Say Goodbye To Pricy Bird Seed Storage & Meet The Affordable Solution You Already Own

If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you probably already know that birds eat a lot. This means you always have to store extra seed nearby. However, you can't just keep birdseed in those flimsy plastic bags you buy at the store. If you do, either moisture or air will ruin them, or critters will get there and finish them off. That's where storage bins come in. But the problem with bird seed storage bins or boxes is that they can be pricey, and honestly, you don't even need them. You can just store bird seed in used food-grade buckets or old coffee tins instead. However, you can't just grab any container and call it a day. 

You need to make sure that the used coffee tins or buckets you choose for storing bird seed meet a few conditions first. For instance, they need to have lids that fit tightly. Don't use something with a lid that just sits on the top, as it will allow critters to get in. If the lid is air-tight, that is even better, as it will help keep moisture and bugs from sneaking in. Also, don't use any tins or buckets that are rusted. Rust can stick to the seeds, making the birds sick or even leading to their death. However, if you really have to use such containers, treat them first with cleaning products that can banish rust.

Once you have chosen a container suitable for storing bird seed, the next step is making sure you handle the storage process the right way. Otherwise, the seed can still spoil. The first thing you need to do is make sure the container is completely clean and free of anything it previously contained. So, start by washing it. First, clean it thoroughly with regular kitchen soap, then disinfect it. For disinfecting, you can easily DIY a vinegar cleaning solution right at home.

Once everything is cleaned and fully dry, you can fill it with seed. Just make sure that after filling, you store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place, as heat and moisture can cause bird food to spoil surprisingly fast. Also, if the storage buckets or coffee tins you are using have a latch or clip, make sure that you secure them tightly every single time. As for uses, coffee tins work great for the smaller amounts you use daily to refill feeders. Whereas you can use the larger food containers to store the seed in bulk.

By using multiple containers of different sizes, you won't have to keep exposing your bulk seed storage every time you need to refill the bird feeder in your yard. Also, don't just pile new seed on top when you are refilling. Make sure to rotate or mix the seed whenever you refill so the older seed gets used. And lastly, always keep seeds indoors, like in a pantry or garage. Storing bird seed in your backyard shed isn't the best idea, as it can go bad there relatively quickly.