Background
I recently had a brush with house finch eye disease that I want to share with you. I’ve written about it before in an article I wrote here. Here is an article from AllAboutBirds addressing the disease.
I hope this article helps you avoid the same mistakes I’ve made.
Keeping your birds safe from house finch eye disease doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. If you pay attention to what’s going on at your feeders you’ll gain the ability to anticipate and prevent problems.
Unfortunately, I broke my own rule and some poor little birds may suffer because of it.
The First Inkling of Trouble
A few weeks back, I noticed a steady increase in my house finch feeder traffic. Yes, they ARE known for mobbing feeders so that wasn’t too off-putting. I vowed to keep an eye on it in case it got worse.
Little by little, more and more house finches were coming to the feeder. Because of the heat here in Tennessee right now, I only put out a day’s worth of food. Still, it was being completely emptied EVERY day.
I’ve had a few of my feeders in to the local Wild Birds Unlimited store to be cleaned so I didn’t have any more than one feeder out. Needless to say, the increased traffic meant a LOT of birds were competing and bickering over the ONE offering I put out. I thought I’d just get my feeders back, put out more seed and the congestion would be eliminated. The woman who was going to clean them had just sustained the loss of a very close friend and I felt like I’d just give her some space.
I should have called her and asked how she was and about my feeders. This is on me. I’m a softy that way and really believed she’d call me any day now.
She never called me and that’s on me.
I should have taken down the feeder then. I also didn’t want other birds to suffer until I could get my other feeders back.
The Problem Continues
Every day, I was seeing ridiculous amounts of traffic and squabbling going on at the feeder. I know from experience if house finches congregate like that there IS going to be trouble. House finch eye disease is usually the outcome.
I saw a male house finch just sitting on a bird bath barely moving. I also have seen at various times birds attempting to land on water that seemed uncertain. Binocular checks of both revealed no obvious eye disease.
Still, I waited on those feeders. I’m sure I mentioned before that I run my company out of my home so there’s no reason I shouldn’t notice something and take action.
I’m sorry to say I did the first part but ignored the second part. For that, I am truly sorry to the little birds.
Point of No Return Reached
Yesterday, I was doing my daily check of the feeders and birds and noticed a couple house finches at the base of the feeder picking about. One of them had the telltale feathers sticking up straight around her eye. Closer inspection revealed a nearly closed eye.
My heart sunk. How could I have all this knowledge about feeding back yard birds and still allow a feeding situation to escalate to disease?
I decided then to take down the feeder a day late and a dollar short.
Five Ways to Avoid House Finch Eye Disease
- Consider taking down feeders in summer. You’re probably away more and they really don’t need help surviving then.
- Watch to see if your feeders are being slowly mobbed by house finches. They generally don’t come all at once. If they are TAKE THEM DOWN before trouble strikes.
- If your house finch numbers stay consistent, make sure they have plenty of feeders to choose from. Helps eliminate overcrowding and bickering.
- If you can keep your feeders up, make sure you clean them weekly if you can. Even if you just soak them in a 10% bleach solution, that’s better than not cleaning them.
- As soon as you see an infected bird, take your feeders down! I know I may catch some flack on this because there are people with way more degrees than me who say that only spreads the problem out. In my view, spreading out a few infected birds is not nearly as dangerous as leaving them to become one hundred infected birds! House finch eye disease will spread a LOT faster if more of the feeder population is infected.
How Have You Done This Year?
Have you been successful in keeping house finch eye disease away from your feeders? Were you able to do as Barney Fife says and “Nip it. Nip it in the bud!”? Or did you have a lapse in judgement like me and allowed an infection to start? Either way, tell me about it by leaving a comment below.
Also, if you enjoyed this article and feel somebody else might benefit from it, please share it on social media using the buttons below. I’d really like as many people as possible to join in and help stop this disease.
Jeff
PS- A special thanks to Marc Devokaitis, Public Information Specialist at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
That increase in House Finch just happened today. I also noticed a few of them flying down from the tree like helicopters ! Not normal behavior at all.
Thanks for the great article!!!!
Hi Donna,
I’m really glad you enjoyed the article and that it seems to have come at the perfect time for you!
If those finches are coming down to your feeders looking unsure of how to land I would HIGHLY suspect an infection. Get out the binoculars if you can and look for those closed, swollen or reddish eyes.
If you see it, I would take those feeders down immediately and keep them down for at least two weeks. During that time, I would wash them with the 10% bleach solution and dish soap.
Thanks for stopping by and watching what’s going on in your yard.
Jeff
We’ve noticed several infected birds. If We take the feeders down, should the seed be thrown away?
Hi Shirley,
As long as the seed isn’t old or in any way compromised I wouldn’t worry about throwing it away. The most important thing you can do for them is take down ANY feeders they may be using, clean them and keep them down for at least two weeks. Also, make sure you can observe your feeders at least a few times during the day before you put them back up. If the birds are still coming by wait another week and recheck. Hope this helps.
Jeff
There is help. Although East TN has only two bird rehabbers who specialize in songbird rehab, they have learned and shared ways to treat these birds effectively, if you can catch them. Goldfinches do better with the treatment, but house finches and purple do OK. If you can catch the bird, with a net or cloth, place it in a box and contact a local rehabber, using your state wildlife resources list of permitted rehabbers. Make arrangements to get the bird to them. (if possible, bring them a small donation, most of them work out of their own pockets because they love birds). The rehabbers are using a combination of antibiotics and vinegar, and its working.
You can also help by adding mother’s apple cider vinegar to their water, to give them some immunity boost, it wont bother any birds.
Hi Kaye,
Thank you so much for stopping by and adding to the discussion! The rehabbers are a great resource which I have used locally a few years back. At that time the prognosis wasn’t as good. I started adding ACV to the water last year but was not aware it helped their immunity. I’d been adding it because even cleaning the birdbaths every few days I was still getting algae in the water. It helped a LOT with that.
And yes, donations are ALWAYS welcomed by these organizations.
Jeff
I am so thankful you have posted this article! Just this morning, I caught a little finch with the tell tale feather ‘stars’ around her eyes. I spotted her the other day. My partner thought she was a baby sparrow as she was not moving fast, but I was unable to catch her. She kept coming to the feeders and was eating well, but I wanted her OFF of our feeders as it is SO contagious and I was hopeful I could catch her. If you get on the worst eye side, they generally don’t see you and you can catch them. Today was the day! I caught her, put her in a box and brought her to our local wildlife rehab. They have had some success making them well with antibiotics. I will return her to our yard if she becomes well. I have taken down all of our feeders, except for the hopper feeder. I need to get some bleach and do them all. I hate to take them down as I love them so. It’s hard, but it’s so important if you want them to stay healthy. A couple of years ago, we had a major case in most of our finches, and we lost so so many. Last summer we had very few red house finches as they were mostly young. The older birds were taken by the disease. It’s heartbreaking as we have always had finches in droves and it never used to be a problem. I have looked and looked for information to help, but the only place I have really found the best info is with the Cornell website. I have shared articles with our Maine Birds page, and I will surely share this one. Thank you so much and keep spreading the word!
Hi Laurie,
So glad you found this article helpful! I know I’ve had my share of house finch issues and I know how hard it is to take them down. I’ve had to keep reminding myself the good I’m doing the population.
Kudos to you for capturing and taking your sick friend to a rehabber! Please let me know how this turns out. I too have heard they’ve had great success with these birds.
I hate to say this, because you already know what I’m going to say, but you need to take ALL the feeders down. I would keep them down for a couple of weeks too. I’m getting ready to do this as a preventive measure in my yard. Right now, the birds really don’t need my help and I’m already starting to see the house finches mobbing the feeders. The next step will certainly be illness.
One other thing I’ve read recently is that Apple Cider Vinegar is great to put into the bird bath water to build their immunity. It also helps with algae growth during hot weather.
Could you give me the link to the Maine Birds page you mentioned? I’d love to put them in my blogroll on the site.
You’ve made my day, Laurie! Thanks again!
Jeff
Thanks for your article. I just took down our bird feeders today here in Ontario, Canada. One little one definitely had the disease and one adult looked like he was getting it as well. So sad. In addition we have a budgie escapee who has shown up and now that the feeder is down = who knows how he/she will fair.
Fiona
Hi Fiona,
Thank you for stopping by and letting us know about the eye disease in your part of the world. The good news is you did the best thing you could do for the situation. You should also know that eye disease is NOT necessarily a death sentence either. I can’t speak for the budgie escapee though. I don’t know if caged birds bread for that purpose retain any of their genetic migratory instincts. My guess is that he/she better either go home or make sure to find warmer climate before the Canadian winter sets in.
Jeff
I don’t understand the relationship of the flocking to the disease. I did notice today that there was a little frenzy around the feeders. I also have lots of sparrows. Can they get the infection, too?
Hi Carol,
It’s been my experience that house finches fighting over the feeders leads to a lot more chance of infection. I think this is partially because they tend to park and defecate on the feeder parts more than other birds I’ve observed. But just having that many birds brushing into each other is very bad for spreading the disease. I don’t know if sparrows can get it but I know other types of finches can.
Your best course of action if you see ANY sick birds is to take down your feeders for at least two weeks and clean them with the 10% bleach solution and soap before putting them back up. Good on you for keeping a close eye on your feeders!
Jeff
I spotted one female that almost surely was infected so I took down all my feeders. Will my suet feeder and my squirrel corn cake feeder be ok, do you think? (I honestly haven’t seen any birds at the suet). There is now a line of sparrow on the feeder book wondering what happened.
