When it comes to setting up a bird feeder, the type of bird seed you choose is crucial. While there are various bird feed options available, bird seed is the best and most commonly used type of feed.
The primary purpose of having a bird feeder is to observe birds as they come to feed. Bird feeders provide an easy way to start bird watching.
For bird watchers, it is essential to know how much food is sufficient to feed the birds and keep them coming back. It is equally important to understand how long bird seed can stay in the feeders before it needs to be replaced with fresh seeds.
This information is crucial not only for bird enthusiasts but also to prevent the birds from consuming spoiled seeds, which can be harmful to their health and drive them away from the feeders.
Ideally, bird seeds can last for about three days before they start to spoil. However, it’s important to note that most store-bought bird seeds are artificially dried and contain preservatives, causing them to spoil faster, especially when exposed to rain or moisture.
To manage the condition of your bird seeds, it is recommended to only leave them in the feeders for two to three days at most. It’s a good practice to provide enough seeds for one to three days and refill the feeders once they are empty. This ensures that the birds are always eating fresh seeds and prevents the seeds from going bad.
To identify spoiled bird seeds, look for hard clumps that don’t break apart easily. Clumping is natural, but when the seeds become hard and compact, they can pose a choking hazard to birds. Other signs of spoiled seeds include mold formation, presence of insects or larvae, sprouting or germination, foul smell, and swollen or split seeds. Additionally, a decrease in bird activity at the feeders can indicate that the seeds have gone bad.
To prevent bird seeds from spoiling, it’s important to store them properly in airtight containers in cool, dry places away from rodents. Avoid buying more seeds than necessary and only provide enough for a few weeks to prevent wastage. Refill the feeders every two to three days and clean them thoroughly to remove any old seeds, bacteria, excrement, insects, and moldy seeds.
Bird seeds are a mix of oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, striped sunflowers, cracked corn, and dried fruit. They are designed to provide maximum nutrition for birds. Examples of bird seeds include suet, sunflower, and mixed seeds.
Maintaining clean feeders and providing high-quality seeds is essential to attract birds and enjoy their presence. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bird seeds last longer and remain fresh, keeping the birds coming back to your feeders.