* The information in this article is based of the many years of experience Wild Birds Unlimited has in the care and feeding of backyard birds. As always, we encourage our customers to use this information as a conduit to other sources of knowledge, including local, state, and federal agencies as well as long established social and educational avenues dedicated to the natural sciences in order to make an informed decision.
Salmonella
Salmonellosis is a general term for any disease in animals and people caused by a group of bacteria known by the Latin name Salmonella. Salmonellosis is a common cause of mortality in songbirds. Pine Siskins appear to be easily affected, especially during an irruptive year, and transmission occurs when they come into contact with any surface overly contaminated by fecal matter including certain types of feeders, water sources, and roosting sites. Common signs of the disease in birds include lethargic, easily approached birds. They can also take on an overly fat, or overly thin, fluffy appearance with swollen eyelids. Even so, many birds may not have any symptoms but still be carriers of the infection, so do not look upon symptoms as the only evidence of a sick bird.
Feeders
Various media outlets have advised that feeders be taken down for 2 - 4 weeks in order to prevent the spread of Salmonellosis. Because there is no consensus on the best amount of time to keep feeders out of use, we advise a sensible approach of taking them down for three days to a week. This should be enough time to cause any large flocks of Pine Siskins to disperse and also allows for the rest of your songbirds to continue to have an important source of nutrition. Use disposable gloves and take down Tray feeders, trays, baffles, Bird baths and weather domes and clean them thoroughly. A solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach should be used to rinse these items and then repeat the rinse with plain water after that. You can repeat this sanitation process as often as necessary. Do not forget less obvious areas of fecal accumulation such as below your feeders. Keeping any area where fecal matter can accrue is important in slowing the illness.
Dealing with sick birds
Due to the large influx of Pine Siskins, it is almost inevitable that you will notice sick birds. Only veterinarians and federally licensed rehabilitators can legally treat sick birds. Do not attempt to care for any sick birds yourself as it is both illegal and unlikely that any treatment will result in a positive outcome. Salmonellosis mainly infects the members of the flock most susceptible to disease, namely the old and infirm. While distressing to find dead birds in your yard it is part of a process that insures that only the healthiest birds survive to live another day.