Hi Carol,
I would just take everything down right now. I’ve had house finches that try to feed off of nearly everything in my back yard. Currently, they’re trying their hand at a squirrel proof peanut feeder. Nobody’s sick but I have no sunflower or thistle out right now.
Glad you took the others down.
Jeff
Hey, sorry to bother, but my finches have recently caught house finch eye disease; I have three separate feeding poles and I always make sure my feeders are clean; should I take them all down and bleach them? How long should I wait until I put them back up? Thanks, Caden
Hi Caden,
I would take them ALL down, soak in the 10% bleach solution before washing and letting them dry completely.
I would leave them down for at least two weeks and then only put one up somewhere you can observe it to make sure birds are not still sick. If all’s ok, put the rest of them back up.
I know it’s hard not having them up but you’re doing them a huge favor.
Let me know if you have any other questions and how it goes.
Best,
Jeff
I’m a nature/animal lover in a rural area near Portland, Oregon. I’ve been fortunate in my years as a bird watcher to have never seen finch eye disease here. Until now. It is heartbreaking to see an animal suffering and know I can’t do anything for it. This time it was just 1 female house finch and no other finches around. She was at the feeder for just 1 day. I’m going to bleach clean my seed feeder and keep on the lookout.
Question: Why do you send your feeders out to be cleaned? Does Wild Birds Unlimited do something special?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and mistakes. I know I mess up from time to time and it’s hard to swallow. Just the other day a tiny owl, I think a Northern Pygmy, caught one of “my” songbirds. I thought it got a towhee that I’m bonded with and hoped it might still be alive so I panicked. I chased the owl. Terrible choice. It dropped the bird before flying away. Turned out it was one of my 60 juncos and it was dead. Now I have a heavy heart that I stole a meal from one bird and the other died for nothing. I’m recognizing that I have very good instincts but sometimes they are quiet thoughts that I ignore. If I had listened, I would not have approached the owl at all. I find comfort in looking at the big picture and knowing that even with my follies I’m helping “my” blessed birds to live an easier life all while assisting Mother Nature.
Hi Adrian,
I know too well how frustrating and heartbreaking it is to see anything plant, animal or human suffering. If there is a bright side at all to the eye disease it’s that most will live through it. You’ve done very well to take the feeder down and clean it with bleach. Also, I commend you for taking the time to be mindful and present enough to just observe them. It’s easy to see the signs when you’re paying attention as you were.
Wild Birds Unlimited does not offer this service that I know of. I am friends with a woman who works there who does a great job and I enjoy paying her more than she asks for it. I don’t have a good place to clean my feeders in my home. The best I can come up with is a tub which is murder on my back.
I’ve tried to be honest and transparent in my writing. We all make mistakes and I will continue to do so. The best thing we can do is exactly what you’ve done: learned a lesson from it. You wouldn’t believe how far ahead of others that puts you by just being able to admit a mistake! Kudos to you!
The owl will find another meal and the junco is in an even better place now. I really believe that. That’s one of the reasons I try to let nature take care of itself. There is a huge force much greater than I that works these things out and I trust it.
Finally, the “quiet thoughts” that you ignore are your intuition and I can already tell you’re seeing the value in listening more to them. Again, you should be very proud. Most people NEVER learn to trust those thoughts thinking it’s just negative thinking or something else. I’m learning more and more to listen. I’m a man and men are nowhere near as good at intuitive thinking as women are.
Thank your for sharing your story with us! Please feel free to contact me or respond to this message at any time. I’m always happy to help.
Jeff
One of my little gold finches almost flew right into my dogs mouth. He has the disease and can just make out shadows. I am so sad. Is there not something I can do. Last year I took it over to the vet school here in Tennessee and they said they would let me know if the rehaber was able to save that bird but when I didn’t hear anything from them, I called them back they said they didn’t have any record of me even dropping the bird off. Now I do not trust them to be honest with me. Is there anything I can do? I know it is illegal to keep wild songbirds. Is there ever exceptions?
Hi Sheika,
I’m sorry to hear about your goldfinches. I’ve had good luck dealing directly with the local rehab facility in Nashville. Here is a list of rehab facilities in Tennessee by county and type.
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/twra/wildlife/rehab.html
You’ll also see the requirements for a permit from that site. As you’ll see, the requirements are necessarily full.
My best advice going forward is to keep your feeders clean and pull them ALL down at the first sign of an affected bird at your feeders. Keep them down for at least two weeks and make sure to wash them thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution and allow them to dry completely before putting them back up. Of course, adjust the time based on how long it takes your birds to go elsewhere.
Very important: start by only putting ONE feeder back up and paying close attention to the birds that come to it. That way, you only have ONE feeder that needs pulled again if infected bird or birds should return.
I know firsthand how heartbreaking it is to see a sick bird. You should find some comfort in the fact that you’re one of those people the birds need more of!
Hope this helps and feel free to contact me any time.
Best,
Jeff
Hello. Thanks so much for the detailed info. I just discovered my first male finch with what looks like a giant tumor on one eye. I’m assuming it’s house finch disease? I am heartbroken and sick about it, feeling completely responsible for not cleaning my feeders enough. Lesson learned and feeders will come down in the morning.
My question is this… how likely is it that the disease will spread to other breeds such as chickadees and cardinals? I have been a part of a chickadee family that built a nest in one of my boxes since day one. I feed them mealworms pretty much every hour (they literally hover over me while I call out to them and fill the dish). They also love eating from a safflower seed cylinder from Wild Birds, which is a favorite of the house finches as well. I’m so worried about the baby chickadees whom I’ve watched grow for weeks now. Could they be at risk for getting the disease? I’m so distressed.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Hi Lesley,
I too recently had a male house finch show up with the disease. I took all the feeders down they frequented. My cardinals are bumming but even they’ve started eating the dried mealworms (Walmart) I’ve been putting out that the house finches won’t touch.
I’m not a vet nor an ornithologist but I would eliminate any feeder that the house finches eat from, have them bleached and washed and keep them down for at least two weeks. I do know other birds CAN get the disease (cardinals, goldfinches) so better safe than sorry. For me I’ve started training them to expect me outside at a certain time before dinner and feed them a patio mix (also Walmart) while I watch. Anything you can do to remove the possibility of the house finches infecting a food source is best. Taking down the safflower would be a great move.
Pat yourself on the back for caring enough to ask the questions.
Here’s an article that should help you understand what a threat the disease is: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/house-finch-eye-disease-outbreak-then-understanding/
Read the right column sidebar for sure!
Hope this helps.
Let me know how it goes, will you?
Jeff
Thank you SO much for getting back to me so quickly! I really appreciate all the info. I’ve removed and have been cleaning my feeders and it has been so emotional for me to watch all the birds fly to my poles and find nothing there, especially the house finches when they fly to my window looking for my window feeder where I keep the safflower seed.
I have been able to keep my family of 5 chickadees happy by feeding them mealworms a dozen times a day (phew they can eat!). And I just put out a feeder for my cardinals tonight, as they are always my latest dinner guests. I’ll put the feeder away tonight, but it just absolutely breaks my heart knowing they will wake in the morning looking for breakfast and I’ll have nothing for them! Two weeks will feel like an eternity!!
Anyway, thanks so much for your help. So glad to have found you as a source! I live in Chattanooga, by the way…Not too far from your neck of the woods!
Hi Lesley,
The cool thing I’ve found is that house finches want nothing to do with the dried mealworms (Walmart) and ALL of my other birds, save woodpeckers, love them. Much easier to deal with than the real ones. I am testing them on my bluebirds and I’ll have to see how that goes.
Good for you to recognize the late dinner eating cardinals. Just be sure to put it out late enough that the house finches are gone. If they’re still around, sadly, you should take it all down.
Know this: two weeks will be over before you finish reading this-LOL! I’m going through the same right now. I had to yank mine down last week when I saw a bulging-eyed male house finch trying to feed on my chickadee chip feeder.
Got to go refill my mealworms-HA!
Let me know if I can help in any way and I’m so glad you found my site and that I’ve been able to help a little already. Does my heart good!
Thank you,
Jeff
Hello, I’m not sure if you can provide any help but I’m desperate right now. So, a while back I noticed a bird nest at my house, everything was great until today when I seen one of the fledglings in my backyard, me and my kids were checking it out and planned on leaving it be since mama bird still hangs around and watches but then I noticed it’s eyes, they look exactly like all the pictures I’ve seen so I started calling every wild life or wild bird place but they are either closed due to covid, aren’t taking birds or there was just no answer. If there is any chance this little girl can make it I want to do everything I can to help but now I have no idea what to do. Since it can’t fly yet I put some grass in an old cat carrier and gave it some water and seed and placed it on top of a table so the mama knows it’s still there and it’s safe from other critters.
Hi Candace,
First of all, you should be proud for caring enough to try to do something about this!
I’m sorry your local wildlife rehab facility is not open or functioning. They are an invaluable source of help and information in these cases.
The sad fact is that MANY who are infected die of starvation, exposure or predation. I know it’s hard to hear but it’s just how it is. Here’s a link for more information:
https://feederwatch.org/learn/house-finch-eye-disease/
Under the circumstances I believe you’ve taken appropriate measures. Having the eye disease can be a death sentence for adults. I’m sure it’s much more deadly to youngsters.
Let me make sure we’re on the same page and let me give you my suggestions.
1. Take down your feeders now if they’re not down yet! Keep them down for at least two weeks and make sure they are cleaned with a 10% bleach solution and soap before putting them back up.
