How can I keep my garden birds happy and healthy? We all enjoy feeding the wild birds in our gardens, but it is important to follow a few simple hygiene procedures to ensure that your garden is a safe place for them. Outbreaks of diseases such as Salmonella and E.coli are a constant threat and can quickly spread from infected birds to healthy birds sharing the same feeding areas. These guidelines should ensure that your garden visitors remain both happy and healthy. • Feeders, bird tables and particularly seed trays should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis as most diseases are transmitted via infected droppings. If an infection occurs, disinfect regularly. • Regularly clean up areas underneath feeders, particularly when black sunflower seeds are being fed as the husks can pile up. • Clean up any uneaten or mouldy food and dispose of it. Always use high quality foods to minimise waste. Make sure that food is not left out on the ground at night as rats and mice can be attracted. Rats will generally live under compost heaps, garden sheds or in areas where rubbish has been allowed to build up. If you have rats, clearing away any rubbish, (thus removing their source of food) often solves the problem