Having a bird feeder is a great way to enjoy nature right in your own backyard. Watching colorful birds visiting your feeder can brighten up any day. However, one common problem that bird lovers run into is dealing with their feeders in rainy weather. Once rain gets into your bird feeder, it can turn the bird seed into an unappetizing, soggy mess that birds will avoid. Plus, the damp environment can promote mold and bacteria growth. Luckily, there are some simple solutions to make your bird feeder rain-resistant and keep those bird treats dry.
Use a Rain Guard
One of the easiest ways to make a bird feeder rain proof is to add a rain guard. Rain guards are dome or umbrella-shaped accessories designed to fit on top of hanging bird feeders. They provide overhead protection that prevents rain from directly falling into the feeding ports or perches. Look for a rain guard that is large enough to cover the entire feeder. Materials like clear plastic or polycarbonate allow you to still see the birds feeding while repelling water. Adding a rain guard takes just a few minutes but makes a huge difference in keeping food dry.
DIY Rain Guard Ideas
Don’t want to buy a rain guard? You can make your own with just a few household items:
- Cut the bottom off of a large plastic container or bucket and place it upside down on top of a hanging feeder.
- Glue a large plastic plate or lid over a platform feeder.
- Cut open an umbrella and use it to shelter a feeder.
- Make a triangular frame from sticks and cover it with a plastic bag or tarp.
Use a Tube Feeder
Tube bird feeders, sometimes called cylinder feeders, have an inherent rain-resistant design. These feeders consist of long hollow tubes, usually made of plastic or glass. The tube has feeding ports along its length and is capped on both ends. The tube shape prevents rain from penetrating into the seed except through the small ports. And since the feeder is capped, water cannot get in from the top or bottom. Look for tube feeders with very narrow feeding ports to further limit moisture access.
Advantages of Tube Feeders
- Low maintenance – don’t require frequent emptying/drying out after rain.
- Less squirrel access – tube openings and perches deter large pests.
- Feed type flexibility – work well with various seeds, blends, and small pellets.
Try using tube feeders for winter feeding when rain is more frequent. The protected design keeps food from getting soaked and allows birds to comfortably eat even in wet conditions.
Use a Weather-Resistant Feeder Material
Bird feeders come in many designs, ranging from simple wooden platforms to decorative metal houses. When selecting a feeder to place outside, consider its construction material. Certain materials hold up better against the elements. Here are some good options:
Plastic
Plastic feeders are affordable, lightweight, and fairly durable. Look for styles made from thick, rigid plastic that won’t easily crack. UV-stabilized plastic will last longer outdoors without degrading. Most plastic feeders have drainage holes but avoid types with crevices that can collect standing water.
Metal
Steel and aluminum feeders resist rusting and corrosion even with regular outdoor use. Powder-coated metals add even more protection. Metal feeders often have covered roofs and slope or curve downward so rain runs off. Wrought iron feeders with intricate metalwork can make beautiful additions to gardens.
Glass
For a sleek look, glass feeders are minimalist in design but function well in wet weather. Look for annealed or tempered glass construction. The ultra-smooth surface repels water effectively. Glass is also easy to clean and prevents mold/mildew growth.
Comparison Table of Weather-Resistant Bird Feeder Materials
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Plastic | Inexpensive, good durability, easy to clean | Can crack over time, not as attractive as other materials |
Metal | Very durable, decorative designs | Can be expensive, prone to dents |
Glass | Visually appealing, slippery surface repels water | Heavy, can shatter/crack |
Use a Covered Feeder Style
Look for feeders with elements that cover or shield the bird seed to keep it protected. Here are some top covered feeder options:
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders have an enclosed chamber that holds a large volume of birdseed. The hopper has slots or holes on the sides or bottom through which birds access the seed. A top lid or roof keeps rain out. These feeders only expose a little bit of seed at a time.
House Feeders
House feeders are shaped like little birdhouses with roofs. They have enclosed sides and feeding ports on the front. Perches are covered by the roof overhang. The designs keep seeds dry but allow easy access for birds.
Peanut Feeders
peanut bird feeders mimic log or cage shapes with enclosed workings. Birds pull peanuts through ports or metal mesh without any exposure to rain. These feeders keep coveted peanuts fresh.
Add a Baffle or Shelter Above
If your feeder itself lacks overhead coverage, add a DIY cover above to protect from rain:
- Attach a wooden baffle or piece of eave trim above the feeder to block rain runoff.
- Hang a sloped panel of wood, plastic corrugated paneling, or other waterproof material from the tree branches.
- Build a small wooden shelter like a gazebo roof or bus stop cover supported on posts.
Aim for at least a 24-inch clearance above the feeder so birds have room to fly under. Make sure covers are securely fastened so they won’t loosen or fall from wind/rain.