2. If you put them back up, pay VERY close attention to the birds that start feeding on them. There is a very good chance that the mother, father or other siblings not discovered have the disease. Step one makes sure the family relocates away from your feeders so nature can take its course. I know this is hard to hear but I want to be honest with you.
3. Summer time is not a time birds really need our help so I would consider taking down feeders house finches feed from for the summer. I only have an upside down thistle feeder, upside down suet feeder and mealworms out right now. The house finches either don’t care for them or can’t navigate them.
4. Giving them access to water in very small amounts is good. Because I don’t know exactly how old it is I can’t recommend or advise feeding them anything. If the mother is able to she’ll take care of her.
5. The toughest part: trust that the thing that needs to happen does.
Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with by replying to this comment or by contacting me using the contact form on my site.
Best,
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
I’ve “stumbled” upon your site and am so grateful and thankful to find so much information. I am new to birding and put up 2 birdfeeders this summer. I LOVE watching the birds. I’ve attracted numerous House Finches to my 2 feeders ( 1 is a platform feeder and the other is a “house” feeder with 4 ports).
Anyway, to my horror, I noticed last week a couple of birds with “crusty” eyes… they certainly do have conjunctivitis. I am so sad but will take down my feeders.
I live north of San Francisco where the weather is pretty mild … do you recommend I leave them down for the remainder of the summer? Also, what happens in the winter when it rains (if I put the feeders back up) and the seeds get wet? Do I just leave the platform feeder up and allow the seeds to get wet? Or would it be better to not use the platform feeder over the winter?
Thank You again for all of your help. I am so sad to have to take the feeders down. It’s going to be really sad because they’ve been coming to my yard for food and there will be no feeders;((
Hi Desiree,
So glad you “stumbled” onto my site! I’m always happy to help people, especially those new to bird feeding, get the most out of their spaces and money.
Good on you for taking down the feeders! I feel your pain as I have any feeders down that house finches could eat from (after taking everything down for two weeks) and miss their company.
The best advice I can give about feeding is after they’ve been down at least two weeks, start by putting out a platform feeder that’s covered to see who comes. Make sure it’s close enough that you can see the health of the birds. If any of the sick birds remain take it down and keep it down for the rest of the summer.
You want to make sure ANY feeder that’s left out is covered because sunflower seeds spoil quickly when wet. Even where it’s much colder than San Francisco-LOL!
I would recommend getting a feeder that keeps the seed dry like this one. https://www.duncraft.com/Dome-Top-Seed–Bluebird-Feeder
It’s one I use and love it. Even though it says it’s for bluebirds, ALL my birds can use and do. Right now, I have dried mealworms in it (Walmart) and everybody eats them except, wait for it, house finches. So I can keep feeding while discouraging them right now.
Finally, I also recommend getting a pole system for hanging your feeders. Especially if you have any trouble with squirrels or other animals. A pole system with a baffle on it is best. You can find the one I use at Wild Birds Unlimited. https://www.wbu.com/products/advanced-pole-system/
Let me know if I can help more by commenting again. I know I’ve covered a lot here.
Jeff
PS-Don’t forget you can always spread some patio mix seed (Walmart) and just sit out there and watch them feed. They WILL get bold enough! I do this every day for about an hour.
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for the information.
What is the rationale for leaving the feeders down for 2 weeks? Is the thinking that the sick birds will perish in that 2 week period or just move on to somewhere else?
Also, if I put the 1 feeder back up in 2 weeks and a House Finch comes with conjunctivitis shall I try using meal worms in the feeder which will discourage the Finches, or should I just abandon my feeders for the remainder of the summer.
Many Thanks
Hi Desiree,
I’ve found that two weeks allows the birds to disperse and possibly the sick ones to either heal or die. I’ll warn you that there are others who say it’s irresponsible to let sick birds go elsewhere but we don’t have real options. We can’t catch and take all the infected birds to a rehab place and allowing them to continue to congregate is just like with COVID except the transmission is different. They will just keep spreading it to other birds.
If after having your feeders down for two weeks sick birds return, take EVERYTHING down and consider waiting a month or just waiting until cooler weather sets in.
I’m only using mealworms now because I don’t have any sick birds so I’m trying to offer food that house finches don’t care for. Basically, extending my “feeder down” status as far as they are concerned. I DO spend about an hour each day where I scatter some patio mix and just sit there and see who comes to get it. Fed in this way, even house finches that are still around tend to give each other space.
The main thing you can do when you start feeding again is to gauge the amount of traffic you have and add safe feeders to accommodate them so they don’t crowd.
When the time comes, I’ll be happy to help you prepare for that. I can ask you more questions then and we’ll go from there. No charge or sales involved here. Just so you know.
Jeff
Thanks so much Jeff. As you can see I have lots of questions, I do not want to promote the spread of conjunctivitis. I can see when the feeders are crowded how easy it would be to spread. the bacteria from an infected bird to a healthy bird.
I’ve been watching all of the activity since the feeders are down. The House Finches haven’t gone very far. They are still around, looking for seeds..
Regarding the “Patio Mix”… if I spread some of that out now won’t that encourage the House Finches to stick around, thus, the sick birds won’t move on but will still be hanging around..
Thanks again.
PS: I have some Goldfinches that I’ve been keeping an eye on …. they have beautiful clear eyes!!!!
Hi Desiree,
I love the questions! That is exactly what I’m here for.
Have you cleaned up under where the feeders were? I use a Four Paws rake set and a painters bucket you can get at Walmart It does a great job at getting up even old, wet seeds and helps keep your birds safe from disease.
The patio mix is not to be put down until you’re sure the finches have left. Even then, only in small amounts while you can watch who’s eating it. I put mine out ONLY when I’m going outside right now to sit so I’m sure who’s eating it. If you don’t have the time to sit with it, don’t put it out because it WILL keep the house finches around.
Good on you for keeping an eye on the goldfinches because they CAN get the disease from the house finches. My goldfinches are feeding in upside-down thistle feeders that house finches can’t use easily.
However, for now, I would take EVERYTHING down for the two week minimum I mentioned earlier.
Does this make sense? Let me know if you have any other questions. As trite as it may sound, I do believe the only bad question is the one you don’t ask. Especially where sick birds are concerned.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Yes, it all makes great sense. All of my feeders are down… and I have raked up the under the feeders as best I can. I have mulch (no lawn) so I’m certain I’ve missed a few. I have a lot of trees on my property, so the House Finches are hanging out in the trees, probably waiting for the feeders to return,
Thanks for clearing up my confusion re: the Patio Mix. For now all feeding of the birds is on hold, it’s sad but far better than promoting illness amongst the flock.
On a positive note, there are a pair of California Quail that appeared yesterday with about six tiny little chicks… so cute. There is also a Red Tailed Hawk nest across the road in a huge Eucalyptus tree… I’m sure they’re looking for a meal…. All I can do is observe.
Thank so much for all of your help.
I’ll be back in touch in a couple of weeks before I try putting up another feeder.
Thanks, Desiree.
You’ve got the perfect mindset about this! You’re really helping your birds have the best chance at a good life while visiting you. Win-win!
Sorry if I was unclear initially about the patio mix. You’ve got it under control.
I look forward to hearing back from you in a couple weeks.
Stay safe,
Jeff
Hi Jeff. I have a question about the crowding. We’ve had house finches at our feeders since we put the first one up 2 years ago. I’ve watched them nest for 2 summers, growing in population at my feeders when the young birds start coming to the feeders. I guess my question is, does it matter that I am pretty sure the ebb and flow of house finches at my feeders is due to growing families as opposed to migrating through birds? We live in a townhouse in Houston TX, and we’re kind of pushing the limits already with the number of feeders we have out, so we would have to take it all down when the fledglings start coming to the feeders, 2 or 3 times a year, since we can’t add any more feeders to accommodate the growing numbers.
I just saw a housefinch with what I would assume was advanced conjunctivitis. It looked like the eye was gone. It was on my window feeder, so up close and personal. I’m about to go out and take everything down.
Thanks a ton for all the information!
Hi Debbi,
Glad to hear from you in Houston! I have family in Spring, TX.
First of all, good on you for paying attention to what’s going on in your yard with your feeders! It’s the most important thing we can do if we feed birds. Yet many miss this critical detail. The man who got me into feeding birds actually spent almost NO time really watching anything. I guess that’s why I decided I was going to be a better custodian than him.
I don’t know how many feeders you’re talking about but if it feels unmanageable it’s too many. I’m sorry you’ve spotted a sick finch but so glad you were watching. Taking everything down, cleaning them and keeping them down for at least two weeks is the only way to deal with this disease.
As for the fledglings, I would only say at any point if you feel like your feeders are overcrowded that is your cue to take them down again. It’s the only way to keep the eye disease threat to a minimum. The finches will be fine and will find other food sources.
I myself have had any feeders house finches like down for over two months. I’ll only give them some food on my patio while I’m out there. Otherwise, they’re on their own. My house finch numbers are WAY down because of this.
When winter comes, I’ll be on the lookout again for any sick birds and repeat the process if I have to.
Let me know if you have any more questions. I’m happy to answer them. It’s why I’m here.
Best,
Jeff
Hey there, this information is so so helpful! Thank you!
