Does seed expire?

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.

31 Oct 2017, 17:04

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

31 Oct 2017, 20:51

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.

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.

29 May 2018, 10:37

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.

29 May 2018, 10:40

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

29 May 2018, 20:28

Greg my Finches are so picky it is highly unlikely that they will try something new.

29 May 2018, 20:37

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.

29 May 2018, 20:51

Just interested to know if the seed will sprout after freezing?

29 May 2018, 21:18

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 %.