Hospital update–week of December 9

The hospital received 39 animals last week, bringing the total to 5410 for this week.

It is important to keep bird feeders clean. During the winter, many songbirds flock to feeders in increasing numbers—goldfinches and pine siskins are commonly seen in large numbers. Unfortunately, diseases can spread more easily when birds congregate in a small area like a feeder. Diseases such as salmonella, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis and avian pox can be spread at feeders. Clean your feeder at least once a week. Wash with soapy water, soak in a 1:32 bleach solution, let dry and refill with fresh seed. If you see sick birds at your feeder, take it down for at least a couple of weeks to reduce the chance of spreading disease.