Sick Birds
What do I do if I see a sick bird?
Bird feeders provide an up-close and personal look at the birds in
your yard. With this close and unhindered view you may
sometimes see what appears to be a sick bird. You may even be more
likely to see a sick bird at a feeder as sick birds may be in search of
an easy meal.
Prevention is the key to avoiding the spread of disease. Regularly
clean your feeders even when there are no signs of disease. A 10%
bleach solution is often recommended and some feeders can even be
placed in your dishwasher. If a sick bird does come to your feeder,
minimize the risk of infecting
other birds by cleaning your feeder area thoroughly. If you see several
diseased birds, take down all your feeders for at least a week to give
the birds a chance to disperse.
Only veterinarians or federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators can
legally treat wild birds. If you find a diseased bird, it is
best to report it to your state, provincial, or local wildlife agency.
The Lab's Project Feeder Watch web site
has additional information on sick birds, including a review of several
of the more common diseases that might show up in backyard birds.