I should think its OK. After all they bath in less than clean water in puddles and gutters etc. More important to keep feeding platform clean and seed holders too, than worry about sometimes needless use by/sell by dates that are suggesting staleness rather than danger to wild birds who eat live insects

I agree the viable date on seed packets is there to ensure someone does not store the packet for 5 years and then complain when the seed doesn't germinate. These are very fine seeds though and you might well find them blowing around the garden in a breeze.

Not much chance of anything blowing around in a breeze, MG - more likely they'll be a sodden, damp clump, like everything else at the moment, lol!

I didn't think S Yorks was getting that much rain but I may be wrong... if the seed gets too wet it will sprout! We've had a few days of wall to wall sunshine here.

I'll admit I didn't notice it was S. Yorks, but I think the North got it yesterday or today, can't recall now.

Aren't some seeds treated with fungicide? Not sure about this or if it would matter.

Thanks to each who responded & yes S.yorks have had our fair share of the wet stuff. It was the prospect of the seeds being treated with something that was my main concern, but all your comments were valued. Ta for now and I'll be back when I need more sound advice. INVALUABLE !!! J. :)

Gosh you are right Steragram as we use organic seed it isn't treated! Doubt it would affect the birds - not sure the birds will actually eat it either!

Some out of date seeds will actually germinate anyway - worth a try!