Bird seeds are a common food source provided for pet and wild birds. When storing bird seeds, it is important to keep them in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. The storage location and container can help maintain freshness and prevent spoilage or pest infestations.
Should bird seeds be refrigerated?
Bird seeds do not need to be refrigerated for short-term storage. The low moisture environment of a refrigerator can actually cause some varieties of seeds to dry out faster. Refrigeration is only needed if storing seeds for more than 3-6 months. The cold environment helps prevent oils in the seeds from going rancid over an extended time.
What is the best place to store bird seeds?
The ideal place to store bird seeds is in a cool, dark location around room temperature. Areas like a pantry, cabinet, closet or sealed container work well. Garages and basements are other good options, as long as they do not get too hot or humid. Avoid storing seeds near windows, appliances or anywhere they might get wet or exposed to pests.
Should bird seeds be kept in the bag or container?
It is generally best to keep bird seeds in their original packaging or transfer them to resealable plastic or glass containers. This helps block light, moisture and pests. If storing in the bag, roll or fold the top of the bag closed and use a clip to seal it. For containers, make sure they have an airtight lid. Clear containers work well since you can easily see the seed level.
What are the best containers for storing bird seeds?
Good containers for bird seeds include:
- Plastic storage bins or buckets with tight fitting lids
- Glass jars or bottles with airtight seals
- Resealable plastic bags or containers
- Metal coffee cans or containers with lids
- Pet food containers with seals
Look for containers that are BPA-free and made from non-porous materials. Make sure the lids seal tightly to keep moisture and pests out.
How long do bird seeds last in storage?
With proper storage, most bird seeds will last for:
- 6-12 months past any expiration date
- Up to 2 years for untouched, unopened packages
- Around 3-6 months once opened
The shelf life depends on the seed variety, storage conditions and packaging. Keep an eye on seeds for signs they have gone bad like mold, clumping, discoloration or rancid smell.
What causes bird seeds to spoil?
Bird seeds can spoil from a few key factors:
- Heat – Causes oils to go rancid
- Moisture – Promotes mold, bacteria, fungal growth
- Pests – Can contaminate and eat seeds
- Sunlight – Degrades nutrients over time
- Improper storage – Exposes seeds to elements
- Age – Causes gradual deterioration
Storing seeds properly helps prevent issues like bugs, clumping, rotting and germination that can ruin them over time.
How should you check bird seeds for freshness?
To check bird seeds for freshness:
- Inspect for visible signs of moisture, mold or webbing which indicates spoilage
- Smell seeds for rancid or musty odor
- Feel seeds to see if any clumping occurs which suggests moisture was absorbed
- Taste a few seeds to check for stale or bitter flavor
- Look for tiny bugs or eggs which signal infestation
- Check the expiration or best by date if one is available
If seeds pass these checks and look intact, they should be fine to feed birds. Discard any seeds that show signs of mold, moisture, pests or rancidity.
What are signs bird seeds have gone bad?
Look for these signs that bird seeds have spoiled:
- Visible mold growth
- Clumping of seeds
- Discoloration or dark spots
- Rancid or bitter smell
- Presence of bugs or webbing
- Soft texture instead of hardened shell
- Germination or sprouting occurring
Even a few bad seeds mixed in can spoil the whole batch. When in doubt, throw seeds out to avoid making birds sick.
Can spoiled bird seeds make birds sick?
Yes, feeding birds spoiled, moldy or insect-infested seeds can make them ill. Consuming bad seeds puts birds at risk of:
- Digestive upset or food poisoning
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Illnesses from ingesting pesticides
- Respiratory issues from toxic molds
- Potentially even death in severe cases
Always discard outdated, rotten or bug-eaten seeds. Never give birds seeds that are questionable.
How should you dispose of spoiled bird seeds?
To safely dispose of spoiled bird seeds:
- Wear gloves and a face mask to handle moldy seeds
- Place the seeds into a plastic bag, seal it and put into a second bag
- Put the double-bagged seeds in an outdoor garbage can right away
- Wash hands thoroughly after disposal
- Clean any storage containers thoroughly before reuse
Never compost moldy or insect-infested seeds. Discard and replace spoiled seeds so birds can enjoy fresh, nutritious feed.
Conclusion
Proper storage is key to keeping bird seeds fresh for extended periods. Store seeds in a cool, dry spot in an airtight container out of sunlight. Check regularly for moisture, clumping, bugs or other signs seeds have gone bad. Discard any spoiled seeds and replace with a fresh supply. With the right storage methods, bird seeds can retain their nutritional value for many months before needing replacement.