Does seed expire?

Need some general finch keeping help? Ask your questions here.
User avatar
TimidFinch
...............................
...............................
Posts: 25
Joined: 20 Jan 2017, 20:19
Location: Melbourne

I'm thinking of buying a large bulk purchase of seed but I don't want it expiring before I've used it all up, keeping in mind U don't know how old the seeds are before the purchase date.
User avatar
Craig52
...............................
...............................
Posts: 4979
Joined: 11 Nov 2011, 19:26
Location: victoria

TimidFinch wrote: 31 Oct 2017, 15:52 I'm thinking of buying a large bulk purchase of seed but I don't want it expiring before I've used it all up, keeping in mind U don't know how old the seeds are before the purchase date.
That's fine but how much are you going to buy and how many birds have you got to feed. How long do you expect the seed to be stored to run out.
Seed will last for years in a sealed container but the goodness will deteriorate every year stored. Imo, you are better off buying on a just in time method in smaller lots as you will know that it is fresh or buy when you know that the seed is fresh from someone who grows it at a specific time every year. Buy enough to last your birds for a little more than a year then replace with fresh seed. Craig
User avatar
KENTUCKY
...............................
...............................
Posts: 218
Joined: 18 Jan 2011, 12:38
Location: Frankston Victoria

As a rule of thumb, if a locally grown seed no longer germinates, you can be certain
that the food value is on its way out.
User avatar
CathyCraftz
...............................
...............................
Posts: 250
Joined: 14 Apr 2018, 12:21
Location: Sydney, NSW

Seed does expire but if weevils and other annoying pests have got to it first then you have to throw it away if the whole thing is absolutely crawling with them.
Have a nice day!
Sincerely, Cathy
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Albus Dumbledore
User avatar
Greg41
...............................
...............................
Posts: 586
Joined: 10 Mar 2010, 21:09
Location: Kingsley Suburb of Perth
Location: Kingsley. Suburb of Perth Wa

CathyCraftz wrote: 28 May 2018, 20:06 Seed does expire but if weevils and other annoying pests have got to it first then you have to throw it away if the whole thing is absolutely crawling with them.
Use it as a source of live food for your birds.
GDG
User avatar
finchbreeder
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posts: 11488
Joined: 27 Jun 2009, 20:00
Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

I'm with Greg. Small african finches in particular love to feed on the seed weevils when they have young. But put good seed and weevil seed in seperate containers at opposite ends of the avairy.
LML
LML
User avatar
CathyCraftz
...............................
...............................
Posts: 250
Joined: 14 Apr 2018, 12:21
Location: Sydney, NSW

Greg my Finches are so picky it is highly unlikely that they will try something new.
Have a nice day!
Sincerely, Cathy
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Albus Dumbledore
User avatar
Strop
...............................
...............................
Posts: 43
Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 22:23
Location: Kununurra WA

I know everyone has not got enough freezer space but I freeze all my seed in a large chest freezer which keeps it fresh and weevil free.

Cheers Strop.
User avatar
Tiaris
...............................
...............................
Posts: 3517
Joined: 23 Apr 2011, 08:48
Location: Coffs Harbour

Just interested to know if the seed will sprout after freezing?
User avatar
starman
...............................
...............................
Posts: 590
Joined: 04 Oct 2016, 18:51
Location: Coastal N.S.W.

Tiaris wrote: 29 May 2018, 20:51 Just interested to know if the seed will sprout after freezing?
Apparently, it will but with a decreased viability %.
Sm.
Avid student of Estrildids in aviculture.
Post Reply

Return to “Finch Discussion & Questions”