Can they eat it?
November 8, 2020 2:32 PM Subscribe
I just inherited a couple bags of birdseed, one a mix for parrots and the other just plain sunflower seed. Both bags are showing expiration dates from January 2019. Can I put any of this food out on my birdfeeder, or is the risk of harm/illness too great?
I am loathe to put perfectly good seed in the trash, but I would also feel terrible if I were to make any bird sick.
I am loathe to put perfectly good seed in the trash, but I would also feel terrible if I were to make any bird sick.
No sign of spoilage? I suspect the birds will be fine, it’s not like they’re usually shopping organic at Whole Foods when they’re not slumming it at the local feeders.
posted by mhoye at 2:40 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by mhoye at 2:40 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
Try sprouting a handful of seeds. Soak them overnight, then leave them on some wet cotton wool or paper towel where they can get a bit of light. A bit of wet towel over the top helps.
If they sprout, good to feed. If they don't bin them.
But I would be exceedingly surprised if they aren't still good to go. Seeds are tough, living things.
They have evolved to repel pathogens - after all, a plant whose seeds cannot survive in wet soil thick with microbes does not get to propagate its genes.
posted by Jilder at 3:56 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
If they sprout, good to feed. If they don't bin them.
But I would be exceedingly surprised if they aren't still good to go. Seeds are tough, living things.
They have evolved to repel pathogens - after all, a plant whose seeds cannot survive in wet soil thick with microbes does not get to propagate its genes.
posted by Jilder at 3:56 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
My experience with old birdseed is that if it's "gone off" the birds will turn their beaks up at it. So try putting some out, see if they treat it like normal seed. If there's not obvious mold or fungal growth it should be fine.
posted by jessamyn at 4:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 4:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
I wouldn't. Older birdseed can have elevated levels of aflatoxins. Also, birdseed will have weevil eggs in it, and the older it is, the more likely it is to walk away under its own power.
posted by scruss at 7:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by scruss at 7:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Older birdseed can have elevated levels of aflatoxins.
Is this related to the age of the birdseed? I didn't see where that was indicated.
I would still use it, small quantity at first, and let the birds decide.
posted by shoesietart at 9:23 PM on November 8, 2020
Is this related to the age of the birdseed? I didn't see where that was indicated.
I would still use it, small quantity at first, and let the birds decide.
posted by shoesietart at 9:23 PM on November 8, 2020
Response by poster: Update: They're lovin' it! Mine was the most popular birdfeeder on the block this morning. Thank you all for the advice :)
posted by knotty knots at 8:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by knotty knots at 8:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by knotty knots at 2:39 PM on November 8, 2020