how to clean tube bird feeders

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

I like to clean my bird feeders on a regular basis to keep my birds healthy. It's very difficult to find a brush that will get into the tube feeders.

I've seen a special brush on Amazon, sold by several vendors, but it doesn't look very robust and by the time I finish paying for the brush and shipping, it will be a rather expensive brush. I've looked in Walmart, Home Depot, etc. and I can't find a brush for bird feeders.

So I'm curious how people clean their feeders.

Thanks,
Sue

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I don't really have an answer to your questions, but a suggestion on a possible source for a brush.

I think maybe a brush from a beer or winemaking supply store that is designed for cleaning carboys may work. It would need to be straightened out (normally bent at a 90 deg angle to get into the carboy at the top and bottom surfaces). The brush bristles are pretty stiff, which should be good for the cleaning. The size should fit the tube pretty well, depending on the size of your feeder. The brush usually has bristles at the end that should work well for cleaning the edges or corners.

Beer and wine supply or making stores are found in most larger cities. Check your yellow pages, or internet search for a source in your town. Otherwise, a search for a beer/wine store may give you other options for brushes.

I don’t if this will provide you everything you need for your birdfeeder cleaning, but that is what comes to my mind.

I need to fill my thistle feeder. Finches are flying around calling me ‘cheap cheap’.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Perfect idea! We have a beer and wine making store only a few miles from us and they are open on Sunday. I'm going to take a ride over there today.

Thanks!

Sue

[eal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close eal]

Ya gotta love timeshareforums!

I spent half an hour this morning trying to clean my bird feeder with mediocre results. I too will be popping out to my local wine making supply store to get a carboy brush.

Thanks for the tip

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

I called first and they said they were open on Sundays 12-5. We got there at 1:30. Guess what - they are closed on Sundays, starting May 1. Guess I'll have to go next Sat.

Sue

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

If you can, bring the tube feeder with you, or at least get good measurements of the feeder. That way you can make sure the brush will fit the feeder.

Good luck.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Don, that was such a great suggestion! I bought my brush today. I haven't cleaned the bird feeder yet, but I had 2 vases that needed a good cleaning and the brush was fantastic. It is sturdy and LONG!

I'm sure it will also work really well on the bird feeder.

It was 1/3 the price that it would have cost me for that feeder brush plus S&H that I found on Amazon.

Sue

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Glad that suggestions worked out for you Sue.

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

I put the hose nozzle down it and then take a baby bottle brush which I've taped on to a long stick and then go to town !