Wild Bird Seed (WBS) - Grain Spawn

Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is one of the cheapest and most widely available grains for mushroom cultivation. Typically found in the pet or outdoor sections of grocery stores, big box stores, home improvement stores, and pet shops. However, my local grocery store hides it on the bottom shelves of the produce section of all places. You can also find it online; this is the brand I purchase on Amazon:

There are many types of wild bird seed, and only specific varieties will work for mushroom cultivation. You want wild bird seed that mostly consists of millet and milo; this type usually contains sunflower seeds and cracked corn in addition to the millet and milo. The sunflower seeds are easy to remove, and the crack corn isn't an issue.

Wild bird seed is an excellent choice for grain spawn because of the many inoculation points. Meaning the mycelium can colonize it faster, and it will mix more evenly in a bulk substrate. WBS isn't perfect; you'll need to clean it, removing sunflower seeds, larger corn kernels, and debris like twigs, stones, etc. The sunflower seeds could cause a contamination issue if not removed.

Wild Bird Seed - By Grain

Don't throw away the sunflower seeds

My neighborhood birds have mush-love for the discarded sunflower seeds and cracked corn. A family of cardinals and song sparrows visit my house regularly for the discarded grain. Instead of throwing away the excess, try leaving them outside for the birds; you'll have a fair amount of excess after each batch of spawn.

Preparing Wild Bird Seed Grain Spawn

  1. Measure Dry Grain Spawn
    Measure Dry Grains

    Measure the amount of grain you would like to use and place it in a large pot. A mason jar (1-Quart) of dry grain usually yields around 2 jars of spawn. The measurement isn't an exact science as we will need to remove the sunflower seeds.

  2. Scoop out sunflower seeds
    Remove Floaters

    In a sink, add water to the pot and begin scooping out anything that floats; this will mostly consist of sunflower seeds. Tip: I use a small mesh strainer that works excellent to collect floaters.

  3. Murky grain water
    Mix Grains

    After removing the floaters, run your hands through the grains a few times to release any trapped sunflower seeds. Continue this process until you are left with murky water.

  4. Cleaning mushroom grain spawn
    Clean/Rinse

    Dump the dirty water through a colander or mesh strainer to catch any grain. Then refill the pot with clean water. Run your hands through the grain to shake dirt loose. Rinse and repeat until the water looks crystal clear.

  5. large corn kernals, sticks, pebbles and other debris
    Remove Debris

    While cleaning the grains, discard any large corn kernels, sticks, pebbles, and other debris. You do not need to be very thorough; just remove the larger debris.

  6. crystal clear grain spawn water
    Clean Water

    Once the water is cleaned, fill the pot until the water is about 1 inch above the grains.

  7. Cup of Coffee and Gypsum
    Additives Optional

    To prevent the grains from sticking together, add a scoop (tablespoon) of gypsum. Increase the nitrogen (pH) by adding a cup of mild coffee to the grain.

  8. Hydrating grains
    Hydrate Grains

    Cover the pot and allow it to soak for 12+ hours. I typically let the grains hydrate overnight.

  9. simmering mushroom grain spawn
    Cook Grains Simmer

    Heat the pot until it comes to a simmer (just before boiling). It is crucial that you don't let it boil, or else the grain will break apart into a sludgy mess. Cooking will soften the grains, making it easier for the mycelium to consume.

  10. Strain & Air Dry grains
    Strain & Air Dry

    Strain the grains and let the outer surface area air-dry. Usually, this takes 45-60 minutes. The grains are ready when they don't leave a puddle when placed on a paper towel.

  11. Mason jars full of grain spawn
    Fill Mason Jars

    Fill your jars about 2/3 of the way full. The extra space is needed to break up the colonized grain later and it also helps for conducting grain to grain transfers.

  12. Mason jars of grain spawn with gas exchange and foil
    Jar Lids & Foil

    All jar lids should contain a filtered gas exchange. Without it, the mycelium could suffocate and die. Simply punch a hold in the lid and cover it with a filter patch, micropore tape, or stuff with polyfill. If you plan on to inoculate the grain with a syringe, add an injection port. Once your lid is on, cover the top of the jars with foil to prevent moisture from entering the gas exchange.

  13. Pressure cooker 15-PSI
    Pressure Sterilize

    Prepare your pressure cooker to sterilize the grain spawn. You'll want to cook the grain spawn for 90-minutes once the pressure cooker reaches 15-PSI. Tip: Instructions for operating a pressure cooker: Pressure Cooker Tutorial

  14. Finshed WBS mushroom grain spawn
    Finished Grains

    Allow the pressure cooker to come down in pressure and cool overnight. You'll want the grains to be at room temperature before inoculation. If the internal temp of the spawn is too warm, it could kill the mycelium.

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