I live in a small forested area near Nashville where many bird species come to my feeders. I noticed 2 finches with the disease yesterday, so I took down all my feeders. Now all of the bird species are trying to eat the moldy seeds that have fallen under my deck (sadly I can’t access it to clean it and I can’t stop them from sneaking under there). I know they can get very sick that way too. As a result, I’m wondering if a healthy food option like dried mealworms would keep them away from the moldy seeds- if I understand you correctly the finches won’t go for that food but it’ll be a good distraction for the rest of the birds away from the moldy seeds. Thoughts???
I just want to keep as many alive and healthy as possible. I also need to figure out a way to keep seeds from falling through my deck.
Thank you so much!!
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for visiting my site and contacting me for help. That’s what I’m here for.
When you say “can’t access” what do you mean? Is there NO way to get a shop vac or anything under your deck? Your answer is important.
Normally, I’ll tell people not to put feeders on decks for this very reason. It would be best if you could put up a pole system out in your yard, with a baffle if squirrels are a problem, and hang various feeders from it. That way you can easily rake under them.
If you’ve got birds sneaking under the deck you’re not going to be able to distract them if that’s what they really want. And you’re right: they WILL get sick if they continue to feed from there.
I really appreciate your level of caring for your backyard birds! You should be very proud that you care enough to write me.
Let me know your thoughts and get back to me either here or my contact form and I’ll be happy to help further.
Best,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Just wanted to check back in with you re: my feeders/House Finches with conjunctivitis.
Today should be the day I put a feeder back up, but, unfortunately I still have seen House Finches with conjunctivitis, and sadly, I today I also saw a Lesser Goldfinch with conjunctivitis at my bird bath, so I’m thinking I should NOT yet put a feeder back up.
I’m going away for a few days so I don’t think it’s a good time to put a feeder back up anyway because I won’t be here to monitor the health of the birds visiting the feeder..
Just wanted to get your thoughts.
Thanks Much
Hi Desiree,
Sounds like it’s the perfect time to keep them down for another two weeks. Proud of you for paying attention and seeing the time is NOT right today! Good work!
As long as you have sick birds around you should not be putting food out at all. I would even consider taking down any water as it’s another place they congregate.
Have a good time wherever you’re going and be sure to check in whenever you need to.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff,
There is not a lot of congregating at the birdbath as compared to the platform feeder I had up.
I’m reluctant to take down the birdbath given that we’re in a heat spell right now… high nineties to low one-hundreds for the next few days. I do keep the birdbath clean (I’ve been scrubbing it down weekly) .
I will hold off on feeding for another 2 weeks and keep an eye on the birdbath … hopefully the health of the birds visiting will improve.
I’ll keep you posted.
Thank You again,
Hi Desiree,
I totally understand your reluctance to take down the water. We have been very hot here as well and I’d hate to do it to them. However, if I had sick birds with everything else down, I would be forced to take the drastic action.
I think your plan is a sound one. The fact that you pay attention like you do and are willing to put in the work cleaning bodes well for your birdies. Again, good job!
DO let me know how this turns out or if you have any other questions for me. Always a pleasure to help!
Jeff
Thank you for your thorough post and attentive comments, Jeff. Like a lot of people, we purchased a WBU set-up to entertain us during the quarantine. And we are still quarantining! It has been fun to watch the birds while working from home.
As your post mentions, our tray feeder has become mobbed with house finches. I counted 14 at once last week. I haven’t noticed any sick ones, but the feeder is also at least 10 feet from the house. Today we found a dead female house finch on the driveway between our house and garage. I checked and her eyes look fine.
We live in southern Wisconsin and our feeder attracts house and gold finches, cardinals, nuthatches, an occasional mourning dove, and browsing woodpeckers.
What do you suggest we do? Disinfect everything? Throw the food away? Put it away until fall? What counts as fall, exactly?
Thank you for your assistance.
Sara
Hi Sara,
I have to say if there can be a silver lining to a global pandemic it would be people stopping their incessant running around and just being with nature. I can tell from your comment that you’re one of the good ones that really try hard to do right by your birdies.
The dead finch you found may have been the victim of a window strike if it doesn’t look sick and you don’t have a cat roaming around outside. In any case, I wouldn’t take your feeders down just because of that bird.
Having said that, I would say that late summer is a perfect time to take your feeders down until they really need them in the winter. Gives you a chance to clean them and have them ready for the fall. The food is probably fine too.
You would be a better judge than me of when fall hits in your area. I’m sure it’s much earlier than it is here in TN. It’s not unusual for us to have mild weather into November with only occasional drops here and there. Trust your intuition too. If you walk outside one day next month and it feels like fall put them back up. Or wait until it feels right. I know this sounds “woo-woo” as some call it but your gut is really a finely tuned listening device. If only we all paid more attention to it-LOL!
I think you’re doing a great job and I think your birds love you for it!
Let me know if I can help in any way. That’s what I’m here for.
Jeff
Jeff,
Glad I came across this article. I have been feeding birds at my current house for 4 years. I live in Kansas City, MO and have several feeders in winter, a 2-3 up in summer. A few years ago I noticed the House finches with the swollen eyes and looked it up and found out about the disease. Since then I have been far more active in cleaning my feeders. I actually wash them in my dishwasher ( in their own cycle of course, not with my regular dishes – wouldn’t fit otherwise and I have to take off the top rack ). I’ll leave one up for maybe a couple weeks, depending, then take it down and put it in my washing queue and replace it with a fresh one. Yet I still get some of the diseased birds.
One thing I’ve noticed is, I have yet to see what appears to be anything else besides a House finch with this disease. I get plenty of House sparrows, Goldfinches, Cardinals, etc. but have never noticed any of those others with the disease.
Second thing I’ve noticed is, at least around me it overwhelmingly seems to affect female finches. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a male affected with it at all, maybe one at most. Having said that, for some reason I get a great disproportion of female House finches at my feeders compared to males – it seems to be about 3-to-1. Not sure why. That might be why I see almost all of the affected birds to be females? Though even taking that into account, it still seems males are less affected.
Somewhere a year or so ago I think I read that the disease might actually be spread at bird baths, not feeders? I’ll have to look that up again.
Hi John,
I’m glad you came across my article too! It does my heart good to see people benefiting from my years of experience feeding birds.
To begin with you should be commended for your diligence in cleaning your feeders! Having said that, know that regular cleaning is only part of the solution. When you see sick birds, everything must come down! Especially if you have a great number of them. This includes the water too. I know it sounds harsh but doing anything you can to stem the spread of the disease is job one. After everything’s been down and washed for a couple of weeks at least, then reintroduce feeders slowly. Making sure to watch the birds that come and their health. Shaking of the head, flying as if they don’t know where they’re going are tell-tale signs and need to be investigated. Just realize you can’t clean your way out of getting sick birds. It requires patience and the kind of attention you’ve already shown.
I’ve had males and females so it’s not selective that way. Why you have a disproportionate amount of females is anybody’s guess.
Take it from me that it WILL spread to other birds if the above steps are not taken. Over my years of feeding I’ve seen mainly goldfinches but also cardinals who’ve had it.
Finally, let me thank you again for your birds for being so compassionate.
Jeff
I have seen a few house finches with the eye disease this summer. I’ve taken down the finch feeder that the goldfinch eat from so they are not eating here anymore. But I have a hopper feeder and a platform feeder that the house finich eat from. I have been cleaning them once a week and changing the food often in the platform feeder. My neighbor feeds finch also and she is not taking down her feeders. So I think if I take mine down they’re all just going to be at her feeders crowding each other. So many baby birds are eating here right now so it’s hard to take down the feeders. I have read a couple articles onbthe wisdom of taking feeders down, as the flock will usually stay together and spread the germs to other neighboring birds. What is your opinion of that?
Jeff, Thank you for the information. We had no idea what was going on until we read this article. We are in North Carolina… the Finches started mobbing our feeders in late spring. We enjoyed all the activity, but we soon started seeing a dead finch here and there. Then we started to notice the erratic flying. One even landed on me as I was tending to the feeders. Within the last two weeks, we noticed an increase in confused and erratic flying, birds that wouldn’t fly away as you approached them, and unfortunately we were seeing more dead birds. We found your article and immediately took down all of our feeders and water stations. I am extremely diligent about keeping things clean. All water stations are changed and cleaned every day. All feeders are brought into the garage every night and cleaned. Unfortunately we did not use the bleach solution you mentioned.
Though it is too late, we are now enlightened to the situation and will have a new strategy going forward. It would be nice if birding supply stores should provide their customers with this information.
Thanks for the information!
Hi Kay,
Thanks for stopping by and caring enough about your backyard birds to look for a solution.
I understand your concern here. Taking down feeders is one of the hardest things I ever have to do. But I DO strongly believe it IS necessary whenever there are sick birds involved. And when I say “feeders” I mean ANY feeders that house finches can feed from.
Just like in life, we don’t have control over what others do. We try to make sure we are doing all we personally can to help our birds. If your neighbor is not on board with taking down their feeders the best you still can do is provide one less place for the birds to congregate and spread the disease. Every one of these that is eliminated increases the chance they WILL disperse or at least allow the sick birds to be dealt with by the flock. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but most birds are not tolerant of sickly birds. Nature does run its course if allowed to.
You will always find opposing views on any topic. I’ve been feeding birds for over 17 years now and my approach has worked the best for me. It’s allowed me to get back to feeding healthy birds much faster than just doing nothing. Nothing is the worst thing we can do with sick birds.
Finally, reach into your heart and ask what feels right for you. Once you get past the egoic mind response that says “Warning! Warning! I must NOT allow anybody to starve” (and they won’t starve), I think you’ll see why it’s necessary to take down your feeders for at least two weeks. Then reassess.
