MaryJanesFarm Farmgirl Connection

All Forums

General Chat Forum

Garden Gate

Bird Disease?

Note: You must be logged in to post.
To log in, click here.
To register, click here. Registration is FREE!

Screensize:

UserName:

Password:

Format Mode:

Format:

Message:

* HTML is OFF
* Forum Code is ON

Smilies

Check here to include your profile signature.
Check here to subscribe to this topic.

T O P I C R E V I E W
texdane	Posted - Jul 31 2021 : 10:44:03 AM Just curious…have you heard of a mysterious “bird” illness? We heard about it through Facebook (town email) and through an email sent to Master Gardeners. It supposedly is some sort of illness killing wild song birds. From what I read, it is mainly down south, but no one I know down south had heard anything. It was suggested here to take down our feeders and bird baths, though they weren’t sure the illness spread through feeders and birdbaths yet. I miss seeing the birds at the feeders. The Hummingbirds are angry at the empty feeder, and keep “buzzing” us. I read another post somewhere from (I think) NY Audobon Socieity and they said keep the feeders out but keep them very clean. Stores are still selling birdseed here. Have you heard anything in your area? Anyone know anything about it? So far, all things I read, as well, said it does not affect poultry or people. Wondering if anyone has seen or read anything on it in different areas. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole Farmgirl Sister #1155 Suburban Farmgirl Blogger Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013 Suburban Farmgirl Blog http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger
13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Killarney	Posted - Aug 25 2021 : 10:19:58 AM Haven't seen of of this in West Tennessee. I tend my birdbaths and feeders daily. Connie #3392 Imagine....
suny58	Posted - Aug 05 2021 : 5:42:11 PM I just read about this Dawn. Although it hasn't gotten to Alabama yet, that anyone knows of, I'm taking mine down. The last thing I want to do is contribute to this illness. We adore our birds here and it brings great sorry to us if even one passes. So down they go. Besides there is PLENTY to eat for them in the wild right now with all the bugs and seeds from plants. Farmgirl #7103 FGOTM January 2018 Dianna "Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing." Pissarro
ddmashayekhi	Posted - Aug 05 2021 : 10:13:08 AM I had read this bird disease was first discovered in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. It has spread west to Indiana so far. Sadly the feeders need to stay empty to keep the birds from congregating together to eat at them. I also read that bird baths should be washed every few days with a mild bleach. I hope they can pinpoint the problem and hopefully solve it before anymore birds are lost. Dawn in IL "Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Andersen
texdane	Posted - Aug 04 2021 : 5:22:43 PM Hi farmgirls, Thanks for all the info and links, Sadly, for some reason, it seems to be in Connecticut. As of today, the CT Audubon Society has confirmed three more dead birds with the issue. I will not put my feeders back out as of now. None of the birds are in my town, but it is a recommended precaution. My hummers are busy drinking nectar from the bee balm in my garden and the jewelweed that surrounds the woods. I have always tried to keep the feeders clean since I have dogs and chickens, and the bird baths get changed daily so they do not get algae or breed mosquitos. This sounds quite bad, so I will keep them down. We have bears roaming the neighborhood right now, anyway. Grace, the lantern fly is also here. It is a bad invasive insect, the subject of our “Hot Topics” last year for certification as a Master Gardener. It is really a bad pest - eats just about everything! I also heard it is poisonous to dogs if they injest one, and many of us have dogs that like to mouth or catch insects. I had heard the bird disease might be from a pesticide. We have had sightings in the state of that bug; first found in PA they think it”hitched” a ride here. Do you have them where you are?? April, that is sad about the rabbits! I hope we don’t get that here. I also was told by our vet of a virus affecting rats, deer and snakes! So many weird ones out there. Hopefully, they pass soon and not too much is affected. As for the mystery bird illness, hopefully it does not get too bad! Here is the link to what our CT Audubon society says: https://www.ctaudubon.org/2021/08/3-dead-birds-in-connecticut-show-similar-symptoms-to-dead-birds-elsewhere-so-please-dont-feed-recommendation-remains/?fbclid=IwAR0aHD5LCSCQS4L8dQZHKuU5bBdVTKPFbC7jjGd8BkKuQYSCRSK1wlj5VQY At least right now, we can still enjoy the birds as there is enough for them to eat naturally. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole Farmgirl Sister #1155 Suburban Farmgirl Blogger Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013 Suburban Farmgirl Blog http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger
MaryJanesNiece	Posted - Aug 04 2021 : 1:04:15 PM Wow Nicole, this is the first time I have heard of this. I would be so sad to see my birds go away. It seems pretty contained to those couple of states right now. Hopefully it won’t travel and become worse. Thanks for the heads up. Krista