Choose a Sheltered Installation Spot
Where you place your bird feeder outside can make a difference in rain protection:
- Pick a spot under tree branches or overhangs that will block some precipitation.
- Mount feeders near or under decks, patios, or other structures that provide cover.
- Avoid open areas without any shelters nearby.
Narrowly restricting rain exposure will help keep food dry even if the feeder itself is open. Provide ample landing spots like railings or fences near the feeder too.
Add a Drainage System
You can modify an existing feeder to improve drainage with a few strategic holes or features:
- Drill extra drainage holes in the floor of wooden/plastic platform feeders.
- Cut weep holes into the bottom edge of hopper feeders.
- Attach flexible drain spouts to roof edges to direct runoff away.
- Elevate feeders on legs or hang at an angle to allow water to freely drain off.
Avoid clogging drainage holes by regularly clearing debris. Drainage systems help empty excess water before it pools and saturates feed.
Use Seed Alternative or Covered Feed
Standard mixed birdseeds, like millet, sunflower seeds, and corn kernels, quickly absorb moisture. Once wet, they can swell, crack, and rot. For best results in wet conditions, try these alternative feeds:
- Suet cakes or kibbles – High fat content makes suet impervious to moisture. Buy enclosed suet feeders.
- Niger thistle seed – The tiny seeds have hard outer shells that repel water well.
- Safflower seeds – The outer hull resists water absorption.
- Peanuts – When still in the shell peanuts avoid water damage.
- Nyjer sock feeders – Special mesh tubes protect nyjer seed even when soaked.
Use Feeders with Drainage Holes
Platform and tray feeders designed for seeds and mixed blends should have drainage holes. Look for feeders with multiple holes, slots, or mesh screened bottoms. Drainage openings allow excess moisture to freely escape from below the perches or food container. Plastic, wood, or metal feeders can all incorporate drainage systems. Just be sure holes are small enough that seeds don’t leak out too.
Drainage Tips:
- Clean debris regularly from drainage holes which can cause clogging.
- Avoid putting too much food into a feeder at once so water doesn’t pool.
- Elevate feeders or angle drainage holes downward so water runs off.
Use Feeders with Awnings or Overhangs
Many seed feeders meant for hanging incorporate some type of awning, roof, or overhang in their design. Look for feeders with a cover extending a few inches out past the seed ports or perches. This provides a sheltered feeding space even when it rains. Birds can duck under for cover. Meanwhile, the rain is directed to sheet off the sides without reaching the bird food. Awnings also provide shade which helps keep seeds from getting hot in sunny weather.
Awning Feeder Types
- Covered tray feeders
- Roofed house feeders
- Hoppers with lid overhangs
- Hanging feeders with a top rain guard
Awnings can be made of plastic, resin, metal, wood or other water-resistant materials. For DIY feeders, use lightweight, flexible materials so the awning doesn’t bend from weight or trapped water over time.
Seal Feeder Seams and Gaps
Bird feeders loosely assembled from multiple pieces can be prone to water seeping in. Check that all adjoining parts fit snugly together without gaps or cracks. Seal any discovered gaps with clear silicone caulk or other flexible sealant. This helps block moisture entry points for a more waterproof barrier.
Focus on the following areas:
- Where the feeder roof or lid closes over the seed chamber
- Around the feeding port bases
- Where feeder bodies join together if multi-piece
- Around any perches or hardware mounts
Avoid using inflexible adhesives or caulk that could crack. Reapply new sealant whenever old material fails. Stopping air gaps will greatly minimize water intrusion.
Use a Bird Feeder Drying Rack
For feeders prone to taking on rainwater, a drying rack provides a way to thoroughly dry them out between uses. Drying racks can be homemade or purchased metal stands. They hold feeders upside down to allow airflow and drainage. Use one rack for feeders in active use and another for freshly cleaned feeders just out of the dishwasher.
Let all feeder parts fully dry before refilling to prevent mold and caking. Rotate use between multiple feeders to keep a dry one ready when others need drying. Try to bring feeders in during extreme rain to limit water collecting inside.
Monitor Feeders for Wetness
When rain is expected or if weather is highly humid, keep a close watch on feeders for moisture buildup. Take any wet feeders down promptly to limit seed rotting. Empty out water, allow to dry fully, and replace food with new dry seeds. Discard any uneaten food that appears at all damp.
Wet spots promoting mold may appear even before water can be seen pooling. Freshen feeders routinely rather than just when they seem soaked. Check feed ports, perches, and feeding surfaces for hidden moisture buildup too.
Conclusion
Regular rain doesn’t have to put an end to backyard bird feeding. With some preparation, you can keep feeders protected and food fresh. Use covers, choose weather-resistant styles, and add drainage features. Place feeders in sheltered spots and monitor for wetness after storms. A few simple solutions can help bird lovers keep enjoying this rewarding hobby even in rainy climates.