Updated at: 06-06-2023 - By: Jane Brody

Although bringing a bird feeder indoors may be tempting when it’s raining, remember that birds still need to eat no matter the weather.

Bird feeders are designed to withstand the elements and can be left outside even when it rains. It rains, but the bird seed in the feeders stays dry. Bird feeders can withstand rain or humidity, so the food for the birds won’t spoil if it gets wet. Weather conditions, such as rain, can hasten the onset of rust and fading, as does exposure to sunlight.

wet bird seed

It is crucial that wild birds always have access to their preferred meal, so never bring bird feeders indoors when it rains.

Although it’s more convenient to bring the feeders inside during a downpour, the birds will still be waiting in the yard for their next meal.

Since bird feeders can take the rain and are made to withstand moisture, there’s no reason to stop feeding the birds during a downpour.

Yes, I will add that bird feeders can exhibit indications of usage and wear, albeit the specifics vary on the model.

As a result of being exposed to the elements, steel bird feeders can rust and plastic tube feeders can fade. This will occur regardless of weather conditions, as it is the direct result of leaving feeders outside in all weather.

Bird feeders can be kept outside in the rain or snow without fear of harm. Rain is just one of many potential hazards that can affect a bird feeder.

Feeders can be left in rain

Bird feeders can be left outside in the rain without fear of damaging them, and indeed, the very purpose of a bird feeder is to prevent the bird food inside from becoming soggy and spoiled.

Birds will still use feeders even if it rains, so you can always count on their getting some use.

A rainstorm probably won’t damage your bird feeder, but any moisture will ruin your birds’ food. Bird feeders are used to avoid the problem of some bird food germinating too quickly in damp weather.

In damp, humid, sunny, and even chilly weather, bird food won’t last very long.

There’s no denying that wild bird food can spoil quickly in a feeder, but the feeder itself can slow the decaying process, giving you a few extra days’ worth of usage even in dry or cold conditions.

Birds still need to eat to stay alive, so you may leave their feeders out in the rain.

Rust or corrosion unlikely

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Bird feeders can be damaged by rain, although this depends on the material used to make the feeder.

Actually, I would think that you can notice evidence of damage early on even if it hasn’t rained or become damp.

Like most things in life, bird feeders are best enjoyed in the great outdoors, but their usefulness eventually fades. The first year of using a bird feeder is guaranteed to exhibit indications of wear and tear.

Rust can be seen on the surface of metal feeders, and on the wires of steel mesh feeders.

It’s unlikely that rust would seep into the bird seed in the feeder, but extra precautions should be taken just in case.

Bird feeders made of plastic won’t corrode, although they will fade if left outside year round. Although most people don’t mind, there are always those who will just buy new feeders once they realize their old ones are no longer up to par.

Bird feeders are weatherproof

Bird feeders, whether they’re constructed of metal, plastic, or wood, are actually designed to withstand the elements.

Preventing rain from getting into bird feeders is more of a secondary concern, as the primary concern is keeping the food dry for the birds. Suet and peanuts can withstand being wet for longer periods of time than seed, although wire and caged feeders will let rain in.

Stainless steel and copper, both of which can be left outside without rusting, will be used in the construction of attractive metal bird feeders.

Similarly, plastic bird feeders are built from a tough plastic that can withstand the elements.

Wooden bird feeders, whose cedar will weather in time but which can be treated in preserve or repainted, offer flexibility that plastic or metal feeders do not.

Bird feeders are built to withstand the elements and can be left outside all year long, rain or shine.

Summing it up

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It’s a fact that most of us would be kept quite busy carrying bird feeders indoors every time it rained if we were required to keep them dry at all times while they were hung outside.

For obvious hygiene concerns, bird feeders should never be brought indoors, thus they must be left outside in the yard even when it rains.

The most common materials for bird feeders are plastic, metal, and wood because of their durability and resistance to the elements.

Bird feeders made of metal wire or clear plastic tubes may show indications of wear, but they are easily replaced if necessary. However, if there is any corrosion, you can keep using the feeder; however, you should not let any rust get into the bird food.

Feed for birds kept in a sealed feeder can get wet for a few days before the germination process begins, although this is not recommended. Birdseed in feeders will remain dry because of this necessity.

Feeding is a year-round necessity for birds, so a little rain won’t stop them.

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