Bird seed ornaments are a popular craft for the winter holidays. They provide a fun activity for kids while also giving birds a tasty treat during the cold months. But how long do these seed ornaments actually last before the birds devour them? Here is a quick overview of what affects the longevity of bird seed ornaments:
– Type of seed – Smaller seeds like millet tend to get eaten faster than larger seeds like sunflower. Mixes with more variety tend to last longer.
– Weather conditions – Ornaments last longer in cold, dry weather versus warm, wet weather. The seeds don’t spoil as fast in cold temperatures.
– Location – Ornaments hung in busy bird feeding areas or low to the ground tend to get eaten faster than those in remote locations or hung higher up.
– Bird activity – Areas with more birds will result in ornaments getting eaten faster. Larger and more aggressive birds may also peck at them more.
– Seed coating – Ornaments with seeds encased fully in suet or hardened dough tend to last longer than those with exposed seeds.
So on average, a basic mixed seed ornament can last around 2-4 weeks but many factors play a role. Proper seed selection and coating can extend their lifespan to 1-2 months or longer if conditions are ideal. Continue reading for more detail!
What Are Bird Seed Ornaments?
Bird seed ornaments, sometimes called bird seed wreaths or garlands, are a popular craft made by coating bird seeds in a binding material to form shapes like balls, wreaths, and garlands. These are then hung outside as edible decorations and bird feeders during winter.
Some common types of bird seed ornaments include:
– Seed balls – Seeds rolled into a ball shape with a binding agent like suet or dough.
– Seed wreaths – Seeds pressed into a ring or wreath shape made from straw, a pinecone base, or a wire frame.
– Seed garlands – Seeds threaded onto a hanging string or garland.
– Seed cakes or shapes – Seeds pressed into decorative molds and shapes.
– No-mess seed bags – Seeds enclosed in a mesh bag.
Bird seed ornaments provide a fun activity for families, classrooms, and youth groups. They can be customized with cookie cutters, stamps, or embellishments. Once dry, they can be hung outside to add decorative elements to the yard while also supplementing birds’ diets in winter.
Factors That Impact Lifespan
Several key factors impact how long bird seed ornaments can last before being fully consumed by birds:
1. Seed Type
The type of bird seed used in the ornaments makes a significant difference.
– Small seeds with thin shells like millet and nyjer tend to get eaten fastest.
– Larger, harder seeds like sunflower and safflower take birds longer to crack open and access.
– Mixes with several seed types tend to last longer since birds selectively pick their favorites.
– Suet nuggets infused into the ornaments can make them last longer too.
Sticking with larger seeds, mixes, and suet can extend the lifespan of the ornament.
2. Weather
Outdoor temperature and moisture impact longevity:
– Cold, dry weather keeps seeds fresh longer without spoiling or getting moldy.
– Hot or wet conditions can cause the seeds to rot and the ornament to deteriorate faster.
– Ornaments last longest in consistently cool, winter temperatures.
Making ornaments in late fall and winter ensures ideal outdoor conditions. Avoid early spring which brings rain and warmth.
3. Location
Where the ornament is hung makes a difference:
– Ornaments last longest in remote or seldom visited feeding spots.
– Ornaments in busy feeding areas or by bird baths get found faster.
– Hang ornaments high up on trees to prevent easy access.
– Ornaments low to the ground or on porch rails disappear quickest.
Pick hidden, hard to reach spots away from other feeders for maximum longevity.
4. Bird Activity
The types and amount of birds that visit impact longevity:
– Areas with more birds and higher traffic deplete ornaments faster.
– Larger and more aggressive birds like crows peck at ornaments vigorously.
– Ornaments in areas with fewer birds tend to last longer.
Unfortunately busy feeding stations lead to shorter lifespans.
5. Seed Coating
The coating binding the seeds together is also important:
– Thick coatings of suet or hardened dough protect seeds longer.
– Thin loose coatings allow easy access to seeds.
– Ornaments that fully encase seeds in suet tend to endure the elements and birds the longest.
– Exposed loose seeds get eaten off the surface quickly.
A thicker protective coating leads to longer lasting ornaments.
Average Lifespan
Taking these factors into account, a typical bird seed ornament can last:
– 2 to 4 weeks on average
– 1 to 2 months if conditions are ideal
– 1 to 2 weeks if placed in a busy location
Here are some examples of lifespan based on specific ornament types and locations:
Ornament Type | Lifespan |
---|---|
Basic mixed seed ball in busy location | 1-2 weeks |
Suet coated seed wreath in remote location | 1-2 months |
No-mess seed bag in sheltered spot | 3-4 weeks |
Sunflower seed cake on low porch rail | 1-2 weeks |
So while most seed ornaments only last for a few weeks, creative seed selection and strategic placement can extend their lifespan significantly.
Tips to Extend Lifespan
Here are some helpful tips to make bird seed ornaments last as long as possible:
Choose the Right Seeds
– Use larger seeds like sunflower, safflower or peanuts which take longer to eat.
– Avoid small, soft seeds like millet which disappear quickly.
– Opt for seed mixes over single seed types for more variety.
Add Suet or Hard Dough
– Encase seeds fully in suet or very firm dough for protection.
– If using a soft dough, make it thick around seeds.
– Dip wreaths in melted suet for added longevity.
Hang in Clever Locations
– Place ornaments in remote or hidden spots away from feeders.
– Hang high up in trees out of birds’ direct line of sight.
– Avoid low traffic areas and busy bird feeding zones.
Hang Late in Season
– Wait until peak winter to hang ornaments, around December.
– Avoid early autumn which brings warmer weather.
– Replenish ornaments in January/February for a seasonal look.
Store Properly When Not In Use
– Keep leftover ornaments in an airtight container in cool, dry spot.
– Prevent moisture and spoilage which can shorten lifespan when rehung.
Use Durable Materials
– Choose sturdy bases like wire frames and stiff wreaths.
– Thin wreaths and flimsy coatings deteriorate faster.
– Reinforce delicate areas with extra dough or string bindings.
Conclusion
Bird seed ornaments can provide weeks of decoration, wildlife entertainment, and supplemental bird feed through the chilly winter when made and hung properly. While factors like bird traffic and weather impact lifespan, strategic seed selection and hanging locations can help extend enjoyment. Aim for bigger seeds, remote spots, and late season installation to get the most longevity out of homemade or shop-bought seed ornaments. With the right approach, these nature-inspired crafts can embellish your garden for a sizeable portion of the winter months while also feeding your feathered friends.