How to Store Wild Bird Seed
It is essential to store wild bird seedcorrectly because it helps keep the seed fresh, nutritious, and attractive to the birds in your garden. If you don't store it well, the seed can become rotten or grow mould, which is not suitable for our flying friends! So, if you want to make sure they have tasty food every time they visit you, follow these tips on how (and where) to store your wild bird seed correctly.
What is in Wild Bird Seed Mix?
Wild bird seed mixes are made to give a variety of bird species a balanced diet. But what exactly is in wild bird seed? A typical mix includes an assortment of seeds, grains, and, at times, dried fruits or bugs. Typical ingredients include sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, peanuts, and Nyjer seeds. Each part has its own use, which feeds different kinds of birds. Sunflower seeds have lots of fat and energy, making them liked by species such as finches, tists, and sparrows. Ground-feeding birds, such as pigeons and doves, enjoy millet. Nyjer seeds bring in finches and other small seed-eating birds.
Mix Quality
The quality of the mix can differ, so choosing one of our recognised brands that provides a healthy blend is crucial. Superior wild bird seed mixes will have more sunflower seeds and other top ingredients, whereas lower-quality ones might contain more filler grains such as wheat or barley that birds find less appealing.
How Often Should You Feed Wild Birds?
Giving food to wild birds is enjoyable, yet it must be done responsibly. A common question is how frequently should you feed these birds. The answer primarily depends on the surroundings in your area and how much natural food is available for them. Usually, it is advised to feed birds all year, as they require more energy during the cold season and breeding times. Their natural food, such as insects and berries, becomes limited in winter. Hence, offering bird seed can assist them in better surviving through these colder months. When birds are making nests and raising young ones in spring and summer, they have a greater need for energy.
Feed Birds at the Same Time Every Day
Birds are creatures of habit and will learn quickly when to come for food in your garden. Try refilling feeders at a consistent time each day. Keep all the feeders out because birds rely on this routine for nourishment. However, you should avoid putting too much food in the feeders. If birds don't eat all the seed, it may go off and attract bugs or rodents in your garden.
What is the Best Wild Bird Food to Buy?
Selecting the correct food is very important for attracting different kinds of birds and giving them the nutrition they need. If you’re asking, what wild bird food should I buy? It depends on which sort of birds you desire to entice and what time of year it is. A good-quality wild bird seed mix is an excellent choice for general purposes. These mixes offer a balanced diet and are appealing to many types of birds.
How Long Does Wild Bird Seed Last?
Keeping wild bird seed well stored is vital for preserving its freshness and nutritional quality. But for how long does wild bird seed last? Most seeds can be good for about six months when stored in ideal conditions. However, temperature, humidity, and potential pest infestation can drastically reduce how long they can be stored.
To ensure your bird seed is fresh for as long as possible, keep it in a cool, dry spot where there isn't direct sunlight. Airtight containers are helpful because they help to stop moisture and bugs from reaching the seed. For this purpose, plastic or metal bins with tight lids work very well. If you purchase large bird seed, consider splitting it into smaller storage and keeping them separately. This way, even if one part gets spoiled, the whole batch won't be contaminated.
Regularly check your bird seed for spoilage signals such as mould growth, lumping together, or an odd scent. If you see any of these signs, it's better to throw away the affected seed and buy new seed. Feeding birds with spoiled seeds can lead them to have health issues, so it's always good to be careful.
If you follow the tips on storing wild bird seed and learn about what to feed wild birds, you will be able to create a pleasant and healthy atmosphere for the birds in your garden. It doesn't matter if you are a skilled bird watcher or just starting out with this hobby; by giving the correct food and care, your garden will always be an enjoyable place for creatures living in nature. Contact Mole Avon for more information today.
-
Posted by Lauren Cook
9th July 2024
