Bird seed is a common food source provided for pet birds and wild birds, but some people have concerns about potential toxins in bird seed. This article examines whether bird seed can be toxic and provides information on identifying and avoiding contaminated seeds.
Can bird seed contain toxins?
Most commercial bird seeds are safe for bird consumption when used properly. However, there are a few ways that toxins can potentially contaminate bird seed:
- Mold growth – Bird seed stored in warm, humid environments may develop mold growth. Some types of mold produce mycotoxins that can cause illness.
- Insecticides – Bird seed could become chemically contaminated if insecticides are sprayed in the area where seeds are grown or stored.
- Herbicides – Herbicides used on agricultural crops could get into bird seed batches if there is cross-contamination during processing.
- Heavy metals – Bird seed crops grown in contaminated soils may absorb and accumulate heavy metals like lead, arsenic, or cadmium.
- Bacteria – Salmonella and other bacteria can be present in bird seed and multiply if the seeds get wet and are not stored properly.
While issues like this do not occur frequently, it is possible for toxins to end up in bird seed batches on occasion. Reputable bird seed companies follow practices to prevent contamination and test for toxins.
Signs of possible toxicity
Watch for the following signs that may indicate an issue with your bird seed:
- Visible mold – Cottony or fuzzy mold growth on seeds often appears green, black, or white.
- Musty odor – Moldy or spoiled seeds may smell musty or stale.
- Insect damage – Look for small holes in seeds caused by insects or insect larva.
- Clumping – Good bird seed should flow freely. Clumping can indicate mold growth.
- Color changes – Seeds that appear discolored or unnaturally faded could have mold.
- Excess dust – Lots of loose dust in the bag may be from mold or insects.
- Sick birds – If birds become ill after eating from a batch of seed, toxicity may be the cause.
If you observe any signs of potential contamination, it is best to be cautious and not serve that seed to your birds. Contact the manufacturer for guidance on testing the bird seed or returning it for a refund.
Reduce the risk of toxic bird seed
You can take the following precautions to avoid potential problems with toxic bird seed:
- Purchase from reputable sellers – Seek out bird seed brands that follow rigorous quality control standards.
- Check expiration dates – Do not use seed that is past expiration.
- Inspect packaging – Damage like rips or holes in bags may allow pests and moisture in.
- Look for signs of spoilage – Carefully check seeds before feeding them to your birds.
- Proper storage – Keep bird seed in a cool, dry area in a sealed container.
- Practice stock rotation – Use older seed first and do not keep bags more than 6 months.
- Clean feeders – Wash feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
- Avoid table scraps – Do not feed birds spoiled human foods, processed foods, or moldy produce.
Following these precautions reduces the likelihood of accidentally exposing your birds to contaminated seed. It also helps preserve freshness and nutritional value of the seeds.
What to do with suspicious bird seed
If you have any doubts about the safety of a batch of bird seed:
- Stop feeding it to your birds.
- Isolate the suspicious seed into a sealed bag or container.
- Contact the bird seed manufacturer for guidance.
- Dispose of moldy or otherwise contaminated seed by double-bagging and putting in household trash.
- Thoroughly clean any feeders that were in contact with the seed – wash with soap, disinfectant and hot water.
Reporting issues to the bird seed company allows them to investigate potential problems and issue recalls if needed. Never take a wait-and-see approach by continuing to feed questionable seed to your birds.
Types of toxins in bird seed
Here are some specific toxins that may be found in contaminated bird seed batches:
Mold toxins
- Aflatoxins from Aspergillus mold
- Ochratoxin A from Aspergillus and Penicillium
- Trichothecenes from Fusarium molds
When ingested by birds, these mycotoxins can cause liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal upset, reduced egg production and hatch rates, immunosuppression, and death.
Pesticides
- Organophosphates
- Carbamates
- Pyrethroids
- Neonicotinoids
Insecticide residues on seeds can be neurotoxic to birds and result in issues like tremors, lethargy, impaired reproduction, and mortality.
Heavy metals
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
The toxic heavy metals may cause organ damage, neurological effects, decreased immunity, egg shell thinning, and death when present in high enough concentrations in bird seed.
Bacteria
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Listeria
Salmonella is one of the most common bacterial contaminants. Birds infected through contaminated food or environments can develop gastrointestinal illness, sepsis, or become asymptomatic carriers.
Signs of illness from toxic bird seed
Watch for these signs of possible illness if you suspect your birds ate contaminated seed:
- Lethargy and fluffed feathers
- Decreased appetite or interest in food
- Difficulty breathing or tail bobbing
- Unusual droppings
- Neurological signs like tremors, incoordination, seizures
- Swelling around eyes, neck, or feet
- Feather picking or self mutilation
- Reduced egg production
- Increased chick mortality
Birds attempting to hide illness may tuck their head into their back feathers abnormally. Any sudden onset of these symptoms in multiple birds may indicate a problem with a toxic food source like seed.
