Introduction: My Journey into Birding
I’ve always loved being outdoors—whether it’s hiking, walking along the ocean, a creek, or a river, learning about trees and rocks, or simply observing my surroundings. Before COVID-19, I explored nature in different ways, but during the pandemic, I discovered a new passion—birding! I started visiting nearby parks with my binoculars, and soon, watching birds from home became a fun hobby. Setting up a bird feeder (I have a squirrel-proof hanging one and a clear window-cling one) allowed me to connect with local wildlife in a way I hadn’t before.
As someone with an anaphylactic peanut allergy, I quickly realized that traditional bird seed blends weren’t always safe for me to handle. I already knew this from asking neighbors to stop feeding peanuts to squirrels and birds, as well as from pet stores and friends’ pet birds growing up. Many commercial bird seed mixes contain peanuts, tree nuts, and other allergens, and if they don’t directly, they are likely contaminated by those from shared equipment and facilities. It’s safe to assume they pose a risk through airborne dust, cross-contamination, or from direct allergen contact.
During COVID, I discovered Wallis Johns Peanut Free Bird Seed, a small business dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, peanut-free and tree nut-free bird seed blends. This was a game-changer—it allowed me to enjoy my new hobby without fear of an allergic reaction, and I finally had a product I could easily recommend to friends and family. Prior to finding this brand, I couldn’t find a safe brand that wasn’t in a facility with my allergen, and most had tons of “filler seeds” like wheat, corn, red millet, and milo. I experimented with making my own allergy-safe bird seed blends, though I found that purchasing safe individual ingredients for me was often more more expensive. Please check their FAQ allergen statement at the bottom of their website to see if it may work for you before buying!
Use my link to receive 10% off your purchase!
Alternatively you can use the code: INVISIBLYALLERGIC
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about allergy-friendly bird feeders and bird seed, including why it matters, safe purchasing options, and DIY bird seed and feeder ideas for various allergies. Enjoying the outdoors can be more inclusive for those with allergies simply by paying attention to what’s in your bird seed, what you’re feeding squirrels, and making sure it’s safe for the people around you. Plus, selecting the right ingredients can attract different bird species, making the experience even more rewarding! Here’s the list of backyard bird species the Wallis Johns peanut and tree nut free bird seed can attract.
Part 1: Hidden Allergen Risks in Traditional Bird Seed
Bird feeders are a beloved feature in many environments, from botanical gardens and wildlife conservation areas to national and state parks, playgrounds, and backyards. While they bring joy to birdwatchers and support local bird populations, they can also pose a life-threatening risk to people with food allergies.
This danger affects all ages, but children are particularly vulnerable. They may not be as aware of potential risks, and they often come into direct contact with contaminated surfaces—playing on the ground, touching objects, and putting their hands in their mouths.
Many standard bird seed blends contain common allergens including:
- Peanuts and peanut shells
- Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Wheat and other gluten-containing grains (e.g., barley, rye)
- Corn (a concern for those with corn allergies)
- Sunflower seeds (which can be cross-contaminated with nuts depending on brands or are an allergy for some)
These allergens can linger in the environment and lead to accidental exposure through:
- Direct contact with the allergens
- Airborne dust from crushed or shelled seeds
- Contaminated surfaces (benches, playgrounds, picnic tables, handrails, etc.)
- Cross-contact at nature centers, hiking trails, schools, and parks
For individuals with IgE-mediated food allergies, meaning an allergic reaction is involving the person’s immune system, even trace amounts can trigger reactions ranging from skin irritation to anaphylaxis. Raising awareness about allergy-friendly bird seed alternatives is essential for creating safer outdoor spaces for everyone, in addition to making sure people understand the potential risks of coming into contact with bird seed and when and how to use epinephrine.
Part 2: Buying Safe, Peanut-Free Bird Seed
For allergy-conscious birding, checking ingredients, making your own blends, or buying certified peanut-free bird seed are the safest options. I personally use and recommend Willis Johns, a trusted brand I’ve shared with family, friends, and local nature centers for years now. I’ve recently had the opportunity to become an ambassador for them, and so you can use my link to receive 10% off!
Use my link to receive 10% off your purchase!
Alternatively you can use the code: INVISIBLYALLERGIC
Even before this partnership, I was promoting them without it being an ad, simply because they make safe, high-quality products. I’d love to see more allergy-friendly companies offer ambassador programs like this and allergy-free certified products like this!
What to Look for in an Allergy-Friendly Bird Seed:
- Certified free of your allergen (AKA it is processed in a dedicated facility, such as peanut-free, tree nut-free, corn-free, soy-free, grain-free, etc.)
