The presence of algae in bird troughs is common, mainly because the spores may have been transferred or deposited in the tray by the wind, from the birds' legs or even from nearby trees. To avoid their formation, which could harm the birds and animals that come to drink, it is necessary to clean the water and the tray regularly.
Steps
Step 1. Transfer the drinking trough to an open area away from trees but shaded
Algae spores can move into the pan from objects that fall from nearby trees and grow at a faster rate when exposed to direct sunlight.
Step 2. Replace the water every day
This way it always stays fresh and prevents the growth and spread of algae.
- If you can't replace the water every day, change it at least every 2 or 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Depending on the type of drinking trough, turn it over to remove the water directly in the garden or use a cup or bucket to collect and remove the dirty water.
Step 3. Scrub the inside of the tub once a week
This way you get rid of any algae spores that may have recently got in the way.
- Eliminate the water and use a stiff bristle nylon brush to scrub the entire interior.
- Wash the container with clean water to remove any debris or algae spores that you previously scrubbed. A garden hose or bucket of water should be used to facilitate rinsing.
- Fill the trough with clean, fresh water.
Step 4. Apply a cleaning solution once a month
This habit allows you to eliminate any existing spores that may not have been eliminated by washing.
- Mix 9 parts of water with 1 part of distilled white vinegar. The natural acidic ingredients of the vinegar break down any existing seaweed without harming any type of bird or animal that comes to drink in your tub.
- Alternatively, you can replace the vinegar with bleach; however, since it can potentially harm wildlife, you must then thoroughly rinse the drinker to remove residual bleach components.
- Pour the water and vinegar, or the bleach mixture, into the tub, then use the nylon brush to clean the inside.
- Rinse it of all vinegar or bleach residue with a garden hose or bucket.
- Pour in new, fresh, clean water after you finish rinsing.
Advice
- Although white vinegar can remove algae, it does not have the property of eliminating bacteria or other infectious components that remain in the drinking trough. Follow the bleach method if you want to disinfect it.
- To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, you should wear gloves when cleaning and handling the tray. This will prevent direct contact between the skin and any algae or fecal matter from birds or other animals.
