Bird Feeding in Damp Conditions

Although it may seem odd to consider the issues that moisture sometimes causes for bird feeders during the hottest year on record, for most of us the weather has now changed with much-needed rain rejuvenating the countryside and our gardens.

The rain has come too late to stave off what is being referred to by many, including the Met Office, as ‘a false autumn’, resulting in leaves turning colour and berries ripening early. These changes are a stress response, with trees and plants shedding leaves and fruit ahead of schedule in an effort to survive. This is good news for birds that eat berries, but the question is whether their food source has become available too early. With all the berries consumed or rotten before the worst of winter weather arrives, will the birds struggle to find sufficient food to survive the coming winter?

If this is the case, it will fall to those of us who feed the birds in our gardens to step up and help with supplementary feeding. But over this exceptionally hot summer, we’ve hardly had to concern ourselves with the problems posed by moisture that rots seed mixes in feeders and can be a source of infection if left unchecked.

It’s interesting to note when looking at the differing types of bird food available, that grain like oats often has softer or broken hulls, especially if they’re cracked or rolled. This makes them more porous and able to absorb moisture from the air. As a result this can lead to mould growth, whereas seeds like Black Sunflower and Niger that have not been processed, generally have harder, intact shells. These shells are designed to protect the seed inside, so they naturally resist moisture uptake more effectively than many grains.

Those who are lucky enough to have damp areas in their garden – something that is increasingly hard to find and especially this year – will already be aware of the potential problems associated with feeding the birds whilst avoiding the pitfalls. But for those who have noticed that the seed in their feeders is suffering because of the damp atmosphere, here are a few pointers for different feeder types:

But it isn’t just the type of feeder that has an impact on potential problems; placement, too, can help when it comes to the prevention of mould: 

• Doing whatever you can to maximise airflow by placing feeders where wind can reach them, even if it’s still shaded
• Move feeders away from walls, fences, and dense hedges that can trap moisture  
• Hang feeders at least 1.5–2 metres off the ground to avoid splash-back from rain and wet soil
• If at all possible, mount feeders under a pergola, gazebo edge, or large evergreen branch (but not so close that debris falls in)
• Rotate feeding stations and try to change location every couple of weeks to prevent the build-up of mould spores under the feeding area

As with any feeder, maintenance is key, and no more so than in damp weather or damp locations. Cleaning needs to happen frequently, with soggy or clumped seed removed immediately. Ideally, use a disinfectant that has been developed for use on bird feeders, like Ark Klens Feeder Disinfectant, which is veterinarian-recommended and is very effective at reducing the likelihood of contaminated feeders harbouring diseases.

If the climate in and around your feeders is causing problems with mould and the seed is rotting before being eaten, try filling the feeders with smaller quantities of food and refill more often rather than loading them full. You can also try changing the type of food you offer. For example, Sunflower Hearts and husk-free mixes could also help, as they leave a lot less mess behind. And of course, consider using some form of weather-guard – something that can be clipped or fitted above feeders to keep the worst of the weather off

It remains to be seen if we are going to have a wet autumn this year, but for those of you who have gardens that, due to local conditions, have problems with moisture when feeding the birds, then more advice regarding the safe feeding of wild birds in your garden can be found on our partner, the BTO’s website