Spring will be here before you know it and most of the birds will return to look for a great source of food.  To prepare yourself for spring and the birds, it is a good idea to get your bird feeders now ready for feeding the birds if you haven’t done so already.  Before you fill up your bird feeders with bird seed, they should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any damage.  It is a good idea to throw away any birdfeeders that is cracked because cracks can be breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. 

To clean your bird feeders properly, use hot soapy water to kill any bacteria or mold.  Dish soap is great for removing grim and mold from the feeder and rinsing clean.  Use a brush like the Perfect Little Brushes to get into the corners and crevices and to thoroughly clean out the feeding ports. 

A kit like the Bird Feeder Accessory Starter Kit by Droll Yankees is also great for starting off your bird feeding season.  This kit contains a soft brush for cleaning out your bird feeder, a great scoop for scooping out and pouring bird seed and a chain for hanging up a bird feeder.

If you have a collection of hummingbird feeders, the Hummingbird Foam Cleaning Mop is great for cleaning out your feeders.  This soft, sponge is designed to get into all of the crevices of the feeder.  It is ideal for cleaning out a tube style hummingbird feeder or an irregular shaped feeder.

After you have scrubbed down your bird feeders, carefully rinse them out and allow them to air dry in a warm, indoor spot.  Once dry, your bird feeders are ready to be filled and hung.  Use a variety of birdseed to start off the season right!