If you feed wild birds buying bird seed in bulk is an economical way to keep your feeders filled. However properly storing leftover seed is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage or contamination. The right storage containers are essential.
When selecting the best containers for storing bird seed, prioritize ones that are airtight, weatherproof, chew-proof, and pest-resistant Consider where they will be kept, your quantity needs, and ease of use With smart storage, your extra bird seed will stay nutritious and ready for feeding feathered friends.
Key Features of Ideal Bird Seed Storage Containers
Here are the most important features your bird seed storage containers should have:
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Airtight lid – Prevents moisture and humidity from entering which can cause mold/mildew. A rubber gasket ensures the best seal.
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Durable material – Steel, aluminum and thick plastic resist weather, chewing wildlife, and accidents. Avoid thin plastic.
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Pest-proof – Tight lids and durable materials prevent entry by insects, rodents or larger pests. Metal is ideal.
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Moisture-proof – Metal containers prevent moisture absorption. Avoid wood which can harbor moisture.
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Handles – Sturdy handles make carrying and moving heavy storage containers easier.
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Scoop/pour spout – Built-in scoops or pour spouts simplify dispensing seeds into feeders.
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Opaque – Sunlight can accelerate degradation of seeds, so opaque materials are best.
Prioritizing these key features will help you select storage containers that maintain seed freshness and quality.
Ideal Bird Seed Storage Containers for Indoor Use
For indoor storage, decorative containers allow you to save seeds with style:
-Metal tins – Galvanized or carbon steel tins add vintage flair. Some feature cute nature scenes or birds. Opt for larger 1-2 gallon capacity ones.
-Glass jars – Stackable clear jars showcase colorful seed mixes. Wide mouth jars with clamp lids seal tightly. Keep out of direct sunlight.
-Plastic pop-top bins – Clear plastic lets you view seed levels. Pop-top lids provide a tight seal. Choose sturdy, thick plastic.
-Decorative ceramic jars – Glazed ceramic jars with clamp lids lend a rustic touch. Handmade styles have charming appeal.
-Retro canisters – For fun retro charm, store seeds in vintage-style metal canisters with screw-on lids.
Whatever your decor, you can likely find an indoor storage container that enhances your style while keeping seeds fresh.
Durable Containers for Outdoor Seed Storage
For keeping bulk bird seed outside, durability and weather-resistance are key:
-Metal trash cans – Rodent-proof galvanized cans with locking lids keep seeds safe from creatures. Look for rust-resistant ones.
-Plastic storage totes – Thick, opaque plastic totes with sealing lids make economical outdoor storage. Ensure lids seal completely.
-Galvanized steel drums – Large, sealed steel drums on stands keep seeds dry. Locking spigot dispensers allow easy pouring.
-Heavy duty buckets – Food-grade 5-gallon buckets with tight lids are inexpensive and watertight. Sturdy handles help lifting.
-Metal/plastic combo – Some products combine metal exteriors with sealed plastic interiors to get the best of both materials.
With outdoor storage, prioritize durability and pest protection over aesthetics to safely store large seed quantities.
Choice Features that Optimize Bird Seed Storage Containers
Handy extras that make seed storage easier and more efficient:
-Pour spouts – Containers with pour spouts or chutes allow for quick, mess-free dispensing into feeders.
-Scoops – Built-in scoops ensure easy volume measurement and transfer of seeds.
-Wheels – Wheeled bins allow easy mobility so heavy storage containers can be moved around.
-Transparent windows – Clear plastic windows help gauge how much seed is left in opaque containers.
-Tight seals – Rubber gaskets result in the most watertight, airtight lids. Avoid loose-fitting lids.
-Ventilation – Mesh panels reduce condensation in humid areas while still keeping pests out.
-Stackable design – Containers that securely stack make efficient use of vertical storage space.
-Portability – Handles for lifting and built-in wheels enhance portability for small storage units.
Opt for containers with any added features that will maximize convenience and functionality for your needs.
Proper Placement to Maintain Seed Quality
Where you store containers of bird seed also affects freshness:
-Cool, dry location – Avoid hot attics or garages, damp basements, or rooms with appliances that produce heat or moisture.