Hope this helps. Please comment again or use the contact form for any other questions I can answer.
Jeff
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you so much for the compliments! It does my heart good to hear I’m helping! It also restores my faith in humanity that you are so diligent in your cleaning.
The main point I want to emphasize is that when you have sick birds NO amount of cleaning will keep the disease from spreading. Not daily, with bleach or even magic potions-LOL! They simply MUST be taken down!
It is never too late. I’m glad you’re taking the time to learn about this disease and doing your part to help stop it.
How long have you had your feeders and water stations down? From the enormity of the problem you described I hope they’ve been down at least two weeks before you try again. I’m thinking you may need a full month which you should be able to get in well before the winter feeding season starts.
Once you’ve gotten the disease under control your incredible cleaning schedule should keep that situation from arising.
Do let me know if you need any further assistance or advice. It’s why I’m here, really!
Jeff
Hi Jeff – so glad I found your site. I too have had finches mobbing my feeders in Maryland and now have seen three with the conjunctivitis. Will take down my feeders even though I hate to do it. After a few weeks I will start to put them back up. I have mostly tube feeders and am wondering if I should invest in different feeders. I see you mentioned platform feeders. I have a lot of squirrels so need to consider that too. So heartbreaking to see those swollen and crusty eyes. Please advise on the type of feeder least likely to support the spread of disease.
Hi Cindy,
I’m really glad you found my site too!
I understand the pain of having to take down feeders. Knowing that you’re doing your birds a good turn can sometimes help soften the blow. But good on you for caring enough to make changes for them.
While tube feeders are the worst in my opinion because they have to insert their heads (and potentially affected eyes) into the feeding port, all feeders are no good if you’ve still got sick birds around. All are also equally bad if you’ve got a lot of house finches mobbing them.
I too have squirrels and will tell you the best thing to do for them is invest in a pole system and baffle that will keep them out of your birds’ food. I talk about that in this article:
http://birdoculars.com/use-a-pole-feeder-station-system/
You should pat yourself on the back because you are doing exactly what responsible bird landlords do. Namely, paying attention and taking action when it is needed.
Let me know if you have any more questions and comment again if you need any more help. It’s the reason I’m here.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to check back in re: my feeders/house finch conjunctivitis
I have put up a sock feeder with thistle seeds for goldfinches. So far so good… none with conjunctivitis, I’ve thought a lot about my feeders. I think I am going to abandon my platform feeder as it was really a place where the house finches crowded on it to feed. I have been putting some black oil sunflower seeds on my gravel driveway in the mornings which attracts house finches. I put an amount that is enough for them to eat in about 1 day. They are able to feed without crowding… I probably have the same number of house finches feeding on the ground as I did crowding onto the platform feeder. This seems to be working for now, but once it starts raining I’m not sure what I’ll do. For now however, I’m going to abandon my platform feeder. I do have a 4 sided hopper feeder which could work in the winter, the house finches never did mob it as they did the platform feeder. I don’t have a problem with squirrels so that’s not something I have to factor in.
Who knew feeding birds could have so many questions/implications.
Any thoughts/comments you have are appreciated and welcomed.
Many Thanks
Hi Desiree,
I would strongly advise against feeding ANY house finches since you’ve seen the disease already. You need to let the sick birds get away from other birds. You also need to make sure the problem is contained BEFORE the winter feeding season starts.
I’m sorry but you’ll just have to be tough right now-LOL! The more you can do to keep house finches away from your yard the better.
I’ve checked your previous comment and do see that it was two weeks ago. Did you keep everything down for that time?
The sock feeder is ok but don’t house finches get on that? I’ve had upside down thistle feeders that house finches have even learned to us. Plus, unless you have some kind of dome over it, sock feeders are like sponges and ruin seed way too quickly. I’ve never used them because of this.
Let me know if I’ve not been clear on anything and feel free to comment again.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Well, I am confused.
I thought you said to keep everything down for 2 weeks (including emptying the birdbath) and then reintroduce 1 feeder, watching carefully for any infected birds. That’s what I’ve done. Since putting up the sock feeder I have goldfinches feeding on it, I do not have House Finches feeding on the sock feeder. I have not observed any goldfinches, thus far, with conjunctivitis.
I do have House finches feeding off of the seed on the ground, but, again, thus far none with conjunctivitis.
So, I’m not clear as to why I need to stop feeding again. I’ve waited the 2 weeks, reintroduced food and have “clean” birds for now. What would be the rationale to stop feeding again?
Thanks again
Hi Desiree,
Accept my apologies because you’ve done exactly what we talked about. This post just gets a LOT of comments-LOL!
You should continue doing EXACTLY what you are doing. So proud of you for taking the hard step and taking everything down! You should be proud as well.
For now, continue monitoring and we’ll both set the intention that the sick birds are now gone or have moved on, one way or another.
And I agree with your decision to not reintroduce the platform feeder. I’ve never had success with them and they are so unbelievably hard to keep clean.
Again, I’m sorry if I’ve confused you as much as I was confused. You’re on the right track.
DO let me know how things go going forward, will you?
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for clarifying. It’s been really tough removing all food and water, so I’m enjoying being able to feed again.
I do keep a close watch on the birds… not only looking for sick birds, but really because I so enjoy watching them and having them around.
I’ll let you know how things go… hopefully, they’ll stay “clean”.
Thanks again, Desiree
Hi Desiree,
I look forward to hearing of your success with this.
And I totally get the feeling you had while everything was down. I’m having to not sit outside because it’s so blasted hot and the bugs are ridiculous. It’s killing me not to bond again with the titmouse that ate from my hand more than once two weeks ago. I mean it’s killing me-LOL!
With your help your backyard friends will flourish.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your diligence in keeping people informed! I am new at this (since April) and have been so excited about feeding the birds and identifying them! I am on my 4th removal of all feeders and watering hole/baths. I have at least 3 neighbors that also feed the birds on my street, and I fear they are not doing this when they see the sick birds (both the eye disease and Avian Pox) , and so within days of me putting mine back up, the sick ones start coming back. I am going to softly inquire as I get a chance to speak to each of them and try to educate without being too preachy, but I doubt it will do any good based on my knowledge of these neighbors. I do have a few questions. Is this a summertime disease? I say that only because you have mentioned taking down the feeders for the summer, and I did not notice the disease in the spring. Also with my neighbors not taking their feeders down am I doomed to having to quit feeding them all together? One take away I have so far, is that I should get rid of my platform and tube feeder, and purchase a few more hoppers instead, that is if I am able to continue this. I will be heartbroken if I can’t as both my husband and I enjoy it so much! Any insight is very much appreciated.
Hi Toni,
So glad you stopped by and I hope I can help. I’m very proud of you for paying attention to your backyard birds! I’m so sorry to hear of the trouble you’ve been having getting this disease under control.
I feel for you regarding your neighbors. Could you try a little mindset shift for me? Could you close your eyes and imagine your neighbors accepting your help (not preaching, as you mentioned) and agreeing to take their feeders down when you see sick birds. Try to couch it in terms of helping the birds to get better. I know we can’t control what others do but I like to start by thinking it will go well. If it doesn’t at least you haven’t pre-muddied the waters with negative energy or expectations.
Having said that, I will tell you NOT to purchase any more equipment until you have this under control. If your neighbors won’t help all you’ll succeed in doing is helping them increase the sick bird spread and population. It’s really that simple. If your neighbors aren’t as conscientious as you are the disease will likely never leave your neighborhood. Make sure they know that too. Could you guys get together for a feeder washing on a weekend morning or afternoon? It’s worth a shot asking.
With your knowledge of how to control this maybe you could offer to keep them informed of how things are going at your feeders as it will certainly affect theirs? Just some suggestions.
The bad news is the eye disease is not a summertime disease. It can happen any time sick birds congregate. It’s much worse in winter because they depend on you for food. So I’m hoping and praying you’ll be able to work with your neighbors before it’s cold out.
The bottom line is this: if you are unable to come to an agreement with your neighbors you will most likely be forced to stop feeding altogether. There’s just no way the disease will stop if you can’t form a consensus. Yes, the birds do recover usually but the conditions will be there for it to come right back and I know you don’t want to be a part of that. I also know how painful this sounds because I derive so much pleasure from my backyard crew.
I’ll say it before you do. Who am I to tell you to stop doing something you get so much pleasure from? I have no right or control over you. I’ve just tried my best in my over seventeen years of feeding to always do best for them. I fail plenty. I’m not perfect or nearly so. But I think of them first as I can tell you do.
Let me say thank you from them!
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with. I wish you all the best talking with your neighbors.
Jeff
Jeff,
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I appreciate the mind shift reminder. Hopefully talking with them will bring desired results. I know I can’t be a part of spreading this knowingly, and I should assume they would not want to either.
Wishing and hoping I will be able to continue to help feed my feathered friends!
Toni
Hi Toni,
As they saying goes,”You got this!”
Please let me know how this goes and if I can help any further. It’s why I’m here, really!
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
So glad I came across all this good information. I’ve been noticing sick and dying birds this year, and just realized they were all house finches. I’ve never had this issue before and I must say it took me by surprise. I’m learning more about my backyard friends all the time. Today, amidst all the thick smoke from the Oregon wildfires, I will be taking down all my feeders and giving them a bleach wash. I believe you said to keep down for at least 2 weeks? I will miss watching them but know it is for their own good. So wish I had researched this earlier. How do I best avoid this in the future?
