How long does bird feed last?

Properly stored, birdseed can last well over a year without becoming unsuitable for the birds. Rotate seed stocks regularly to ensure you are always using the oldest seeds first. Buy seeds in reasonable quantities for the appetites of your birds to always keep the feeders safely filled with fresh and delicious treats.

Can bird seed get too old?

Yes, birdseed can spoil. But how and when depends on a mix’s contents. Knowing how to keep birdseed can make all of the difference in how long it stays fresh.

How long does a bag of bird food last?

6-12 Months Expiration Date Range: The Safest Length To Store Bird Seeds. You may not know this, but you can typically find an expiration date range stamped on a birdseed package.

Can old bird seed hurt birds?

Moldy birdseed and unclean bird feeders can cause birds to become sick and in hot humid weather, it is common for mold to form on wet birdseed. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the mold can cause a fatal avian disease called aspergillosis, which affects the birds’ respiratory systems.

How often should I change my birds food?

Some people refill their feeders multiple times a day (especially during the nesting season) , many do it once a week, and others refill them once a month. If you can’t decide how often you should be refilling your feeders, check out these three feeding schedules you can implement to see which fits your lifestyle best.

How long can you use bird seed?

between six and twelve months
If your container itself becomes damaged in any way then either replace or repair it before further use. Correctly stored birdseed should last between six and twelve months (depending on the seed and seed mix) before becoming unsuitable for garden birds.

Can you use out of date bird seed?

Correctly stored birdseed should last between six and twelve months (depending on the seed and seed mix) before becoming unsuitable for garden birds. We suggest rotating seed stocks on a regular basis and always use your oldest seed first.

Can sunflower seeds go bad?

It’s not an expiration date by any means, but an excellent place to start. If the package stays unopened at room temperature, the seeds should keep quality for a couple of months past it. If you decide to refrigerate or freeze them, expect to get at least a year of additional shelf life.

Do bird feeders attract rats?

Rodent Remedies Done correctly, bird feeding will not attract rats. However, if there are rats or mice in your yard, then an unguarded source of birdseed can make them undesirably jubilant and visible.

Should I take my birds food out at night?

Another good habit to have is removing all food, even seed and pellets, at your bird’s bedtime. Leaving food in the cage overnight can attract rodents keen on pilfering bits of your bird’s food.

What is the shelf life of birdbird seeds?

Bird Seed Shelf Life. Over time, seeds lose nutrients through oxidation. For this reason, manufacturers generally put a two-year “shelf life” on their seed mix packages. That is usually noted with a “best when used by” date stamped on the bag.

How long does bird food last in the garage?

Storage of bird food and how long to keep it. All foods should be stored in a cool, dry place – the garage is often the best place. Plastic storage containers like this one are ideal. Foods will generally be fine for at least 3-6 months if stored properly.

How long does bird food last in a feeder?

Storage of bird food and how long to keep it. Food in a tube or softfood feeder should be fine for up to 10 days (though in reality it’s unlikely it would last that long) so remove it after this time and put fresh in. If extreme wet and windy weather makes food damp in a tube feeder, then remove it and put fresh in.

Can birds eat old bird seed?

Birds are unlikely to notice the taste of stale or old bird seed, even if humans would. Older seed can be used in bird feeders if it does not appear discolored, clumpy or infested with insects.