How to test bird seed for toxins
There are a few different options for testing bird seed:
- Send samples to a diagnostic lab – Labs can test for specific mycotoxins, metals, and pesticides. This provides a definitive analysis but is more expensive.
- At-home mold test kits – Affordable DIY kits check for evidence of mold growth.
- Contact the manufacturer – Some bird seed companies will run free testing if you are concerned about their product’s quality.
- Have a vet clinic test your bird – If the bird ate the seed, testing its droppings and blood for toxins may provide answers.
When in doubt, experienced bird owners often recommend disposing of any suspect seed instead of testing or continuing to feed it. Prevention is key when it comes to bird seed safety.
Can spoiled bird seed make other animals sick?
Yes, spoiled or contaminated bird seed could potentially cause illness if eaten by other types of animals, including:
- Cats and dogs
- Backyard wildlife like squirrels, deer, and raccoons
- Livestock such as horses, cows, and sheep
Some key risks of animals eating toxic bird seed include:
- Mycotoxins – Moldy seed can cause neurological, liver, and kidney damage.
- Salmonella – Bird feeders can become reservoirs for bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness.
- Poisonings – Chemical residues may be present if seeds are treated with pesticides. Metal toxicity is also possible if seeds are grown in contaminated conditions.
To protect all animals, promptly clean up any spilled bird seed and make sure discarded seed is properly composted or disposed of in trash that cannot be accessed by other animals. Close supervision is recommended when birds are feeding in yards or areas near other pets.
Safe bird seed storage
Follow these tips for safely storing bird seed:
- Keep seeds in a cool, dry spot around 55-75°F.
- Avoid humid areas like garages or basements prone to moisture.
- Store seed in sealed plastic or metal containers, not cloth bags.
- Use oldest seed first and do not stockpile excess quantities.
- Place containers up off the ground to prevent pest access.
- Freeze extra seed to kill bacteria and insects if storing long term.
- Monitor storage area for signs of mold, clumping, moisture, or pests.
- Throw away any seed with mold, odors, or other signs of spoilage.
Proper storage keeps seeds fresher longer and prevents development of toxicity issues prior to use.
Is moldy bird seed safe if heated?
No, it is not considered safe to feed moldy bird seed even if attempting to “decontaminate” it by heating. Reasons it remains unsafe include:
- The high heat needed to destroy toxins could damage nutrients in seeds.
- It is difficult to evenly heat all seeds in a batch to a high enough temperature.
- Mycotoxins cannot be destroyed and remain in the seeds after heating.
- Mold returning after heating and signs being hidden.
- Heating can more deeply embed toxins into seed coats and endosperm.
For these reasons, bird experts overwhelmingly recommend discarding any visibly moldy seeds. Never take a chance on feeding questionable bird seed that could pose health risks.
Preventing moldy bird seed
You can help prevent the development of moldy bird seed by:
- Purchasing fresh seed in amounts to be used within 3-6 months.
- Selecting high quality seeds from reputable brands.
- Storing seed properly in cool, dry conditions.
- Using oldest seed first and not stockpiling excess amounts.
- Checking seed for signs of moisture, clumping, odor, etc.
- Discarding any visibly moldy or discolored seeds.
- Regularly cleaning bird feeders to prevent moisture buildup.
Good practices reduce mold growth and chances of birds being exposed to mycotoxins from contaminated seeds. Promptly removing old seed prevents regeneration of mold spores when fresh seed is added.
Alternative bird food if discarding seed
If you need to discard a batch of suspect bird seed, here are some alternative healthy food options to offer your birds temporarily:
- Pellets – Commercially available bird pellets provide balanced nutrition.
- Chopped vegetables – Cooked potato, yams, squash, peas, carrots.
- Chopped fruits – Apples, berries, melon, citrus fruits.
- Cooked grains – Brown rice, quinoa, barley.
- Clean table scraps – Bits of egg, baked chicken, whole grains.
- Sprouted seeds – Safer than dry seeds and offer more nutrients.
Avoid offering fatty, salty, or sugary foods. Transition back to a quality bird seed mix after ensuring the new batch does not have signs of contamination.
Summary
In summary, commercial bird seeds are generally safe but may occasionally become contaminated with toxic mold, bacteria, pesticides, or heavy metals. Being alert to signs of spoiled bird seed and taking steps to prevent it allows bird owners to avoid inadvertently exposing pet birds or backyard wildlife to toxins. Discard any bird food at the first signs of contamination or spoilage. With proper purchase, storage, and handling, bird seed can be used as nutritious feed for a healthy flock.