Thanks,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
I’m glad you found me here too! I know it’s a disheartening thing when it strikes.
My best advice is to keep doing exactly what you’re doing: paying attention to your birds and making the necessary changes when you need to. Even if it hurts.
Other than that, trying to keep the finches from crowding by giving them enough feeding stations. Overcrowding will create a bad situation before you realize it. Making sure your feeders are cleaned regularly and again, paying attention to what’s going on out there.
You’ve done a great job now that you have the info you need. I know your birds are already thanking you for caring enough to help them.
Jeff
Hi Jeff-
I just started feeding the birds in my backyard at the end of July. I’ve noticed in the last few weeks a ton of house finches have been showing up and fighting at the feeders. I’ve have been watching all of the birds and photographing them regularly. I noticed two days ago a female house finch with avian pox. I immediately took down all of my feeders scrubbed them and soaked them in a bleach solution. I only put up a feeder for the cardinal family that visits right before dusk each night and I watch through the window to make sure that they’re the only visitors. I also will put a few peanuts on my seating wall of our patio and watch the blue jay come and get them one by one.
I’m so upset right now and worried for the birds. I don’t want to cause any disease to spread. I’m not sure if I should just give up on having the feeders out? Or wait until winter?
Thank you for any advice that you can offer me.
Jenn
Hi Jenn,
I’m sorry you’re having this problem right now. I know it hurts to feel like you’re starving them but you’re doing the right thing.
The only other caution I would add is to take down your water if you have any out and clean and keep it down the same. Avian pox can be spread by contaminated water as well.
I don’t know where you’re located or how close you are to winter there but I would consider taking them down for an extended period just to be sure.
Finally, you should pat yourself on the back for noticing the cardinal feeding pattern! I’ve rarely seen house finches eating just before night time. You might also consider swapping your sunflower seeds for dried mealworms. The cardinals will eat them as will many other of your birds EXCEPT house finches which is perfect. Just a simple domed bluebird feeder works well.
Let me know if you have any other questions. That’s what I’m here for.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I’m in middle TN and we just had a goldfinch die from this disease. I took my 2 feeders down and will keep them down until winter. I’m so saddened this disease is killing my most beautiful birds that come to my feeders. I’m looking for alternative feeders, I was thinking maybe using the mesh feeders that are disposable? Any thoughts on types of feeders that would be safer to use?
Thank you for this site!
Hi Shelly,
Thank you for your kind words and your dedication to your bird friends!
The main culprit with house finches getting and spreading the disease is feeders that have too many trying to feed at once. Anything you can do to thin out the traffic (add more feeders) will help.
I don’t know the stats on how different feeders spread the disease but I do know that any feeder that requires the bird stick its head into it is not good. If you have any such tube feeders, monitoring them as you do is key.
Of course, taking them ALL down at the first sign of an infection is of paramount importance.
Finally, I’ve had good luck with the clinging type chickadee feeders with sunflower chips in them. Goldies love them and house finches struggle with them. Putting it close to your house or on a window would be great.
Let me know if I can be of any more help. Again, thank you from your birds!
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I thought I’d give you an update on my experience with House Finch Eye disease aka, conjunctivitis.
Since I have put my feeders back up I have not seen any infected birds (gratefully) . I started with 2 sock feeders which was attracting only goldfinches. I reintroduced Hopper feeders ( I have 2 up) and so far so good… no diseased birds. I DID abandon my platform feeder as the crowding was too much and I think it was promoting the spread of the disease. I have also switched to sunflower hearts so I have a bit less waste re: the shells on the ground. I have 2 water sources which the birds seem to love, especially with us still having temps. in the high 70s, so, just wanted to give you an update.
Thanks again, Desiree
Hi Desiree,
So glad to hear of your success with this! Both you and your birds seem much happier-LOL!
Good move getting rid of the platform feeder and switching to sunflower hearts. The only time I had a platform feeder it lasted about one season and then got moved to hang underneath a tube feeder. After having to clean endless house finch droppings from it, I cleaned it an retired it to only be used when I can sit a few feet away from it. Hasn’t been outside for many years.
Keep up the great work! If I can help at any time, don’t hesitate to let me know. It’s why I’m here.
Also, if you could send some pics I’d love to see them.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I would love to send some pictures. How would I do that? I
Thanks, Desiree
Hi Desiree,
You can either attach them to an email or I can set you up a Google drive folder you can upload them to. Your pick
Jeff
Hello Jeff,
I’m glad that I discovered your site. You’re so generous to share your experience with everyone! Your encouragement and positivity are vital.
I have been feeding birds since May 2020. Watching and feeling like I’m helping them has become a minor obsession. I started using binoculars recently and noticed the dreaded House Finch Eye Disease affecting a few poor birds. I feel so terrible. I don’t know if I have the constitution to keep feeding birds, sadly, feeling so guilty.
After taking down feeders (hopper style and tube (which I will eliminate forever)) for 2 weeks, do you think that switching to just meal worms and upside down suet will help prevent the problem from reoccurring? What about Black sunflower seeds in a metal netted ball (I didn’t see finches attempt to feed from that)?
I will also put up multiple, easy to clean hopper style feeders to discourage crowding going forward.
Or how about eliminating the feeders altogether and scattering seeds broadly on my clean stone patio?
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and our relatively mild winter is definitely here.
Many, many thanks for you insight and sharing!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for caring enough to help your birds! You have no idea how many people I’ve run across that throw something up with crap seed that gets bombarded. All, while not paying any attention to what’s going on out there. You have definitely established your place in the top 10% of bird feeding humans and should be very proud of that!
I’m sorry some sick birds have found there way to your feeding stations. Here is my main suggestion:
After you’ve taken down and cleaned (with a 10% bleach solution) your feeders for at least two weeks, start by putting out just dried mealworms and the upside down suet feeder you mentioned.
See who comes and what they do. My experience with dried mealworms is that house finches won’t touch the worms.
After another week or so, I would put throw out one of those no mess patio mixes onto your patio. Again, observe who comes and what they do. Keep in mind, if you have any sick house finches at all, while the tube and hopper are the worst for spreading it, just having a bunch of them fight over any feeder will increase the spread.
If ANY sick birds show up at ANY stage of this, TAKE ALL FEEDERS DOWN and stop feeding on the patio.
My experience is that the house finches will return as soon as you have sunflower seed out. That’s why it’s best if you can give the sick ones some time to heal hopefully away from others.
Your best weapon is you paying the type of attention you have been.
Finally, if all goes well, if you’re comfortable, add more feeders to spread out the crowd.
Let me know if I can help any further or if something I’ve said isn’t clear. I’m happy to help. It’s why I’m here.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I thought I’d let you know how things have been going with my feeders. Maybe Nancy can benefit from my experience, especially since I too live in the Bay Area.
As you recall, I had several birds with conjunctivitis aka, House Finch Eye Disease this summer. I kept my feeders down along with emptying my fountains. I started with putting up “Sock” feeders which the House Finches can’t eat from. I have attracted a nice flock of Goldfinches, none with conjunctivitis. I then put up 2 Hopper feeders using a mix of Niger seeds and Sunflower chips (hearts) … things were going well, again noticing that I mostly had goldfinches, an occasional warbler, titmouse and House Finch.
Last month I noticed a House Finch that didn’t look right… and yes, a house finch totally blind with conjunctivitis. I caught the House Finch and took him into to our Bird Rescue Center.. After a complete exam it was confirmed that he did have conjunctivitis. He also had an ankle injury (which I hadn’t noticed) . Anyway, he was kept there for 3 weeks (of which time I took down my all my feeders). Last Friday I received a call that he was ready for release. He was brought back here to my yard and I got to watch him be released. It was quite emotional seeing him freed – with bright clear eyes.
So to the feeders that I am now using: I have 2 sock feeders, & 2 hopper feeders. I of course use only Niger seeds in the sock feeders and Niger seeds mixed with Sunflower chips in the hopper feeders. I scatter some Black Oil Sunflower seeds on the ground, no more than enough for one day. So far, so good… no sick birds.
I have totally abandoned the Platform (tray ) feeder I was using with Black Oil sunflower seeds.
Because we’ve been getting a lot of dew overnight where I live here in the Bay Area, I take my feeders down around 5p and put them back up in the mornings. I’ve been doing this to keep the seed from getting wet.
I echo Nancy’s comments to you. Thanks for being a great source of knowledge and support re: our love of these amazing creatures.
PS: There are owls in the eucalyptus trees across from where I live… I caught a glimpse of one the other evening when I was bringing in my feeders… It was magical!!!
Hi Jeff and Desiree,
Thank you! I’ve been absolutely obsessed with my bird situation since I saw the Finches with eye infections. And I was wondering if I was the only one who struggled to do the right thing… until I came here! I so appreciate the time and thought you both put into your answers. I feel like I have a clear path to being a. responsible bird enthusiast. I was even considering giving up my feeders all together, until I read these posts this morning.
Desiree, for you to take that sick bird in to the rescue group is so caring and decent. I’m glad you got to see the healthy little fellow fly off when he was well. Thank you for sharing your experience and “Bay Area tips.”
Know that you helped someone today and feel good,
Nancy
Hi Desiree,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! My goal is to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and have fun doing it.
So happy to hear of your recovered patient! Kudos to you for taking the time to take him to your bird rescue and keep up with his progress. He was probably as thrilled as you were to be back in YOUR yard. Animals remember your love and kindness!
