Feeding your garden birds is a win-win; not only do we get to enjoy their acrobatic antics but we’re helping them too, with the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) saying it can ‘improve overwinter survival in a number of species’.
But we need to be careful. Having so many birds clustered together for feeding is rather unnatural and can lead to the easier transmission of contagious diseases (remember those Covid spikes after crowded events 😬).
Especially damaging has been the spread of Trichomonosis caused by an avian throat parasite, which has wiped out 60% of our greenfinch population and 30% of our chaffinch population since 2006, and the threat of another bird flu epidemic is ever lurking in the wings (rather appropriately, in fact).
To avoid being part of the problem, the advice from the BTO is operate good hygiene practices in your bird-feeding techniques to avoid cross-contamination via infected saliva and droppings. So choosing appropriate feeders, cleaning them regularly and minimising the build-up of mouldy food on or below your feeding stations should be your priorities.
Thus I was delighted when Finches Friend offered me three of their innovative new feeders to trial this summer, as these devices have been designed specifically to minimise the spread of disease.
If you’re already interested and don’t have time to read further, please go to the Finches Friend website. If you order via this link it won’t affect the price you pay, but we will get a small commission on the sale.
The feature picture at the top of the blog is one of the feeders I trialled, and they have many features that have reduced the chances of cross contamination in comparison with conventional feeders.
1. As you can see the birds feed round in a horizontal plane rather than the more usual vertical column which allows saliva and faeces to drop down on the bird below.
2. Also note that there are hanging perches for the birds to hold on to rather than a tray they could walk around in spreading disease through their droppings and carrying it away on their feet.
3. The food is topped up in a manner that allows every piece to be eaten before the fresh supply drops down ensuring there is no accumulation of old mouldy food at the bottom of the feeder.
4 The feeders come apart easily allowing you to wash every part internally and externally on a regular basis.
5. They incorporate rain and wind protection to ensure the food stays dry even in the roughest weather.
6. They are beautifully engineered with clean lines and look elegant yet practical in a garden setting
Yes – they are quite pricey compared with the average bird feeder, but for me the peace of mind they bring that we are doing the very best we can to support and protect our feathered garden friends is worth the added expense.
There are several designs to choose from: there are three models which dispense seeds and grain:
Cleaner Feeder 1, which has one chamber
Cleaner Feeder 2, which has two chambers
Cleaner Feeder 4, which has four chambers
There is also a peanut feeder with a slightly different design to suit the larger size of the nuts.
And finally a small window feeder, carefully made to follow the principles of reducing cross contamination.
To look at the designs in more detail and to order, please go to the Finches Friend website. If you order via this link it won’t affect the price you pay, but we will get a small commission on the sale.
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5 replies on “Finches Friend Cleaner Bird Feeders”
…but are they Magpie and Squirrel proof??
Roger, it’s Caroline here and although it’s not an issue for me as we dont have grey squirrels or magpies in the Highlands, Finches Friend does offer a squirrel cage for their feeders. If it’s manufactured to the same standard as their feeders, it’d likely to keep the most determined squirrel at bay!
We have had the Cleaner Feeder 1 and the Peanut Feeder now for about a months and are absolutely thrilled with both: no more magpies or squirrels, the odd hopeful pigeon comes and goes but as there is hardly any spillage they give up. We love it’s British design and manufactured, really easy to clean and fill. Yes, cheaper bird feeders are available but a lot of seed is wasted due to spillage and the metal ones rust and look very unsightly quickly. Can you tell, we’re converted?
Hello Heike
Yes it’s very clear that you approve of Finches Friend Cleaner Bird Feeders!
I agree with you – we spend so much on buying the bird seed in the first place that it seems false economy to be putting it in cheap inefficient feeders that might actually be doing our birds harm by spreading disease. It’s a daily joy to look out on the Finches Friend doing such a good job for our feathered friends. Best wishes Laura
We have had the Cleaner Feeder 1 and the Peanut Feeder now for about a months and are absolutely thrilled with both: no more magpies or squirrels, the odd hopeful pigeon comes and goes but as there is hardly any spillage they give up. We love it’s British design and manufactured, really easy to clean and fill. Yes, cheaper bird feeders are available but a lot of seed is wasted due to spillage and the metal ones rust and look very unsightly quickly. Can you tell, we’re converted?