Seed will come fresh to retailers from the manufacturer but it can go bad the longer it sits on the shelf. Make sure you check all seed for signs of mold and insects before you buy it. Thistle seed may not have a very long shelf life. Seed like this should be bought in smaller quantities so that none goes to waste.Besides, how do you know if thistle seed is bad?
As small as it is, a niger seed does have a shell. If you think birds aren't eating the seed because you see some on the ground, examine it more closely: you may be seeing mostly the thin niger hulls. Niger seed is vulnerable to spoilage while in the feeder.
Beside above, is there a difference between thistle and nyjer seed? NYJER SEED - OR THISTLE SEED FOR FINCHES Nyjer seed resembles small grains of wild rice and is highly desirable by many finches for its high fat and protein content. Nyjer has another name, thistle, which sometimes alarms people. On the contrary, nyjer is not a thistle at all.
Thereof, how do you store thistle seeds?
Seed should be stored in a cool and dry place. This is essential to preserve freshness. Store it in cooler areas of your house, if possible. Store outside only if it is cooler weather and make sure it is not in a location where animals can get into it.
Do birds eat the whole thistle seed?
Remember, birds don't eat the whole seed; they only eat the “meat” inside. The black on the ground is mostly empty shells. Because thistle tends to cost more than most other seeds, people hate to waste it. As result, they don't rotate the food in their feeders.
Does nyjer seed attract rodents?
Squirrels (generally speaking) don't eat thistle seed, but mice do. Be sure that you don't allow thistle seed to reach the ground either. Recapture the Seed. Modify your feeders so that spilled food gets caught by a basin or tray before reaching the ground.Does bird seed get old?
Birds are unlikely to notice the taste of stale or old bird seed, even if humans would. Older seed can be used in bird feeders if it does not appear discolored, clumpy or infested with insects.Does Nyjer thistle go bad?
Niger seed can indeed go bad, especially if it has been exposed to moisture. That said, it also takes birds a bit of time to learn to appreciate niger seed, although the finch species were never slow to pick up the niger in my experience. Maybe just buy a small amount of fresh niger seed and use that in your feeders.Do bears eat thistle seed?
Choose Alternative Foods: Bears are most attracted to suet and seed feeders, but will also sip at leaking nectar feeders or try feeders where the fruit is offered. Instead of offering these treats to birds, offer bitter-tasting safflower seed or Nyjer and plant natural foods instead of feeders.What kind of birds eat thistle seed?
Those that particularly enjoy thistle are goldfinches, Cassin's finches, house and purple finches, pine siskins and redpolls. Finches are squatty, colorful birds with short, stout beaks and a wide range of hues.What does niger seed grow into?
Nyger seed grows into Thistles.Can humans eat niger seeds?
Other than bird feed, niger seed can be used for human consumption. You won't be using it in the same way as our feathered friends do though. You will find the oil and the seed in recipes for curries, chutneys and other foods. Niger seed also offers plenty of medical uses.Do birds eat thistle in winter?
Thistle or nyjer seed is an excellent source of energy for these finches in the winter. Bird feeders are at their busiest in the winter. Suet and seeds disappear quickly. Seed eaters like chickadees, titmice, jays, nuthatches and sparrows are in their element now.Can thistle seed get wet?
Wet seed can also cause oily stains, making the feeding station less aesthetically pleasing. Sprouting. When birdseed gets wet, the seeds may begin germinating and sprouting. Birds will not eat sprouted seed, so the seed not only goes to waste, but it may be tossed from the feeder where it will sprout in the lawn.How long do seeds last?
Most Vegetable Seeds Can Stay Viable for Years Most vegetable seeds remain good for about two to three years, but some, such as onions, deteriorate within a year and others such as lettuce, can successfully sprout after five years.What does moldy bird seed look like?
Mold: Mold and mildew can be fatal to birds, and moldy seed can show mold or fungus growth, discoloration or a musty smell. Many seeds have high oil contents, and when that oil goes bad it will generate a sharp, rancid smell. Moldy and musty odors also indicate spoiled birdseed.How do you keep bird seed from molding?
Keeping your bird seed dry while it's still in the bird feeder is another matter. If you can't pick a feeder with a wide lid, add a squirrel baffle to the top of your seed bird feeder. This will keep the moisture of rain, or snow, out of the seed supply.Can you store bird seed in the freezer?
Consider Freezing the Seeds If you don't have the proper containers or weather conditions in your home, freezing your bird seeds can be a great alternative. To freeze seeds, simply pack them into an airtight container and place it in the freezer, where it can stay for months or even years.How do you store seeds?
Store seeds in tightly sealed glass containers. You can store different kinds of seeds, each in individual paper packets, together in a large container. Keep seeds dry and cool. A temperature between 32° and 41°F is ideal, so your refrigerator can be a good place to store seeds.How long can you store bird seed?
between six and twelve months
How often should bird seed be changed?
Change the seed in a dry seed feeder every 5-7 days to avoid mold, bacteria, or bugs in the feeders. It is important to keep birds safe by avoiding harmful bacteria growth.Is it OK to put cayenne pepper in bird seed?
Spice It Up! And you don't want to feed those glorified bandits anyway. Guess what can? Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or a similar spice onto your birdseed before you put it out. Birds will eat the seed just fine, but squirrels will smell the heat and stay well clear. 
