Is It Safe For Wild Birds?

Is Feeder Fresh® safe for wild birds? 


Yes, it is absolutely safe.

  • Feeder Fresh is non-toxic and made from sand, just very absorbent.
  • The essential elements of Feeder Fresh are already consumed by wild birds and needed for their shell strength. It is actually safer than sand and one of the safest materials on Earth.
  • Feeder Fresh has been developed with bird safety in mind. We have done extensive literature research to show that the product is not harmful to birds, and will actually promote the health of wild birds. Feeder Fresh has been endorsed by Dr. Kirk Klasing, University of California Avian Physiologist. 
  • Birds recognize that the Feeder Fresh granules are not seed and when they encounter one, they just toss it aside. If they were to eat one, the particle would act the same as the sand that birds normally eat for their gizzard. Feeder Fresh does not swell or clump.

                                                 Feeder Fresh FAQ


Table of Contents (Scroll down to view the answers to the following questions):

What is Feeder Fresh used for, and why should I use it?
How does Feeder Fresh work?
What kinds of feeders can use Feeder Fresh
How do I use it in a tube feeder with diverters?
How much Feeder Fresh should I use?
How often should I change it?
Is the product safe for wild birds?
What is the composition of Feeder Fresh?
How can Feeder Fresh make wild bird feeders healthier?
Why does the product label say “Do not use with caged or domestic birds”?


What is Feeder Fresh used for, and why should I use it?

Feeder Fresh is a bird-safe moisture trap and seed preservative that can be used in feeders and seed storage containers to reduce the negative effects of moisture, such as caking and spoilage.   

Feeder Fresh will promote the health of wild birds by keeping their feeders dry and preventing spoilage. Feeder Fresh helps birding enthusiasts easily and continuously maintain their feeders by keeping them dry and free from stuck-on seed.

You can also use Feeder Fresh in your main seed storage container to reduce moisture-related seed aging and keep seed fresher longer.

How does Feeder Fresh work?

Feeder Fresh has the internal structure of a microporous sponge. That is, it contains billions of nanometer-sized pores that readily absorb water and humidity. These pores absorb water directly, or pull excess water from the air and seed, and create a dry enclosed space.

What kinds of feeders can use Feeder Fresh?
How do I use it in a tube feeder with diverters?


You can use Feeder Fresh in any type of feeder that has an enclosed structure. The more enclosed the feeder structure the more efficiently Feeder Fresh works.

  • Tube feeders have a very enclosed structure, and commonly have moisture problems. Feeder Fresh works excellently on these feeders to keep them in a dry condition. Use Feeder Fresh on the bottom. If the tube feeder has steep diverters, blend Feeder Fresh 50/50 with seed in the bottom few inches of the feeder.
  • In hopper feeders Feeder Fresh can be used to eliminate the moisture problems that occur on the low-flow sidewall areas of the seed dispensing enclosure.
  • In open tray feeders or the tray of a hopper feeder the Feeder Fresh is less helpful, since it will absorb moisture from the open air until it is used up. But adding a layer of Feeder Fresh to a hopper tray can provide a physical barrier to keep the seed from caking and sticking to the tray.

How much Feeder Fresh should I use?

The general guideline is ¼ to ½ inch at the bottom of your feeder each time you clean it, and for best performance, a generous sprinkle on top of the seed every time you fill the feeder. Adjust the amount of product you use to your climate and the season. The actual amount depends upon a number of factors:
  1. The size and style of the feeder
  2. How exposed your feeder is to rain and the size of the feeder hole
  3. The amount of rain and humidity
  4. How often you plan to completely empty and clean your feeder.

How often should I change it?

Change the Feeder Fresh in the bottom of your feeder if...
  • It has been in the feeder for over a month
  • It has been in the feeder for over a week, and it has rained heavily
  • Immediately change it if the Feeder Fresh has been looking darker or translucent from absorbing moisture

Is the product safe for wild birds?

Feeder Fresh is safe for birds. We believe our product will actually promote the health of wild birds due to it's ability to keep feeders fresh, dry and free from spoilage. Feeder Fresh is non-toxic, inert, and chemically similar to sand grit. Although Feeder Fresh is a new and innovative product, the essential elements of Feeder Fresh are already consumed by wild birds...

  • Feeder Fresh is made from sand, just very absorbent.
  • The composition of Feeder Fresh is non-toxic
  • In fact, the essential elements of Feeder Fresh are already consumed by wild birds.
  • Does not contain crystalline silica.

What is the composition of Feeder Fresh?

Feeder Fresh is a form of amorphous silicon dioxide, a compound which is non-toxic, inert and chemically similar to sand. The only difference between Feeder Fresh and the silica sand grit that birds normally consume is it's water absorptive properties. Feeder Fresh has a porous structure containing billions of microscopic holes that readily absorb water and humidity. The material does not swell when it absorbs water, and the particles do not bind together when wet or dry, and therefore it does not clump or form aggregates. Once the Feeder Fresh absorbs it's own weight in water it will discontinue absorbing, and be identical to the silica grit that birds normally ingest.

How can Feeder Fresh make wild bird feeders healthier?

It is well known that spoiled seed can be harmful to wild birds. By using Feeder Fresh, you can avoid spoiled seed.

Why does the product label say “Do not use with caged or domestic birds”?

This disclaimer is included only for legal purposes, and does not reflect the safety of the product.   

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US Patents 7,389,742 and 7,624,700