- Sturdy packaging to prevent cross-contact
- Clear ingredient labeling
These safer bird seed options are especially important in areas where children frequently play, such as:
- Zoos
- Classroom animals
- Forest schools and daycares
- Playgrounds with bird feeders or bird seed present
- Community, state, and national parks
- Nature preserves
- Any rural areas far from medical facilities
Part 3: DIY Allergy-Safe Bird Seed & Feeders
If you prefer to make your own bird seed blends and feeders, that’s great and definitely an option. In fact, depending on the allergens you avoid, it may be the only option to be able to truly know what’s present in your bird seed blends. There are plenty of ways to create safe, allergy-friendly options tailored to food allergies. Below are some DIY ideas to help you get started!
Common Allergy-Friendly Bird Seed Ingredients
Choose as many or as few as you’d like to create a custom blend that’s safe for your needs:
✅ Sunflower seeds (shelled and unshelled from nut-free facilities– look for black oil sunflower seeds)
✅ Pumpkin seeds
✅ Millet or Quinoa (cooked and dried)
✅ Safflower seeds
✅ Oats (gluten-free certified if needed)
✅ Chia seeds
DIY Bird Feeder Ideas
1. Pinecone Feeder (A classic alternative to peanut butter feeders!)
- Spread sunflower butter or an allergen-free alternative over a pinecone.
- Roll it in a mixture of safe bird seeds.
- Hang it in your yard for birds to enjoy from twine or similar!
2. Orange Cup Feeder (Especially easy if you’re already buying and eating oranges!)
- Carefully hollow out an orange, keeping half of it in tact forming a small bowl.
- Stick shelled sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds into the rind for easy perching.
- Optional: Coat the inside with WowButter or another top-9 allergen-free spread for added stickiness.
- Fill it with a mix of safe seeds and hang it with twine or similar.
3. Bird Seed Ornaments (Fun & customizable!)
- Creating birdseed ornaments or bird seed blocks is a delightful way to support local wildlife, especially during colder months. To ensure they remain solid and withstand outdoor conditions, it’s essential to use some type of binding agent and for the weather to not be too hot.
- Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup birdseed blend
- 0.25 ounces of agar-agar
- Alternatively, you can use vegetable fat, such as vegetable shortening or coconut oil, instead of agar-agar.
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- Lightly greased cookie cutters/silicone moulds
- Parchment or wax paper
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Instructions:
- Dissolve agar-agar or whatever “fat” or “binder” you’re using. Most recipes I’ve found used 1 packet (7 grams) of animal-based gelatin, but my family is vegetarian, and agar-agar seemed like a commonly used replacement for this activity.
- Mix in Birdseed: Gradually add 3/4 cup of birdseed to the mixture, stirring to ensure all seeds are coated. If there’s excess liquid, add more birdseed until the mixture is thick and all liquid is absorbed.
- Work with a ratio of about one part fat to two parts birdseed.
- Shape Ornaments: Place the greased cookie cutters on parchment or wax paper and spoon the birdseed mixture into each cutter, pressing firmly to pack it tightly. If using silicone moulds, you can just press the mixture into those instead.
- Create Hanging Holes: Insert a small straw piece or something of similar size near the top of each shape to form a hole for hanging. Ensure it’s positioned well to maintain the balance.
- Set and Dry: Allow the filled shapes to sit undisturbed for at least 2-3 hours, or until the ornaments harden. For best results, place them in the refrigerator to expedite the setting process.
- Finalize Ornaments: Once hardened, gently remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters or silicone moulds. Remove the straw or whatever you used to create the hole, and thread twine or ribbon through.
- Hang Outdoors: Choose a sturdy branch in your yard to display the ornaments, providing birds with a nutritious treat.
By making your own bird seed blends and feeders, you can ensure they’re completely free from any allergens that could pose a risk to you or your loved ones. If you prefer the convenience of buying a blend, be sure to check whether the peanut-free and tree nut-free blend I use is safe for your family.
Final Thoughts
Creating an allergy-friendly environment doesn’t mean giving up hobbies like birding, hiking, picnicking, or visiting local and state parks—it just means taking a few extra steps to make them safe and remaining cautious. For over 30 years, I’ve quite literally risked my life in certain circumstances just to “fit in” and experience certain outdoor activities, but it shouldn’t have to be that way. Plus, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself in a situation where I was suddenly surrounded by my life-threatening allergen without realizing or expecting it, on a hiking trail at a state park, for example. With more allergy education, allergy awareness, and more product options, we can make outdoor spaces safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Whether you buy a certified allergy-safe bird seed or make your own blends, there are plenty of ways to enjoy feeding birds without the risk of an allergic reaction. By advocating for safer outdoor spaces—especially peanut-free and tree nut-free areas—sharing allergy-friendly bird seed options with community centers, zoos, and local centers is a way to raise awareness and help ensure that everyone, including those with food allergies, can connect with nature safely.
If you have an additional allergy-friendly bird seed recipe or feeder idea, drop it in the comments! Let’s work together to make the outdoors safer and more inclusive for all. If you have a park or community spot that uses a bird seed that isn’t safe for you, share this brand with them! Now that I’m a Wallis Johns brand ambassador, I can’t wait to spread the word to all my favorite botanical gardens, conservancies, stores, parks, and more in my area!