What to do with leftover bird seed

You may have leftover bird seed for many reasons. Bird seed is expensive, so you may not want to just throw it out, but you can’t keep it in a feeder or a bag indefinitely, as it’s perishable.

Here are 6 things to do with leftover bird seed:

• 1. Feed Wild Birds
• 2. Give It To Other Domestic Birds
• 3. Leave It For Squirrels In Your Backyard
• 4. Freeze the Bird Seed
• 5. Make Food for Birds
• 6. Add It To Compost For Your Garden
• Sources

1. Feed Wild Birds

You may have leftover bird seed from the stock you purchased for your pets, or your outdoor feeders may have leftover bird seed in them.

Some people have both, so they might end up with a lot of unused stock. 

You can use this stock to feed wild birds, but not through the feeder, as not all wild birds use backyard feeders. 

Many backyard birds don’t prefer tubes. Instead, they like to eat on the ground or from tray feeders.

Other birds in your area may not find your feeding spot to be conducive for them. So, you must review your feeding tactics.

Here are a few tips for feeding backyard or wild birds with the leftover seed:

• Sprinkle some bird seed on the ground to entice juncos, towhees, and sparrows.
• Lay a spread of leftover bird seed in some nearby shrubs for cardinals and finches.
• Use trays or feeder logs for mockingbirds and others that like to hop around and eat.
• Set up a feeder on trees for chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers.

Ensure the leftover bird seed is dry and edible before you offer it to any species. Birds may not be drawn to a spread if the seed is moist or rancid. 

Dispose of any leftover bird seed if it is infested or contaminated with the following:

• Mold
• Mildew
• Feces
• Fungus
• Insects

2. Give It To Other Domestic Birds

You may be unable to use all the leftover bird seed in your backyard or around the house.

The scarcity of birds or the refusal of a few species to eat from feeders may be an issue.

In some cases, birds don’t like a specific type of seed, which could also be a brand-related problem.

Nevertheless, consider treating other domestic birds with leftover bird seed. This option depends on where you live and if you have access to other species. 

For instance, you can feed waterfowl, like ducks, if you have lakes, ponds, or other habitats in your area.

You can feed chickens if someone has a coop or a poultry farm.

3. Leave It For Squirrels In Your Backyard

Generally, bird seed isn’t ideal for other animals, but squirrels and raccoons are naturally drawn to bird seed.

Some manufacturers make anti-squirrel bird seed to deter small mammals from the feeders. 

If you don’t have such a variety that contains capsaicin, you may feed squirrels.

Don’t leave leftover bird seed too close to your house if you intend to invite squirrels.

The tiny critters may create a mess sooner or later, and they will probably keep revisiting to look for more food. So, you must prepare accordingly.

Some people use leftover bird seed to feed pet rodents, like rats. If you want to give some to your hamster, use a small amount, and don’t make it a habit.

Also, check the type of bird seed and other ingredients in it to ensure that it’s safe for your hamster.

4. Freeze the Bird Seed

Bird seed has a shelf life of six to 24 months, depending on its type and brand.

But this shelf life applies only when the storage condition is ideal, and not to exposed bird seed in a feeder or elsewhere. 

So, you must assess the quality and storage condition of leftover bird seed.

One way to preserve bird seed is by freezing it in an airtight container. You can use the entire shelf life, which gives you more time to feed your pets or wild birds.

You can also make a mash of bird seed for easier storage if you want to use it for bird cakes and balls.

5. Make Food for Birds

Leftover bird seed in a feeder deteriorates due to moisture and oxidation.

Moisture increases the chances of mold growth and other infestations, while oxidation reduces the nutrient content in the bird seed. 

So, you should try to use leftover bird seed as soon as you can.

Freezing bird seed in batches to use them longer is a practical storage approach.

But if your birds aren’t eating the bird seed or you have to use it immediately, consider incorporating the leftovers into food.

You can bake a birdie cake or make sweet potato balls for your pet or wild birds.

Most of these recipes can include bird seed as long as the latter is not stale and rancid. 

Plus, you can freeze the cake or balls in batches and feed birds for several weeks to a month.

You can thaw a required portion of cake, balls, or other foods and serve whenever you want to feed birds. 

6. Add It To Compost For Your Garden

You can add leftover bird seed to your compost if you make any for your garden. 

However, consider a heated compost pile if there’s a lot of seed, especially sunflower hulls, or some seeds may germinate, and you’ll have a weed issue.

Also, sunflower hulls can affect the growth of a few sensitive plants. 

But a small quantity in the compost shouldn’t be a problem.

Some companies use heat or irradiation to make bird seed sterile. These seeds won’t sprout if you add the leftovers to your compost.

Still, check the specific details on the label to know about the treatment and other ingredients, including any seeds in a mix that you don’t want in the pile.

Sources

• National Audubon Society: 11 Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds
• All About Birds, The Cornell Lab: Feeding Birds: A Quick Guide To Seed Types
• Popular Science: Wild Birds Don’t Need Your Backyard Feeders to Survive