Bird Seed Storage by Myrna Pearman

With winter just around the corner, keeping bird seed dry can be a challenge. Wet and moldy seeds are not healthy for the birds, so keeping them dry, both in storage and when in bird feeders, is important.

The ideal place to store seeds is in a garage or shed, protected from the elements and rodents. If an outbuilding is rodent-free, bags can simply be opened for use. If rodents are an issue, however, rodent-proof containers will be needed.

Although there are several commercial birdseed storage containers on the market, I have found that the ideal outdoor storage containers are garbage cans. Good quality plastic bins (which have well-secured lids) work well if rodents and high winds aren’t an issue. Otherwise, metal cans should be used. Be sure to check the can handles and choose only a style with a secure locking mechanism and a waterproof lid.

I use two metal garbage cans: a large one into which I dump 40-lb bags of sunflower seeds and a smaller one to hold several small bags of various Mother Nature’s blends.

If you store seeds outside, choose a location that is easy to access, and place the cans in a shady spot so the contents don’t overheat on warm days.

It is especially important during the fall and winter season to use feeders which will keep the seeds as snow-free as possible. If using tray and fly-through feeders, dispense small quantities of seed at a time and replenish as needed. If the seeds get soggy, replace them immediately. Unless they are moldy, damp seeds can be scattered on the ground for ground-feeding species.

The best winter feeders are tube and hopper feeders that come with large roofs and protected portals. Additional protection can be facilitated by adding a baffle (an upturned heavy plastic bowl will work well) to the top of the feeder. Larger feeders require less frequent refilling than smaller ones and are less likely to be destroyed by wind.

While the fall and winter present some challenges to backyard bird enthusiasts, a few simple techniques will keep both you and the birds happy until spring arrives again.