I applaud you getting rid of the platform feeders and would only add that you keep an eye (I know you’re already doing this-LOL!) on any feeder with sunflower product in it. I’m on patrol now myself since I’ve put my hopper back up with sunflower in it. So far, so good. But I’ll yank them down again if I see anything funny and can confirm eye disease.
If all bird feeding humans were as diligent as you are so many birds could be spared unnecessary suffering.
I’m afraid I’m going to have to see a pic that I could maybe post on my twitter feed of the owls you spoke of. Let me know how that can happen.
Best to you, proud of you,
Jeff
Hi Nancy,
You have no idea how good it makes me feel when I can see two humans helping each other! Being from the same area is so cool!
You’re absolutely correct: Desiree caring enough to take the little house finch into the rehab place just shows what an incredibly decent human she is!
So happy to hear we were both able to help you. And don’t forget if you have any other questions or concerns we’re here for you.
Humbly,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
If there is a way I can get a picture of the owl(s) I’ll let you know. I just love the sound they make. It’s just beautiful.
Thanks again for the reminder to keep a close eye out re: feeders with Sunflower in it. I will indeed
And thank you to both you and Nancy for your kind words.
I so appreciate you having this site …. it’s such a great resource!
Best wishes to both of you, Jeff and Desiree. So grateful to have met you!
– Nancy
Glad we could be of help, Nancy!
Let us know how it goes, will you?
Jeff
Hi Desiree,
I’d love to see those owls even if it’s a cellphone shot!
So glad you’re enjoying the site! I really need to add more to it soon and I will.
You’ve absolutely made my day!
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I am in Santa Cruz, CA and we have been participating in the Cornell Ornithology Lab Winter Feederwatch project did the first time this year. It’s been so fun! As part of the project, we’ve been looking carefully at the house finches and the occasional goldfinches to check for eye disease. We have not seen any eye disease since we started watching in November, until sadly today. A female house finch eating from the tray under our hopper feeder had all the clear signs. I will be taking down the feeders and disinfecting with a bleach solution, but I am concerned about all the other birds who winter feed in our location,. We have flocks of white crowned, golden crowned, and house sparrows who roost in our hedges and frequently visit our feeders., I even got a new metal mesh tube feeder to fill with nyjer seed just for the finches!, to help spread them out from the other feeders! I hadn’t even hung it yet, it’s so new. (The hopper and cup feeder have a black sunflower/millet blend).
What are your thoughts, especially now that we are in winter?
Hi Jeff, I am a fellow Nashvillian who has just started bird feeding in the last month. I live next to the woods in Forest Hills. I started out feeding birds on my patio floor and plates on small tables on the patio. I attracted everything ( house finches, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals and I believe sparrows). There was such a mob and the poor cardinals didn’t have a chance. My patio floor and tables soon became a mess with bird poop, so I decided to buy feeders and bird seed (black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, safflower, sunflower hearts, suet, shelled peanuts, peanut chips and a Royal Wing mix.
I noticed the house finches were coming in a population of about 150 and were overtaking everything. I decided to spread peanuts on the ground around the perimeter of the bird feeding area to give cardinals a chance. I read house finches don’t like peanuts so much and that does seem to be the case. Is that true? The woodpeckers and everything else were welcome there too, because there aren’t that many chickadees, nut hatches and titmice. The feeders have been raided by the house finches. The more I put up, the more there was. Even hanging out in masse under the feeders. I don’t like this and don’t want to be cruel. but they are too much and too many. I can see an eye disease coming soon. Is it cruel not to feed them if I choose? It is 30 degrees outside and I can’t sit and feed them for an hour outside.
I haven’t seen my little chickadees since I started the feeders, so I have 3 of the little “satelitte” clinging feeders coming in 2 days for them. I was planning on putting peanut chips in them. Is that okay, since I thought house finches didn’t like peanuts? I saw you said house finches can’t cling to these little clinging feeders. Can nuthatches or titmice use them? I hope so. You said to put sunflower heats in them. Do house finches not like sunflower hearts? Maybe the can’t cling to these little clingers, so sunflower hearts are okay.
I have little ball mesh feeders that the house finches were all over and under. What can I put in them that the finches won’t eat? Maybe little peanut chips?
I have bought a large platform hanging feeder with a weather thing above it that is coming in 2 days. I wish I had read your comments first. I bought it for the cardinals and was just going to put shelled peanuts in it. Now I know I can add mealworms. Do you think this will work for the cardinals besides just throwing peanuts on the ground? They eat some throughout out the day, but as you said they show up a lot after the finches leave (about 3 pm ). So should I just put the majority of the peanuts out then? Because I am feeding chipmunks and squirrels throughout the day doing it this way. which is not exactly what I want.
I bought a “cardinal” mesh feeder where birds can sit around the perimeter.. You’re supposed to put black sunflower seeds in it and all I’ve seen are finches and sparrows. Do you think if I put peanut chips in it I can attract other birds besides the finches? What feeders are for titmice and nuthatches? Just feeders with nuts and mealworms?
I know this is a whole lot, so you can just answer me a little bit at a time if you choose::). I am brand new to bird feeding and trying to to learn quickly.
Thanks so much Jeff!
Hi Lola,
Thanking for stopping by and caring for your bird friends!
The main thing is that you’ve taken down your feeders and are disinfecting them. Make sure they stay down for at least two weeks. I know it’s hard to do. Especially in winter.
Your idea to decrease the traffic on any one feeder is also a good one. I am NOT a fan of trays under feeders unless they are religiously cleaned many times a week. And who wants to do that, right? This is because they become feces traps that birds then eat from which is bad, bad, bad. Tube feeders are also an iffy proposition. A sick bird can infect many birds from one because they stick their heads into them.
I would wait until the two weeks has passed to see who’s still around. The best thing you can do is stop feeding anything the house finches might eat which included nyjer if you are feeding it.
I hope I’ve answered your questions. If not, please leave another comment and I’ll be happy to help. It’s what I’m here for.
Finally, congrats for participating in the Cornell Lab Feederwatch!
Jeff
I’m not an ornithologist but the only species I have experience with spreading the eye disease to are goldfinches and rarely, cardinals.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for stopping by.
I’ll send you an email to see if we can find a better way to work on this.
Jeff
Well, I noticed a purple-headed bird with nasty eyes last week and then today a yellow-headed one almost flew into me while I was filling the birdfeeders. I figured this was not a good situation so I decided to research “nasty eyes in birds”….I ended up here and thank you for the information! I will be taking down my feeders…..hate to do it but I will.
Thank you,
Tammy Fayne
Northwest Florida
Hi Tammy,
So glad the article helped you sort out what’s going on at your home! That yellow-headed bird was almost certainly a goldfinch which probably got the disease from a house finch mobbing their feeders. I know it’s really hard this time of year to take down and clean feeders for any length of time. Congrats to you for realizing it’s the best choice right now. At least you’re not getting the teens and ice and snow we’re getting in Nashville now. I’ve been very busy feeding, shooing pests and observing any house finch I can get within a few feet of. So far they all look healthy.
Thanks for stopping by and do let me know what happens when you put them back up in a couple weeks, will you?
Jeff
Jeff,
I went to fill my feeder yesterday (live in western NC) and noticed a yellow finch sitting there and didn’t move when I approached. I watched for awhile and was concerned he was sick. I hadn’t heard of this disease but had a 2nd one this am flying erratically. I researched any found your site and what to do. I am heartbroken about this, and I’m sure my 5 pairs of cardinals will not be happy, but don’t want to risk the spread of the infection. I love my songbirds and can’t thank you enough for sharing this information.
Hi Sandy,
Did you happen to notice whether there was crusting or bulging around the eyes? Do you have house finches feeding there? The erratic flying is almost certainly a sign but I was curious.
Trust me. Your cardinals will not disappear. When you’ve gotten this under control, cleaned the feeders and put them back up they’ll remember where it was they loved to eat-LOL!
Glad I was able to help with the info. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.
Jeff
I just found your site. I live in Clarksville, TN, I have just started finding dead goldfinches at base of my feeder. It is a hanging feeder with premium wild finch food by Royal Wing. After finding the first dead bird, I was concerned but thought maybe a bigger bird killed it or something else unfortunate happened. But within two weeks, I am very saddened to have found 4 dead goldfinches, so I started “researching” and found your site. I haven’t specifically noticed the bulging eye symptom. But, after reading lots of info, it came to mind that about a week ago I was surprised that when I went out to refill feeder, there was a finch on it that was reluctant to move until I got about 5 feet away, then it just flew a small distance and lit on the ground. We had a severe freezing snap a couple weeks ago with snow covered ground. SO many birds came to my feeders. I added 3 plates to my deck and fed many types of birds all day long for about 3-5 days. They just swarmed the yard and deck. I had towhees, cardinals, titmice, our MANY bluebirds (which we’ve raised about 8 broods of over the last 3 seasons, so I am very up close and personal with mealworms!), juncos, Carolina wrens, doves, red winged blackbirds, unfortunately European starlings, and of course, TONS of house finches and goldfinches. I am greatly distressed now that I thought I was helping when I was possibly setting up my dear bird population for trouble. ALL my feeders are coming down today, I am following all your advice to avoid further disaster. Thank you, sorry for the lengthy text.
Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear about your little birdies. The severe weather we (that’s right, I’m in Nashville-LOL!) had was hard on everybody and everything. I had so many birds that are usually nowhere to be seen and passively discouraged. Same laundry list as yours.
The only thing I would add is that you’re doing a very good thing to be so aware of what’s going on and taking action. That’s the most important thing. Not beating yourself up about what you did or didn’t do, ok?
