best container to store bird seed
best container to store bird seed
Your bird food containers should also have lids on them to keep your bird feed fresh and prevent contamination. You can also inspect your bird feed for telltale clues. If you are storing it outside, look for galvanized metal that wont rust. Choose a storage method that works best for you and your family. Musty odours suggest mould or mildew from damp seed. Bird seeds must be kept away from animals and insects that might get into the container, such as squirrels and raccoons. This is how I store birdseed at my house. My suggestion is either a metal or heavy plastic storage container. Even though the bins were very heavy plastic, they chewed through the side of the sunflower heart bin. Or you could instead purchase smaller weight bags that you can manage. And one more metal container originally held a bulk order of desiccant packets (used when I produced a monthly paper magazine.) Thanks! Make sure that you store your fresh seed in a convenient location. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. But heavy plastic storage bins like those sold in home improvement stores can also work well if chewing isnt an issue. Hi Laura, Promise!). Done! I could also create special labels for someone else filling the feeders for me while I was away if they needed more instructions. Smaller bird food storage containers are lighter and easier to move so are a good choice if you only store small amounts of bird feed or if you need to carry the container outside to your bird feeder, whereas larger containers are ideal for storing greater amounts of bird food. The exception is my thinner nyjer tube And second, if we go out of town, someone else might need to find the right type of seed. I can empty the bags right from the tailgate of my truck directly into the coolers, then wheel it right where I need them. Should I store bird seed in the plastic bag? These larger cans hold thirty-one gallons and I think should be able to hold (or almost hold) two fifty pound bags of seed. from the kitchen storage and bring them outside. Clean out your feeder and add fresh seeds every five to 10 days. (One tin holds dried mealworms instead of seed.). In winter, I also buy white proso millet in twenty-pound bags. Proper storage will help keep your birdseed safe for your feathered friends to enjoy. I just checked and I do have my seed labels saved as jpg files. Storing birdseed inside is the most convenient option for me, with the seed easy to access. And during snow storms, I dont have to dig a path to an outdoor storage location just to get birdseed. You want to keep it clean and dry but also secure so other wildlife doesnt get into the seed. Its so relaxing to sit and watch them flit from one spot to another. The first clue that your bird food has gone bad is if the wild birds visiting your garden dont seem to be eating it anymore! The bulk of my birdseed purchases go into larger storage containers in the basement. I love watching the birds at home. feeders easily enough. Here are some of the most popular: -Metal garbage cans with tight fitting lids. Feed stores recommend that seeds can be frozen long-term to stay good longer if they have to. Hi Steve, Any chance your labels are available to download? Required fields are marked *. Hi Gwen, Got a question for us? Please Note: My blog includes some Amazon affiliate links. Another large decorative tin was a gift. This metal can worked well as I tested it out, but I tend to buy extra seed in the heart of winter and also whenever the bird store has a 20% off sale. They should be kept in their own sealed bird food storage container, ideally made from plastic. Larger than the small galvanized metal pails the store also carries, these size can should be able to store fifty-pounds of seed or a twenty-five pound bag of bulky peanuts in the shell. The best way to keep these seeds fresh is in the refrigerator or freezer. Whichever style of bird food storage container you choose, you should ensure it has a lid to deter pests and keep your wild bird food fresh. When it comes to storing bird seed, the main thing is to keep it away from moisture and pests. If the container is damaged in any way (for example, its been chewed through) then its better to repair or replace it before filling it with new birdseed. I dont have room to store all my bulk birdseed on the first floor, so some is stored in the kitchen and the rest downstairs in the basement. Seed pours out of these jars into most Thats a really clever idea! (I have used both. Dismiss, The Warehouse, 74, Station Road,Deeping St James,Peterborough,PE6 8RQ, The Ultimate Guide to Using Blended Bird Seed. Because these tins are on shelves, the side labels are easiest to see. All content of this site is copyrighted Nancie Waterman 2013-2021 unless credited to someone else (who probably then has copyright on it.) I also fill any feeders that need that type of seed. Good luck with the mice. When you subscribe below, youll get an email whenever a new post goes up (and ONLY then. Please check back shortly. (Also see Gwens comment below.) pitcher with nyjer seed. If you dont have a garage, you can store seed for your bird feeder in plastic containers. Now that Ive shared my bird seed storage ideas and tips with you, check out my post on how to make wild bird treats from birdseed. Labels make it clear that what is inside is something you need free access to. stock is depleted, I go downstairs to fill up the jars. I have not yet labeled the newer galvanized cans. Furbo Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD Wifi Pet Camera and 2-Way Audio, Designed for Dogs, Compatible with Alexa (As Seen On Ellen), Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera with Built-in Vet Chat for Cats & Dogs, Security Camera with 1080p HD Video, Night Vision, Two-Way Audio, Magnet Mounting for Entire Home Surveillance. If you are concerned about wild animals or