katmom	Posted - Aug 03 2021 : 4:08:21 PM Hey Nicole,, I talked with my friend in PA.. here is the info she gave me.. There has been an infestation of 'Jarcadia' (sp) that is having an issue with a type of fungus.. Also there is a fly called "Lantern Fly' that is creating havoc and it comes from China.. So in PA there has been a lot of pest spraying to control these 2 pests.. It seems the fungus/virus effects young birds, in the Blue Jays, Grackle family.. So it is not clear if it is the insect spray, the insects or an other unknown fungus/virus that is causing the problem.. It was suggested to not hang feeders are don't hang them to close to each other,, social distansing ... My friend has not had any dead birds on her property and they keep a close vigil... She also said they clean out the feeders frequently so the seed does not get moldy... She has not removed her humming bird feeders ... Currently the problem is in the DE, NJ and PA areas... Simply said,, keep the feeders clean watch for mold... this goes for the bird baths as well... Hope this helps a little bit. >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva! www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
katmom	Posted - Aug 02 2021 : 2:30:07 PM From all that I have read, it seems to be isolated for the most part in the Penn area.. but the concern is for the migrating birds... >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva! www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
Red Tractor Girl	Posted - Aug 02 2021 : 09:26:37 AM We haven't had any notifications down here in Florida that I am aware of. That is not to say it won't arrive as we get many migrating birds here during the Winter months from up North. I will keep my ears open and watch the news to see if we get affected. Thanks for posting about this important issue. Winnie #3109 Red Tractor Girl Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 FGOTM- October 2018
katmom	Posted - Aug 01 2021 : 11:52:19 AM Well phooey! not sure what I did wrong,,, I must not have copied the Link correctly.. Mystery bird disease update: Tests have found some things ... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/mystery-bird... Jul 08, 2021 · As multiple theories on the cause of the mystery bird disease spreading through the eastern U.S. continue to emerge on social media, biologists and others appear to … >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva! www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
katmom	Posted - Aug 01 2021 : 11:47:23 AM Nicole,, here is a Link... Mystery bird disease update: Tests have found some things ... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/mystery-bird Jul 08, 2021 · As multiple theories on the cause of the mystery bird disease spreading through the eastern U.S. continue to emerge on social media, biologists and others appear to … It seems the problem is mostly around the Central Eastern States... especially in PA. I am of the philosophy,, keep it clean and if you see signs of a issue,, then remove the feeders. My daughter has a feeding area where the feeders all hang off Shepards hooks in an area that is mowed and maintained on the ground,, the Turkeys and Quails keep the ground area picked over and the birds of flight enjoy the tube feeders and the suet cages.. even the Deer do their share of snacking from the feeders! The Deer are too funny around the feeders. Any way,, there are several articles about this Bird Feeder topic. Hope this helps. >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva! www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
Dreamer42	Posted - Jul 31 2021 : 11:02:09 PM I haven't heard of any bird disease here yet, but we supposedly have a disease going around in our wild rabbits... which makes me wonder if our rockchucks are infected too.. our dog likes to chase the rabbits in our yard, and the rochchucks get too close for comfort... Dreamer42 Farmgirl Sister #7038
katmom	Posted - Jul 31 2021 : 7:44:08 PM I too recall something about not feeding the birds,, but I did not have time to read and now I can't find it.. I think,, but could be wrong,, someone was inferring to the connection of birds and Covid,, sadly which will spark a fear toward birds... I keep my feeders clean,, that is why I use flat plates rather then bowels where their feces falls in. As for my Hummers, I use small feeders which means I am cleaning and switching them out every other day. Fresh food is the norm around here. I will try to snoop around and see if I can find that article.. fingers crossed.. >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva! www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
suny58	Posted - Jul 31 2021 : 1:22:59 PM I've read several news articles also Nicole. It hasn't come this way, yet. I imagine that maybe fall or winter will send them down our way as they migrate to warmer climates and we may experience the same thing. Its si sad! Many people do love the birds but hate the cleaning that goes with it. Like any living breathing thing, there has to be cleanliness involved if we humans are supplying their food for pleasures. Think about it, nature is wild, the birds eat bugs and berries and such, all uncomplicated by germs ( but maybe pesticides :( ) so they don't get sick. Introduce us humans and bird feeders and jars of sweet nectar that sit in the sun, rain, etc, day after day building up toxins through molds and such. Yes, ignorance is bliss until we realize its us who are killing them. That being said, clean with soap and water ( not bleach) the feeders and everyday or other day change out the nectar also with a good cleansing! Whatever it takes to kill molds and toxins but keep these little beauties safe formany more years of visual joy!! Farmgirl #7103 FGOTM January 2018 Dianna "Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing." Pissarro

Snitz Forums 2000