Is Thistle Bird Feed Toxic When Wet?

Thistle seeds attracts a variety of birds, including finches, chickadees, jays, goldfinches and sparrows, according to Utah State University Cooperative Extension. You need some safety measures when providing food to keep the birds healthy. Wet seeds potentially become deadly seeds.

  1. Thistle

    • The thistle seed used for bird food comes from the Guizotia abyssinica flower, unrelated to the thistle weed, according to the Wild Bird Feeding Industry. The flower grows in Africa, India and other parts of Asia. The plants create potentially create overgrowth issues. Seeds imported to the United States undergo sterilization to prevent them growing here, according to the WBFL.

    Wet

    • Wet thistle and other seeds potentially grow mold, according to U. S. Fish and Wildlife. Seeds may contain bird droppings, insects and other debris. When wet, the seeds may grow salmonella, according to the USFW. Additionally, contamination by sick birds contributes to the danger of diseases growing on moldy seeds, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

    Prevention

    • Keeping your feeders and the ground underneath clean helps prevent making birds sick and spreading disease. Clean feeders with hot, soapy water routinely or with one part bleach to nine parts water after reports of salmonella--or if you notice sick birds--advises the Cornell Labs. Clean thistle feeders monthly, according to USFW. Use of bleachable feeder materials, such as plastic, glass and metal, makes cleaning easier. Drying out the feeder monthly helps maintain healthy feeding, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension. Check for wet seeds after rains to avoid spoilage, recommends UFIFAS.