mice, make sure it has a tightly fitting lid. Yes, it can go bad if exposed to heat or sunlight for longer periods. Taking temperature and humidity into account is a good point. I like labeling mine for a few reasons. Its a bit startling to open a seed bin to have little mouse eyes staring up at you. Birdseed & Binoculars is the blog of Nancie Waterman. Pet sitting tips for owners and caregivers. But if stored, for example, in a hot shed, adjustments might be needed. Whatever storage container you choose, make sure it is kept in a cool, dry place. This means youll need to find a safe and convenient way to store your bird food supply to keep it fresh and easily to hand when its time to top up your bird feeders. The point is, if you have a suitable storage container already, clean it out well and use it. If you feed birds sunflower seeds or safflower seeds, you need to store the seed in a cool, dry place. If your bird food has gone bad and you are reusing a container, its best to thoroughly wash and disinfect the container after disposing of the old feed before you refill it with fresh bird food. You can, but its not the best way to store bird seed. Once I have everything filled, I take Storing birdseed in your garage is a great way to keep the seed fresh and dry. Once inside, I open up the bag and bring one of my kitchen tins over near the bag. (Note: In the comments below, Laura requested copies of my labels that can be downloaded and printed. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. When I come home from the bird store, I carry the fifty-pound bag to just inside my kitchen door and set it down on the floor. We used a. Using one of my trail mix jars to scoop seed into my kitchen storage tin, I fill the tin with as much seed as it will hold. Basement seed storage will work for large containers. Nancie. Other problems with improper storage are that it can lead to spills of bird food and make refilling your bird feeders messy, tricky and time-consuming! All storage containers should have a well-fitting lid to prevent insects and rodents from accessing your bird feed. What type of storage containers should you use to store birdseed? Using the right containers can make all of the difference. (A secure lid keeps them inside the storage container . I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you use an affiliate link on my site to go to Amazon and make a purchase within 24 hours, I earn a small fee which helps offset blog related costs. Thanks for sharing that. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae92c7b228a0d8e5eb80506d491ef12d" );document.getElementById("gc44ad9799").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If Im stocked up, I can just fill them The small fees they provide help cover my site costs. Birdseed costs money and if you want it to last and not get moldy or be eaten by mice or other creatures, you need to store it properly. Then I recycle the paper seed bag. . Large galvanized metal garbage cans with lids are great for people who like to buy bird seed in bulk in a large bag. If you regularly feed the wild birds that visit your garden, youll want to make sure you never run out of bird feed. This will help keep the seed fresh and dry. I store my birdseed inside my house. For myself, I dont have enough space in my kitchen to store fifty-pounds of each type of seed, so I store what I have space for here in metal tins. I also dont have to worry about seed getting excessively hot or it getting wet and then rotting before I can use it. Over time, the seed will go bad if its not kept in a cool, dry place. A temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for storing bird seed. While you might be tempted to just keep seed in the paper or plastic bags they came in, there can be problems with that, even if you are storing it inside away from damp and critters. The plastic bags that bird seed comes in are not airtight. You can also do a sniff-test of your bird food. Please always respect copyrights. You can find suet cakes at your local hardware or feed store. If you give a little thought to setting up a convenient and easy to use birdseed storage system, youll find that filling up the feeders doesnt have to be a chore. This method prevents the seed from spoilage because of humidity and hot conditions. Ellen is a busy mom of a 22-year-old son and 27-year-old daughter. During the winter, you can store seeds that the birds can consume for four weeks. I can carry three of these filled jars in each hand outside without spilling seed. Mine carries small galvanized metal pails with lids that can securely store small amounts of seed. The type you use will depend on how many bird feeders you use regularly. (These are the three cans on the right in the photo above.) I have a lot of bird feeders and fill them with a lot of birdseed year round, but especially during winter months. How to Choose Birdseed For Backyard Birds, Want to read more posts about birds? Choose small bird seed storage containers for one or two bird feeders. First, it can be harder to neatly extract birdseed stored in bags, especially big deep bulk bags. What Are the Best Ways to Store Bird Feed. Incorrectly stored bird food can lead to a several problems. And, it will keep other critters like mice out. Check for insects (alive or dead) or other signs of an infestation. Learn how your comment data is processed. With a little planning, you can easily keep your bird seed fresh. Sharp unpleasant smells are a definite warning sign that your bird food should be discarded. If you only buy ten or twenty pounds or less of birdseed at a time, this type of storage may be enough. They may not keep your seeds safe outside. For years I stored the bulk of the seed down in our basement storage area in five very large 18-gallon Rugged Tote lidded plastic storage bins, purchased from a home improvement store (Lowes). (Paying less per pound for a bigger bag of birdseed that will dry out before you can use it all is a false economy.). never mix old and new seed together.). How do we keep birdseed fresh and tasty? How do you store your birdseed? