*Updated September 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called HPAI or bird flu, continues to be monitored in wild birds, domestic poultry, and some mammals across North America. Understandably, this raises questions about whether it is safe to maintain backyard bird feeders and bird baths.

The current Avian Flu outbreak began in 2022 and wildlife and public-health authorities have not issued a general recommendation to stop feeding backyard songbirds. The risk to the general public remains low. However, bird feeding should always be practiced responsibly, and additional precautions are important if you keep chickens, ducks, or other domestic birds.

Because conditions and recommendations can change, check the current guidance from the USDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Seasonal changes in reported avian flu activity are common. Reports may increase during fall and winter as waterfowl migrate and congregate, creating more opportunities for transmission and potentially causing die-offs.

Current Guidance at a Glance

• There is currently no general recommendation to remove feeders used by songbirds.
• Do not handle sick or dead birds with bare hands.
• Keep children and pets away from sick or dead wildlife.
• Clean feeders, bird baths and the ground beneath feeding areas regularly.
• Temporarily remove and disinfect feeders if sick birds are visiting.
• Take additional precautions if you keep domestic poultry.
• Avoid feeding wild ducks, geese and other waterfowl.

What Is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. Wild aquatic birds, including ducks and geese, are natural hosts for many avian influenza viruses and can carry them during migration.

Some strains cause relatively little illness, while highly pathogenic strains can cause serious disease and death in poultry and certain wild birds. Raptors, scavenging birds, and mammals may also become infected after consuming or contacting infected animals.

Infected birds do not always appear visibly sick. Others may develop severe neurological, respiratory, or behavioral symptoms.

Are Backyard Songbirds at Risk?

Some songbirds and members of the corvid family can become infected with avian influenza. However, the songbirds commonly seen at backyard feeders are not currently considered major drivers of HPAI outbreaks.

That does not mean that songbirds are immune or that feeders can never contribute to disease transmission. Any place where animals gather can allow contaminated saliva, respiratory secretions or droppings to move between individuals. Good feeder hygiene remains important for avian flu as well as salmonellosis, conjunctivitis, and other more familiar feeder-associated diseases.

Should I Take Down My Bird Feeders?

For most households, there is currently no general recommendation to stop feeding backyard songbirds.

You should consider temporarily removing your feeders when:

• Multiple sick or dead birds are found nearby
• A visibly sick bird has been using your feeders
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife or another authority issues a local advisory
• Wild birds are gathering close to domestic poultry
• Feeders are attracting ducks, geese or other waterfowl
• Bears or other potentially dangerous wildlife are repeatedly visiting

If one sick bird appears, remove the feeders and bird baths used by that bird. Clean and disinfect them before putting them back out, and wait until you are no longer seeing signs of illness in the area.

Our Bird Health and Feeder Cleaning Guide provides more information about recognizing illness and maintaining a healthier feeding station.

Keep Your Feeding Station Clean

Healthy bird feeding begins with regular maintenance.

• Discard wet, moldy or contaminated food.
• Remove accumulated seed hulls and droppings beneath feeders.
• Clean feeders more frequently during wet weather, heavy use or any suspected illness.
• Provide only as much food as birds can reasonably consume.
• Spread feeders apart when possible to reduce crowding.
• Replace bird-bath water frequently and scrub the basin regularly.
• Wash your hands after handling feeders, bird baths or bird waste.

For routine cleaning, follow the instructions provided for your particular feeder. If a sick bird has used the feeder, disinfect it with a solution of approximately one part unscented household bleach to ten parts water. Rinse it thoroughly and allow every part to dry completely before refilling it.

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products.

If You Keep Chickens or Other Domestic Birds

Households with poultry should take stronger precautions because wild birds can potentially introduce avian influenza into domestic flocks.

• Keep poultry feed and water protected from wild birds.
• Do not allow chickens or ducks to forage beneath wild-bird feeders.
• Place songbird feeders as far from poultry enclosures as practical.
• Clean poultry equipment separately from wild-bird feeders.
• Use dedicated footwear around poultry areas.
• Prevent shared access to ponds, water containers and feeding areas.
• Consider temporarily removing wild-bird feeders if separation is not possible.

Contact your veterinarian or the appropriate state animal-health agency if domestic birds become ill or die unexpectedly. The USDA also provides current biosecurity recommendations for poultry owners.

Signs of Illness in Wild Birds

Symptoms vary by species and cannot confirm avian flu by themselves. Concerning signs may include:

• Inability to stand, fly, or maintain balance
• Tremors, seizures or unusual head and neck movements
• Walking or swimming in circles
• Extreme weakness or lack of response
• Swelling around the head, eyes or neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual discharge from the eyes or bill
• Several birds found dead in the same area

Many illnesses and injuries can produce similar symptoms. Do not attempt to diagnose or capture the bird yourself unless a wildlife professional gives you instructions.

What to Do If You Find a Sick or Dead Bird

Do not touch a sick or dead wild bird with bare hands. Keep children and pets away and avoid disturbing the surrounding area.

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current reporting and handling instructions, particularly if you find multiple dead birds or a live bird displaying neurological symptoms. The Colorado Springs CPW office can be reached at 719-227-5200.

If you are instructed to handle a dead bird, follow the protective and disposal directions provided by wildlife or public-health authorities.

Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after direct contact with a sick or dead bird or another potentially infected animal should contact a healthcare provider and mention the animal exposure.

What About Bird Baths?

There is currently no general recommendation to stop offering water to backyard birds. Clean water remains valuable throughout Colorado’s hot summers and freezing winters.

Change the water frequently, remove droppings and debris, and scrub the basin regularly. If a visibly sick bird uses the bath, empty it, clean and disinfect it, rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before returning it to service.

Learn more about choosing and caring for a bird bath in our Bird Baths in Colorado Springs Guide.

Can People Catch Avian Flu From Backyard Birds?

The CDC currently considers the risk to the general public low. Most human infections have been associated with direct exposure to infected domestic animals or contaminated environments rather than ordinary observation of backyard birds.

Even with a low overall risk, never handle sick or dead birds with bare hands. Wash your hands after working around feeders, baths or areas contaminated with bird droppings, and keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.

Continue Feeding Responsibly

Responsible backyard bird feeding supports birds while reducing opportunities for disease to spread. Use fresh food, keep feeders and bird baths clean, limit crowding, and respond promptly when a sick bird appears.

Our team at Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs can help you choose feeders that are easier to clean, recommend appropriate cleaning tools and develop a feeding setup suited to your yard. We cannot diagnose wildlife diseases, but we are always happy to help you improve the safety and cleanliness of your feeding station.

Current Avian-Flu Resources

USDA Avian Influenza Information

USDA HPAI Detections in Wild Birds

CDC Current Bird-Flu Situation

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Disease Information

Cornell Lab: Avian Influenza and Bird Feeders

Wild Bird Feeding Institute: HPAI Updates and Bird-Feeding Guidance