How to Safely Dye Birdseed

Colored bird seed can attract some birds.

The key to safely dyeing bird seed is the dye itself. Synthetic dyes have been linked to a host of different tumors throughout the body and cancer in lab rats. They can contain coal tar and petroleum, which may prove fatal for birds. All-natural dyes---totally organic and made from plant extracts---are not only non-toxic but also healthy.

Things You'll Need

• All-natural organic food dye
• Bird seed
• Bowl
• Stirring spoon
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

Coloring Bird Seed Safely

1. Pour bird seed into a bowl and add the natural food coloring.

2. Stir the natural food dye into the bird seed. Mix the seed with the stirring spoon to evenly distribute the coloring. Add more coloring for a darker color.

3. Pour the colored bird seed onto a cookie sheet to dry. Make sure to spread it out evenly on the sheet to avoid clumping.

4. Leave the baking sheet in the sun or slide it into the oven and set it at a low temperature to dry faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting the bird seed into the oven may overly dry it out.

References

• Bird Lovers Only Rescue: Food Dyes