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You can now find them in the Birdseed Storage Labels to Print post.) Be sure to keep your metal storage containers somewhere where they wont rust. You can store bird feed indoors but it needs to be kept cool so make sure its away from radiators or warm pipes and isnt somewhere that is likely to get condensation or damp. Your email address will not be published. call us today on01778 342 665, The store is currently under planned maintenance. Two started life as big holiday gift tins of popcorn and candy. I use a bunch of 30-ounce plastic jars that originally held Archer Farms trail mix (from Target.) When considering what is the best bird food storage container think about where youll keep it. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. For those, I use the jar to instead fill an old plastic Seeds last up to twelve months if properly stored. You can find many storage options for birdseed. There are many different types of storage containers for bird seed. I only use these links for products Ive used myself unless specifically noted otherwise. Store seeds in a cool and dry area to keep it freshest. She has been running a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont for the past three years. Unfortunately, my lovely plastic bin storage hit a snag this past year: mice. Its important to store the seed in temperate, dry conditions to keep your bird food fresh. I found out for me using large coolers with wheels work really well . The pitcher spout helps me fill the tubes Smaller containers can be stored in the kitchen or near the door if they are attractive. Look out for signs that rodents may have got to your bird feed such as damaged containers, teeth marks or signs of chewing and even trails of bird food leading away from the container or rodent droppings nearby. Storing birdseed in an airtight container helps keep it fresh. (But stairs are good exercise right? Enter your email address to receive email notifications of new posts. So, make sure that you fill feeders regularly with bird seeds to encourage birds to return. Keep the seed in a cool and dry area to keep it freshest. I keep about 6 large bags of different types of bird food in our outbuilding and have had the mice get into them before. Because the big bins in the basement were lined up with the tops easiest to see, it made the most sense to put the labels on the lids. Best metal storage containers for birdseed storage. And if I swapped out seed, it was easy to change the label. Typically it is cheapest to purchase birdseed locally in the largest bags available. ), If you have mice around and they find a way inside, you may develop a mouse problem. ), Sometimes moths hang out in seed bags, so storing them inside can bring moths inside. Storing sunflower seeds or safflower seeds, How to store large quantities of bird seed. feeders. If for some reason I couldnt do that, my second choice would be inside our dry garage which is closed up to keep out wildlife. Sturdy plastic bins, and galvanized metal containers are popular choices for bird food storage. Posts may be sponsored. One of the major issues is that bird food such as sunflower seeds, peanuts and other wild bird seed is not only delicious for birds, its also highly attractive to pests, such as rats, mice and insects! (Note: Mice did recently find their way into our house. I should be able to post them here either today or tomorrow. When storing birdseed inside, you could go with either metal or heavy plastic storage bins. If you are the only one filling the feeders, you may not need to label them. We love making homemade bird treats for the wild birds that visit ourfeeders. These are great for storing large quantities of bird seed. . First, I learned the hard way that if other people dont know what Im storing in the low flat-topped plastic bins, they might think its ok to stack other things on top of them. Right now Im the only one filling the feeders so it isnt necessary. If I didnt use that much, Id choose a smaller size. As you attract birds to your yard, you may be purchasing a lot more birdseed to feed them. Remember that mice and squirrels may chew through your plastic storage containers. (I later purchased another of these for millet and one of the small pails for peanut hearts.(. I was looking for a good storage solution and this is it. And a floppy bag can more easily spill. To fill the feeders, you obviously need to get the birdseed from the storage containers to the feeders. Home Bird Seed, Suet and Other Foods Bird Seed Storing Birdseed: Three Easy Ways. So maybe this is really a pro. (You could do something very something similar with sheet protector pages if you have some of those around the house.). So now I use the medium-sized can for peanuts in the shell and the larger cans for sunflower hearts/chips, safflower and nyjer seed. I also touch on bird photography, stories about birds and birding field trips. . Because I store my birdseed inside, it reduces the chance of outdoor critters getting into it. Because I can usually go through fifty pounds of nyjer in a month, I buy it in the big bags from a local bird store that has very fresh high quality seed. Without the lids, I find these are a nice size to scoop out a decent amount of seed, usually enough to top off or fill one or more feeders. She owns 5 blogs and is addicted to social media. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. To attach them to my kitchen tins, I used clear packing tape to attach it to the side of the tins. Ellen LaFleche-Christian and Other Peoples Pets, 2015-2022. I am more conservative about nyjer seed though because American Goldfinches will shun stale nyjer and it dries out relatively quickly.
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