I’ve had a couple sick birds at my feeders in the last few weeks but not with eye disease. You may want to research salmonellosis as it’s something that the goldfinches may have brought with them during the recent irruption which sent them here. There’s no cure for that.
Make sure you’re taking down and cleaning your bird bath water as well.
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.
Jeff
I just learned about this from a reviewer on Amazon warning people to be careful about keeping their feeders clean. He warned that infected birds might rub their heads on the rounded ports of feeders and subsequent birds may do the same. I’m going to take my feeders down (and disinfect) for the summer tomorrow, April 4. Glad to have learned about this
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for stopping by and for caring for your little ones like this!
I’m coming up on doing the same very soon. The traffic has eased off significantly and it’s getting time for the hummingbirds to show up in my area. I’ll probably take down and clean all my feeders within a month at most.
Happy to have helped in any way. Let me know if I can be of any more help.
Jeff
Dear Jeff
I want to thank you for the information on the eye disease that the Finches can get. For the first time ever I put up a Bird feeder and within no time at all we got sparrows and finches. There are alot more Finches showing up now and a friend who heard that we were getting so many Finches decided to give us another feeder. So anyways I have been so fascinated by these beautiful little birds. I am really watching them and seeing no sign of eye infections. So my question is – am I doing harm to them by setting up feeders? It’s spring now and summer here in Ontario, Canada is right around the corner. Should I stop feeding them? Here I thought I was doing no harm. But if what I’m doing is going to potentially spread this horrible disease should I stop feeding them? I am new at this. I’ve only had my feeders up for a couple of weeks. But now I am so freaked out! You hear and see people who have fed birds and have feeders and here I had no idea about this sickness. I agree with the other person that those who are selling the bird feeders should inform us newbies about such diseases and how important it is to use bleach to clean the feeders. Ugh! Please I hope you can reply soon. Thanks so much for your sharing all your knowledge with us!
Hello Orlean,
Glad to hear from another newbie in Canada! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to learn about this disease.
The last thing I want to do is freak you out or scare you. I wanted readers to understand this is something to keep an eye out for. Most of the horrible stories I read come from those not watching their feeders closely. House finch eye disease is one of those things that can take over feeder stations in a hurry. You’re doing the right thing to be wary but not scared.
I personally take down most of my feeders during the summer because the birds really don’t need the help they do during the winter. I see no problem with you keeping yours up as long as you remain vigilant which you are already doing. You are certainly NOT doing any harm to continue feeding them while being mindful of what’s going on there. Don’t be surprised if your feeder traffic falls off in a little while there. The birds just have more bugs and other things like breeding, nesting and raising young occupying their time-LOL!
The only thing I would add is if you get to where you only have house sparrows in your yard I would take down my feeders personally. For me, it’s because I have nest boxes and they are fiercely territorial and will kill both babies and parents if they feel threatened. Over the 18 plus years I’ve been feeding birds I’ve actively discouraged them from my yard. They are invasive and threaten nesting space of birds like bluebirds who need help growing their numbers.
It is my pleasure to help any who need it here! Do let me know if I can help any further by commenting again here.
Jeff
I live in Grand Prairie, Texas and I noticed a few weeks ago that I could walk up to my feeder and a male house finch didn’t fly away. That’s when I noticed that the eye facing me was all crusty. As soon as he moved his head and noticed me with his other eye he took off. Last week I noticed s female house finch trying to land at my bird bath, but was hovering until she finally landed. I noticed her eye looked swollen and large. I had read an article online about songbirds on the east coast dying from a virus so I call the Audubon Society in Dallas and explained to them what I had seen in my backyard. That’s when they told me about the house finch virus and suggested I take down my feeder which I did and as of today it’s still down. Is there nothing that can be done for the infected birds?
Hi Marty,
Having been through a number of these infections in my over eighteen years of birding I can only say taking down the feeders and keeping them down is the best thing you can do. While it doesn’t cure the infected birds it does keep them from infecting others. It’s one of the reasons I recommend quick and complete action on birders’ part. Most birds will die either from the often accompanying respiratory infection, starvation or predation. From what I’ve read even rehabbers are not successful at treating the disease.
I feel as bad as you do. Believe me.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help or comfort.
Jeff
Jeff, I appreciate your feedback. My feeder had been down for about 10 days. I will let nature run it’s course.
Thanks,
Marty
Hi Marty,
I don’t even start thinking about putting them back up until they’ve been down for at least two weeks.
Please let me know how this goes, will you?
Jeff
Hi Jeff –
Recently moved to Nashville from Spring, TX (I understand from a previous response you have family there!). Have had my feeders down for weeks due to House Finches and goldfinches with conjunctivitis. Even convinced 3 neighbors to take their feeders down. I had this problem in Spring as well but there, 2 weeks was usually enough time for birds to disperse. Here I am still seeing sick birds 5 or 6 weeks after I took all feeders down and shut off my drip/covered my bird bath. So upsetting. Have bleached and washed all feeders and am looking forward to putting them out. May wait until October at this point. Sigh. Thanks for your site and your support!
Hi Mary,
I’m so proud of you for going the distance with this! There must be somebody not too far away from you that’s feeding and breeding the disease. That’s all I can say. I’m sorry you’ve had to have your feeders down this long. I know it would kill me too!
I’m hoping when you put them back up in October that the sick birds have healed or left. If not, and again it pains me to think this but… you may need to have them down into the winter. Just remember that feeding them helps but they’ve got evolution working for them showing them how to survive without our help. Take some comfort in this just in case.
Do follow up with me and let me know how it goes in October, will you?
Jeff
Hello Jeff,
I have several feeders and hoards of mourning doves, sparrows and some house finches, starlings, gold finches, about 4 blue jays and a cardinal pair. The cardinal female has a broken beak but eats just fine. Lately, it’s gotten so much worse for her: her one eye is completely swollen and shut.. I have noticed at least one house finch with the one eye shut as well as a little goldfinch. Someone in one of my facebook bird groups says it’s conjunctivitis and take down my feeders and wash them with bleach solution. I did this yesterday.
It’s a snowy winter here in Hamilton Ontario. The poor birds still wait outside for me to put feed out. The most persistent is that female cardinal, chirping at me for food.
If she or one of the other sick ones is still coming by in 2 weeks, should I keep my feeders inside? Do you recommend trying to capture her? (she’s quick)
Thank you kindly. This situation breaks my heart
Jana Jaap
Hi Jana,
I’m sorry you’re having what sounds like the house finch eye disease hitting your feeders. It’s the house finches for sure and you’ve done really well to take everything down and clean it thoroughly. Remember that these birds figured out how to survive before we put feeders up. Believe me, having to take mine down in years passed, I know exactly how bad you feel but it’s for their good.
I would recommend keeping them down and NOT feeding anything for at least two weeks. The sick birds need to disperse because I know both the goldfinches and cardinals can catch the eye disease. If in two weeks you’re not seeing any more sick birds, put out a test feeder where you can easily see it and keep an eye open for birds flitting about like they’re not sure where they’re going. That’s almost certainly eye disease still. Keep them down for another two weeks and reassess.
Let me know if I can be of any more help. You should be proud of yourself for caring enough to try to stop this infection from spreading!
Jeff
I recently became a birdie, as they say, the past few years after some blue birds had a few broods in a bird house I put up. Now there are a host of birds that take up residence my yard. This year I had chickadee’s, blue birds and tree swallows nesting in boxes at the same time. I love all the birds, its great to see them flying around and enjoying the baths and food I put out. Sadly, like many others here, I’ve seen a couple birds at my feeders with the eye disease. Reluctantly I took all of them down and will clean them. I live in NJ so the colder weather is coming so I feel bad, although tomorrow will be in the 70’s the mornings are cold. I try to remind myself that these birds are wild animals and are well adapted to find food. I think I’ll be able to feed the chickadees and titmice fairly easily. They come get stuff right off my windowsill.
You said after two weeks put one feeder up and observe. How long do you recommend doing that before adding more feeders? I have 5 of them. 3 of them are 2lbs and 2 are 4/5 lbs. I put two right outside a small window on the side of my house. Another two in backyard. Both of these within view of my office, with the outside easily accessible. I work from home so I’m able to keep an eye on them.
Anyway, long winded. I feel for everyone that is experiencing this, it really is sad and hard to watch. I’ve learned one thing in my short time of bird watching, it’s a tough life. But they are super resilient. That’s why they’ve been around for millions of years. I mean they’re basically dinosaurs!
Thank you in advance!
Hi Dave,
I feel your pain, I do! A few weeks ago, I had to pull mine down as well. And we have cold mornings popping in now here and there. I stuck with it though and I believe the affected birds have either moved on, died or both. It’s sad but you’re right: it’s nature’s way and they’ve been here for a very long time. They appreciate a good meal in winter but know how to sustain themselves without our help. Also, studies have shown that we don’t endanger them by feeding them.
I’m so glad you chose to take everything down but I caution you on thinking you can feed one bird and keep the others away. House finches diet is over 80% seeds which is why they mob your feeders to begin with. I know you said the feeders you have up are well within your line of sight but it only takes ONE sick house finch in between other visitors to start an outbreak.
To answer your question, I would put out ONE feeder where you can easily see it and see who comes to it. If you have house finches, look for the slow, uncertain or lethargic behavior. Sure signs of eye disease! If you have any, take it down immediately and repeat the waiting period.
Best of luck to you and all who’ve been affected by this disease. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jeff