The Ultimate Guide to Storing Bird Food

Stocking your garden with nutritious wild bird food is a rewarding way to connect with nature and support local wildlife. However, like any food product, storing bird food, seed and other items needs to be done correctly to maintain their quality, prevent spoilage, and avoid attracting unwanted visitors to your garden.

At Harvest Wildlife Products, we’re wild bird experts. We’re passionate about helping you provide the best for your feathered friends, and proper storage is a crucial part of that. Let’s dive into the best practices for keeping your bird food fresh and your garden a pest-free haven for birds.

Storing Bird Food in Tubs

Tubs are an excellent choice for storing bird food, especially larger quantities. Their reusable nature also makes them an environmentally friendly option. Here’s how to maximise their benefits:

• Airtight Seal is Key: Ensure your tub has a tight-fitting lid. This prevents moisture from getting in, which can lead to mould growth and spoilage. An airtight seal also helps to contain the scent of the seeds, reducing the likelihood of attracting pests.
• Keep it Cool and Dry: Store the tub in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Garages, sheds, or basements can be suitable, but ensure they are not prone to damp.
• Original Packaging Matters: If you’re transferring food from its original packaging into a tub, try to keep the food in its original bag inside the tub for an extra layer of protection. This can also help you keep track of any expiration dates or batch information printed on the packaging.
• Clean Regularly: Occasionally, clean the tub with warm, soapy water and ensure it’s completely dry before refilling. This helps prevent the build-up of dust, debris, and potential mould spores.
• Labelling is Helpful: Label the tub with the type of bird food and the date you purchased it. This can help you keep track of how long you’ve had it and prioritise using older food first.

Our Product Recommendations:

Suet Shop Ultimate Fat Balls (3kg)	Suet Shop Peanut & Insect Pellets (3kg)	Suet Shop Suet Coconuts (2.5kg)

Top Tip: Buy your food in tubs initially, then you can refill these tubs form bags or boxes down the line.

Storing Bird Food in Bags

Bird food often comes in sealed bags, which are designed to maintain freshness. Here’s how to store them effectively:

• Keep Sealed Until Use: The best way to store bags is to keep them sealed until you’re ready to use the food. The original packaging is often designed to protect the contents from moisture and air.
• Carefully Store Open Bags: Close the bag tightly after each use, using a clip or peg to seal the opening. If you have one available, consider putting it an airtight container for an extra layer of protection.
• Follow Storage Instructions: Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions from the manufacturer.
• Cool, Dry Place: Even in bags, store the food in a cool, dry place to further protect its quality.

Storing Bird Food in Boxes

Boxes are often used for bird food, and they are particularly common for large refill packs designed to top up tubs of fat balls, pellets, seeds or similar.

• Keep the Box Intact: If you’re not using the entire box at once, keep it as intact as possible. Close any openings to prevent pests from getting in.
• Consider Transferring Refills: If you purchase boxes as refills for tubs, transfer the contents of the box into the clean, airtight tub as soon as possible. This provides better long-term protection.
• Store Away from Strong Odours: Cardboard boxes can absorb odours, so store them away from strong-smelling substances that could taint the bird food.

Our Product Recommendations:

Suet Shop Peanut & Berry Flavour Suet Pellets (12.55kg)	Suet Shop Peanut & Insect Suet Pellets (12.55kg)	Suet Shop Peanut & Mealworm Suet Pellets (12.55kg)

Can Bird Food Attract Rats and Mice?

It’s a valid concern! Unfortunately, yes, bird food can attract rats if stored incorrectly. These resourceful creatures are drawn to the energy-rich seeds and nuts. Poorly stored food, spilled seed and open products can all contribute to attracting these unwanted visitors.

To minimise this risk, store food in secure, airtight containers, as advised above. Our Suet Shop range is perfect for this, with fat balls, pellets and coconuts all coming in large, handy tubs.

When putting bird food out in the garden, elevate feeders, use trays to catch spilled seed, and clean up any spilled food regularly. There are many rodent-proof feeders on the market, and you could also plant peppermint nearby as rats hate the smell.

Can Bird Food Expire?

Yes, bird food can expire and lose its nutritional value and freshness over time. Pay attention to any “best before” dates on the packaging. Over time, the fats and oils in seeds can go rancid, and moisture can lead to mould growth, both of which can be harmful to birds. Insect infestations can also occur.

Look for signs of expired bird food such as a musty or oily smell, clumping, visible mould, or insect activity. If you notice any of these, discard the food.

By following these guidelines for storing bird food, you can ensure that the food you provide for your garden birds is nutritious, safe, and free from contaminants. Proper storage also helps to keep unwanted pests away, making your garden a more enjoyable space for both you and your feathered visitors.

Struggling to find the right bird food? Take our Wild Bird Food Quiz to learn which food types are best for different bird species, how to attract a wider variety of birds and tips to keep your garden bird-friendly.

At Harvest Wildlife Products, we’re committed to providing high-quality bird food and the expert advice you need to create a thriving bird-friendly environment. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any further questions.