-Pest-proof area – Keep away from known rodent access points or cover with wire mesh to create barriers.
-Sealed food storage – For indoor use, store bins of seed in airtight sealed containers to double protect from pests.
-No direct sunlight – Prevent premature breakdown of seeds by keeping containers out of prolonged sun exposure.
-Organized space – Store different seed types in designated clearly labeled containers to avoid mixing.
-Elevated platforms – Placing containers up on shelves or pallets reduces moisture absorption and keeps seeds safe from floods.
With smart placement, your bird seed storage will stay fresh longer no matter what type of container used.
Tips for Keeping Stored Bird Seed Fresher Longer
Beyond the storage containers themselves, some additional tips for maintaining bird seed quality include:
-Use oldest seeds first – Follow a first-in, first-out system of using up older seeds before newly purchased seed.
-Inspect regularly – Check periodically for moisture, insect webs/larvae, clumping, or other signs of deterioration.
-Control humidity – Use desiccant gel packs if storing seeds in humid environments to absorb excess moisture.
-Freeze for long-term storage – For seed kept over 6-12 months, consider freezing in airtight containers for longest shelf life.
-Keep cool – Avoid hot spots like near furnaces or in direct sun which accelerate seed breakdown.
-Practice stock rotation – Don’t buy more than you will use up in 3-4 months to prevent seed staleness.
With the right storage methods, bird seed will stay fresh in its container for maximum nutrition and appeal for your wild birds.
Best Containers Let You Store More Bird Seed Safely
Don’t waste money on degraded bird seed. Invest in sturdy, weatherproof storage containers tailored to your space and needs to keep bulk purchases fresh. With the right storage solution, you can conveniently buy bird seed in larger quantities knowing it will stay nutritious and pest-free until needed. The birds will thank you!
Kitchen Seed Storage Tin Labels
I printed out a picture of each seed with its name written on it on regular paper to make my labels. You can see that I used clear packing tape to stick them to the side of my kitchen tins. Because these tins are on shelves, the side labels are easiest to see. (Note: In the comments below, Laura requested copies of my labels that can be downloaded and printed. You can now find them in the Birdseed Storage Labels to Print post. ) You could of course also use adhesive labels, either printed using a computer or hand written.
Birdseed Home From the Store
I carry the fifty-pound bag to the floor just inside my kitchen door when I get home from the bird store. It might be too heavy for you to carry fifty pounds, so you might need to get someone to help you or use a dolly or wagon to roll it into your house. (Also see Gwen’s comment below. ) Or you could instead purchase smaller weight bags that you can manage.
Once inside, I open up the bag and bring one of my kitchen tins over near the bag. I use one of my trail mix jars to measure out seed and put it in my kitchen storage tin. I fill the tin with an even amount of seed. I also fill any feeders that need that type of seed. After that, I carry (or drag if it’s still heavy) the rest of the bag down to the basement and put the rest of the seed in its bin. Then I recycle the paper seed bag. Done!.
What’s The Best Way To Store My Bird Seed?
FAQ
What is the best container to store birdseed in?
Can you store bird seed in plastic containers?
How to best store bird seed?
How do you store bird seeds?
Pay attention to the expiration date when storing bird seeds. If the seeds approach the six-month-old mark, use them and rotate in new seeds with a better expiration date. Store them in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture and spoilage. And keep the seeds in storage containers because they’ll stay fresh longer. And we’re just getting started.
What should you look for in a bird seed storage container?
One of the key features to look for in a bird seed storage container is airtightness. Airtight containers prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping, keeping the bird seed fresh for a longer period. This is particularly important as exposure to air can lead to spoilage and the growth of mold or bacteria.
Should bird seeds be stored in metal storage containers?
If critters are a problem, you should keep your seeds inside metal storage containers. It will keep the critters at bay and the bird seeds fresh, tasty, and nutrient-dense. Many people have ample storage space available in their basement.
How to organize bird seed storage?
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to organize your bird seed storage is by using clear containers and labeling them appropriately. Clear containers allow you to see the contents at a glance, making it easier to identify different seed types and quantities.