. Direct sunlight can cause the birds to overheat.

Place your birdbath away from shrubs. Near trees are OK. Birds like to dry off on a branch. This also gives them a quick escape route.

Clean your birdhouse and birdbath often with bleach and water. It is important for the health of the birds. Cleaning your bird house thoroughly in the Spring and keeping it clean between fillings is pretty much sufficient. Remember to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning them both.

Keep your feeders and birdbaths clean and full of water and food.

With a little planning and maintenance, the beautiful nature that you bring to your backyard will be priceless.

About the Author

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Susan Grotenhuis manages an online store dedicated to bird lovers. You can find her website at www.savorybirdhouses.com The store sells edible birdhouses, bird feeders, birdbaths, edible wreath, swags, garland, and bird cookies. All for our feathered friends to live in and snack on. Sign up for the newsletter on the Contact Us page to be included in a Free Quarterly Giveaway. Sign up one time to be included in all future giveaways.

Berkshire Lodge Bird Feeder $27.95 Berkshire Lodge Bird Feeder Unique And Functional CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) The modern look of this feeder is sure to be a crowd pleaser among friends and birds. Easy to Fill and Clean Durable Construction 2.25 lb Seed Capacity Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 2.25 lbs Dimensions 8.46" x 8.55" x 11.87" Mounting Hang or Pole Mount Weight 10 Pounds Material Metal, Resin Feeding Ports 4 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

Cathedral Bird Feeder $29.95 Cathedral Bird Feeder Decorative And Functional CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Clear viewing window with a cathedral design feeder. High quality powder coat rust resistant finish in copper color. Comes with adjustable height hanging cable. Fully Assembled Hanging Cable Included Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 5 lbs Dimensions 9" x 13.5" Mounting Hang or Pole Mount Weight 5 Pounds Material Metal, Resin Feeding Ports 4 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

English Garden Bird Feeder $54.95 English Garden Bird Feeder Unique And Functional This heavy duty steel cage feeder has a metal cap and die cast feeding stations. It is designed to reflect today's most popular trends. Easy Fill Seed Cap Durable Construction Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Cardinals Bluebirds Doves Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity .65 Qt; .97lbs Dimensions 13.5"H x 9.5"H Mounting Hang or Pole Mount Weight 5 Pound Material Metal, Resin Feeding Ports 4 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

All Weather Feeder-Pole Mount $19.95 All Weather Feeder-Pole Mount Sturdy and Easy to Install This standard steel feeder pole mount is especially designed to work with Garden.com's All Weather Feeder, available in four and six quart capacity. See also, item number G25433 for more details. Ships Quickly!

Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel Bird Feeder $48.49 *Finally, a way to outsmart squirrels at the bird feeder *Super Stop-A-Squirrel feeder creates an overhang which protects food *Hang or mount in your garden or patio for a bird watching treat *Heavy-duty steel hanger included *Pole mount (for up to 1.25 inch in diameter poles) with mounting clip included *Pole not included *Can also be post or tree-mounted with included mounting hardware

How can I keep squirrels off my bird feeder?

I have tried squirrel baffles but they keep getting to this house feeder I have mounted to the top of the pole
What can I do?

put chili powder in the seed. Birds can't taste it but squirrels can

	Nature Products 431 Green Classic Pole Mount Wild Bird Feeder List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $38.05 Average Rating:
	This is a squirrel proof bird feeder that really works and looks great, too! This pole-mounted feeder has been tested and endorsed by The National Audubon Society. Seed tubes are made with UV resistant Lexan...

	Mailwraps Garden Flag Stand Sale Price: $7.99
	Mailwraps Garden Flag Stand.

	HOMESTEAD STEP-IN-POLE List Price: $21.95 Sale Price: $12.99 Average Rating:
	Features: 63" high for easy filling. Self leveling prong base installs in minutes. Holds wooden or metal feeders up to 25 pounds. Much more stable than traditional styles.

	Mc-12 Magnum Crane Double Hook List Price: $35.09 Sale Price: $42.49 Average Rating:
	THE HOOK IS A HEAVY DUTY DOUBLE CRANE THAT IS 90 INCHS TALL AND HAS A 5/8 INCH SOLID SQUARE STEEL KNOCK DOWN. BLACK POWDER COAT FINISH.

	Hookery 90" Heavy Duty Single Magnum Crane List Price: $47.95 Sale Price: $38.13
	Features: Heat-treated steel with a black matte finish. Useful for hanging plants or feeders. 90" heavy duty hanger. Upturn style.