Keeping Bird Seed Fresh and Healthy for the Birds

Fresh, top quality seed and seed blends are the foundations for successful backyard bird feeding. Under normal storage and use conditions, seed will stay fresh and healthy for birds until it is completely consumed. However, unusually wet or humid weather conditions or periods of slow bird activity can potentially cause birdseed to deteriorate or spoil. The following recommendations will help to ensure that the seed you provide your birds will always be healthy and nutritious:

• Always store your seed in a cool and dry location. Freezers are perfect for storing bird feed such as suet, peanuts, and Nyjer to keep it fresh during the hot summer months. 
• Store seed in rodent and insect proof containers. Steel or aluminum cans, for an example, are both strong enough to keep rodents out while being easy to clean & sanitize. 
• If the seed containers are kept outdoors, secure the lids so that animals cannot get in and contaminate the seed. And, remember that even the toughest Rubbermaid tub can be chewed through. 
• Disinfect your bird seed containers when you clean and disinfect your bird feeders twice a season. Doing so will guarantee seed freshness and safety for your birds' health. We suggest a 10-1 ratio of water and bleach. Or a 10% bleach solution for all containers. Rinse well with fresh water after cleaning and allow your containers to completely air-dry before filling with seed (even if your seed is still in a bag). 
• Never mix old seed with new seed. Remember to always clean out all remaining seed from your seed containers before refilling.
• During periods of warm weather, store no more than a four to six-week supply of seed at a time.
• During the winter, store only the amount of seed that your birds can consume over a four-six week period and be sure to completely use your winter supply of birdseed before warm weather arrives.
• Keep your bird feeders filled with a one or two day supply of seed to ensure it is eaten quickly and stays fresh.
• Discard moldy, rancid or foul-smelling seed, because it can be a health hazard to birds.

A note about bird seed and bugs:
Any seed can become infested with grain moths and weevils. While this is not a preferable situation, it does not mean the seed is unfit for use. In fact, the insects will be eagerly consumed by many of the birds at your feeders. Do not fill feeders with seed that may contain grain moth webbing as it may cause clogging in your feeder. 

Should your seed become infested, be sure to store the seed outdoors and not inside your house or attached garage. If you wish to eliminate the bugs in your remaining seed, place it in a freezer for five days. For ease of use, divide your seed into smaller baggies and remove them from the freezer the day before you intend to use it.

Once the infested seed is used, be sure to thoroughly clean your storage containers before refilling with fresh seed.