These 3 Common Mistakes Are Making Your Bird Feed Moldy – Fix Them Now to Protect Your Garden Wildlife

Bird feeders bring so much joy to our yards, attracting charming feathered friends. But, they are only a beneficial resource for them when maintained properly – if your bird feed is going moldy, whether from improper storage or using the wrong feeder, it poses a life-threatening risk.

'While feeding birds is a wonderful way to supplement the diet of wild birds and bring joy to the people feeding them, it’s important that we do it correctly from start to finish,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap. Storing feed somewhere wet and warm can easily cause mold to develop. Likewise, leaving feed in a wooden bird feeder for too long can create an ideal environment for mold, especially during rainy conditions.

If you don't take steps to ensure your bird feed is properly handled (whether it's this pack of Amazon wild bird seed or suet balls), you not only threaten the birds in your yard but can also attract pests like rats. Here, Maria explains more and advises on how to stop bird feed going moldy.

What Causes Bird Feed to Go Moldy?

'Mold growth on birdseed can be dangerous to birds, causing issues like respiratory issues or digestive issues, which can even lead to death,' Maria says.

For this reason, it's important to store bird feed properly, use the right feeders (this metal bird feeder from Walmart is a good choice), and clean them regularly.

1. Improper Storage

Just as there are seed storage mistakes, there's lots of room for error when it comes to bird feed storage.

'We might think that storing bird seed in its original packaging and outside so it’s close to the feeders for refilling is the best and easiest option – but there are much better ways,' Maria says.

Bird feed often comes in paper sacks or plastic packaging that aren't so reliable once opened, especially if they aren't resealable. This allows moisture to get in, and with a lack of ventilation, can harness an environment for mold.

'Removing it from the plastic bags helps to keep trapped moisture out, and often makes for a less messy transfer into our bird feeders,' Maria says.

You can find reliable bird feed containers at affordable prices, like this $23 plastic bird seed container on Amazon. They're designed to keep bird food dry and cool, keeping it in good condition for birds.

'Plastic or metal containers with a tight fitting lid are the best options for storing your bird seed. They’ll help keep moisture and sunlight out, as well as most pests,' Maria says.

'If rodents are an issue, go with metal over plastic, as rodents can easily chew through even the heaviest of plastic bins,' she adds.

As for location, it's important to keep bird seed somewhere dry and cool, so it's not exposed to moisture and temperature changes.

'A garage is a good choice,' Maria says.

You may also wish to put in place measures to keep rats away, for example by blocking small gaps in garage doors and using essential oils (this peppermint oil from Amazon is a good choice).

Maria Kincaid

Maria Kincaid is the ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, or as she refers to it, the team 'bird nerd'. Originally from New Orleans and having lived all over the country, Maria studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University. With a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors, it was easy for her to fall in love with birds, birdwatching, and the science behind it all.

2. Using the Wrong Bird Feeder

There are so many types of bird feeders on the market, from tray bird feeders (like this from Amazon) to squirrel-proof cage bird feeders (like this one from Walmart). But, choosing one that isn't weatherproof and secure can result in mold.

'While we love wood for both the look and the sustainability, wood can absorb moisture, which then transfers to the seed, causing it to clump or mold. It can also be more difficult to safely clean,' Maria notes.

This goes from feeders and storage, though Maria notes that wooden bird feeders (like this beautiful one from Wayfair) don't need to be ruled out entirely.

'Because bird feeders aren’t meant for long-term storage, we don’t have the same issues with them causing mold. Feeders should only be filled to the point that you’re refilling your seed every few days. By cleaning your wood feeders regularly, you’re helping prevent growing mold,' she explains.

But, failing to clean your bird feeder and allowing excess food to stand in it during particularly wet spells can result in the feeder and food going moldy.

Looking for wooden bird feeders that have been sealed can help reduce the likelihood of this (like this weatherproof wooden bird feeder from Amazon).

Or, for an even safer option, consider bird feeder alternatives.

3. Not Cleaning Your Feeder

As Maria notes, feeders going moldy isn't something to worry about, so long as you clean your bird feeder properly.

'All feeders, but especially wood ones, should be cleaned regularly, every 2-4 weeks or any time that your seed gets wet from rain,' Maria says.

'To properly clean feeders, I like to wash mine with warm or hot soapy water and a stiff brush, using a bucket and brush that are only for my feeders. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly to get any soap residue off,' she advises.

You can also purchase specific bird feeder cleaning products from Amazon to disinfect them.

'Let them dry completely in a sunny spot before refilling and hanging,' Maria says.

'It’s important to keep an eye on your feeders, and replace any seed that looks moldy, clumpy, or smells bad,' she adds.

FAQs

How Long Can You Keep Bird Feed For?

'If you’re properly storing your seed, most of it can be kept for up to a year, making buying in bulk a reasonable option,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.

'Nyjer thistle is a bit more finicky than other types of seed, and is especially susceptible to clumping or spoiling in humid conditions. Suet should also be kept in a cool place – consider freezing it if you’d like to keep it longer term, but make sure it’s at least partially thawed before offering it to birds,' she advises.

Now you know why your bird feed is going moldy, you can take steps to prevent it happening in the future. Something else you can do to help the birds in your yard stay safe is choosing a bird feeder that limits infection, for example this bird feeder with round perches from Amazon spreads the birds apart more widely, limiting infection.

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