Siskin Deaths

The cause of death of the siskins mentioned earlier by Alan could also have been salmonella poisoning. I had a similar incident a few years ago which affected siskins, goldfinches and the odd greenfinch. I sent them off to be analysed and was told it was salmonella, possibly caused by bird seed contaminated with mouse urine/droppings. Sure enough I had had mice get into the feed bins. Apart from throwing all the contaminated food away the cure was the same - stop feeding for a while, move the feeders regularly and avoid feeding too much on the ground if mice are present (where aren't they?).