Quick Answers
Bird seed can become wet from exposure to rain, spilled water, or high humidity. Wet bird seed risks growing mold or bacteria that could make your birds sick. Here are some quick tips on what to do if your bird seed gets wet:
- Spread the bird seed out on a tarp or baking sheet to dry.
- Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up drying time.
- Discard any seed that smells musty or shows signs of mold.
- For large amounts of wet seed, consider taking it to a wild bird store to have it dried commercially.
- Store bird seed in a cool, dry place to prevent future moisture problems.
The most important thing is to dry out the bird seed quickly before harmful mold and bacteria have a chance to grow. With prompt action, wet bird seed can often be salvaged. Read on for more detailed guidance on dealing with this common bird feeding problem.
How Does Bird Seed Get Wet?
There are several ways that a batch of bird seed can end up getting wet:
Exposure to Rain
Bird seed stored in bags or cans may get rained on if left uncovered outside. Bird feeders may also fill up with rain water that soaks into the seeds in the feeder. Always keep bird seed storage containers and feeders covered or brought indoors when rain is expected.
Spilled Water
It’s easy to accidentally knock over a glass of water or spill water from a hose onto bags or cans of bird seed. Try to store bird seed away from areas prone to spills or dripping water. Keep it up high on shelves or tables.
High Humidity
Bird seed stored for long periods in basements, sheds or garages may accumulate moisture from the air. Humidity can cause the seed to become damp or soft over time, especially whole corn kernels. Store bird seed in a cool, dry location to prevent this.
Feeders Left Outdoors
Bird feeders filled with seed and left outside in all weather will eventually get rain or snow in them. The seed soaks up all the moisture. Bring feeders indoors or under shelter during wet conditions.
Condensation
If bird seed is stored in a cold basement or shed, then brought into a warm house, condensation can form on the cold seed. This occurs as moisture in the warm air hits the cold surface of the seed container. Allow cold seed to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation issues.
Why is Wet Bird Seed a Problem?
When bird seed gets wet, the moisture provides an ideal environment for mold, bacteria and fungi to grow. Here are some key risks:
Moldy Seed
Mold spores are everywhere in the air and just waiting for a moist spot to set up shop. They can start growing within 48 hours on wet bird seed. You’ll see fuzzy mold growing on the seed if the moisture isn’t addressed promptly.
Harmful Bacteria
Bacteria, including potentially harmful types like Salmonella and E. coli, can start multiplying rapidly on wet seed. Bird diseases may also be transmitted through contaminated seed and water.
Rancid Fats
The fats and oils naturally found in bird seed can become rancid when exposed to excessive moisture and heat over time. Rancid seed loses nutritional value and may give off a stale, unappetizing smell.
Germination
Wet bird seed provides ideal conditions for sprouting and seed germination. You don’t want your bird food sprouting before the birds can eat it!
Clumping
Wet seed coats become soft and sticky. Seed hulls will then tend to clump together into solid masses as they dry out. Clumped seed is more prone to rapid mold growth.
The bottom line is wet bird seed will quickly become a smelly, rotten mess that is dangerous for your backyard birds to eat. Don’t take chances with damp seed.
How to Dry Out Wet Bird Seed
If your bird seed does end up getting wet, prompt action is key to salvage as much of it as possible. Here are some effective methods for drying wet bird seed:
Spread Out on a Tarp
Spread the wet bird seed out in a thin layer on a tarp, concrete driveway or other non-absorbent surface. This exposes maximum surface area of the seed to the air for faster drying. Stir the seed frequently to keep it evenly spread out.
Use Fans
Set up box fans, floor fans or oscillating pedestal fans to blow air over the seed. Moving air accelerates evaporation. Turn the seed over periodically so all sides dry.
Dehumidifier
Run a dehumidifier near the wet seed to pull moisture out of the air. This is very effective for drying seed indoors or in a garage or shed. The drier the air, the faster the seed will dry.
Commercial Drying
For very large quantities of wet seed, consider taking it to a wild bird store or seed distributor to have it dried commercially in large rotating drums. This quickly dries seed by tumbling it in a hot, dry air stream.
Bake at Low Temperature
Spread the seed on baking sheets no more than 1 inch deep. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 hours until dry. Stir frequently to prevent hot spots. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Drying Method | Ideal For… |
---|---|
Spread on tarp | Small batches of seed |
Use fans | Medium amounts of seed |
Dehumidifier | Indoor or enclosed areas |
Commercial drying | Very large quantities |
Bake at low temperature | Smaller batches when quick drying is needed |
Avoid Direct Sunlight
While warmth helps evaporate moisture, avoid drying seed directly in hot sun. This can damage nutrients and shorten shelf life. Dry seed in shade or indirect sunlight only.
Discard Moldy Seed
If any portions of the seed smell musty or show fuzzy mold growth, discard them. Do not take chances and feed moldy seed to birds. Mold spores persist even after seed dries.
Storing Dried Bird Seed
Once your bird seed is fully dried out, take measures to keep it dry in storage:
Cool, Dry Location
Store dried bird seed in a shed, garage or basement that is cool, dark and dry. Avoid humid, damp areas prone to moisture buildup.
Sealed Containers
Use plastic buckets with tight lids, sealed pails or rodent-proof metal cans. Avoid cloth bags or cardboard boxes that allow humidity in. Add some desiccant packs to absorb any residual moisture.
Off Concrete Floors
Elevate seed containers up on wood pallets or shelves to minimize moisture transfer from concrete garage and basement floors.
Rotate Stock
Use up older seed first and don’t let seed sit for more than 6-9 months. Replace with fresh seed each season.
Check Regularly
Inspect stored seed monthly for moisture, clumping, mold, insects or other problems. Identify and address any storage issues promptly.
Following proper storage methods will keep your bird seed dry and fresh longer. Discard and replace any portions that feel damp, smell musty or show other signs of spoilage.
Preventing Wet Seed in Bird Feeders
While drying wet seed salvages what you have on hand, prevention is ideal. Here are some tips to keep the seed in your bird feeders from getting soaked and rotten:
Covered Feeders
Use feeders with roofs or shields to limit rainwater collecting in the seed. Bring feeders under cover of porches or sheds when big storms are coming.
Take Feeders Down
Remove feeders at night when not in use or any time heavy rain or snow is forecast. Store them indoors until the weather clears up.
Clear Out Old Seed
Dump out any uneaten seed that gets soaked before refilling feeders. Old seed is prone to clumping as it alternates between wet and dry.
Waterproof Seed
Consider specialized water-resistant seed like thistle seed with a waterproof nyjer seed coating. It repels light moisture.
Elevate Feeders
Mount feeders on poles with bases that elevate them well off the ground. This keeps them above puddles, mud and snow melt that can soak into the feeder.
Avoid overfilling feeders. Seed gets compacted at the bottom of full feeders, which retains moisture. Keep them about 2/3 full for the best moisture prevention and free seed flow.
Conclusion
Wet bird seed is a common issue that can arise from various sources of moisture. Prompt drying is essential to prevent the growth of dangerous molds and bacteria. Spreading seed out to dry along with fans or dehumidifiers works well for salvaging damp seed. Be sure to also store bird seed properly to keep it dry. Water-resistant varieties help reduce the risks of wet seed in feeders. Addressing moisture issues quickly will maintain the nutritional value and safety of your bird seed. With some basic drying techniques and preventative measures, you can keep your feeders filled with fresh, healthy food that backyard birds will appreciate.