How to Store Bird Food So It Stays Fresh

Fresh food tastes better to your bird and keeps its nutrients longer. Nuts and seeds contain natural oils that can go rancid, and any food stored in a warm, humid spot can grow mold. A few simple storage habits make a big difference.

The basics

Use a sealed, rigid container

As soon as your food arrives, move it out of the bag and into an airtight, rigid container. This keeps out air, moisture and pests. Plastic bags don't protect food from crushing or from pantry moths.

Keep a short supply at room temperature

Keep about 10 to 14 days' worth of food at room temperature, in a cool, dry spot away from the stove, sunny windows and dishwasher.

Refrigerate the rest

Store the rest of your supply in the refrigerator, in its sealed container. Cooler temperatures slow down the oils in nuts and seeds from going rancid.

Don't freeze it

Freezing seems like a good idea, but when frozen food thaws, ice crystals melt into moisture, and moisture leads to mold. We recommend refrigerating instead.

Signs bird food has gone bad

Throw food out if you notice any of these:

• A musty, sour or "off" smell
• Visible mold, clumping or damp spots
• Webbing, small moths or insects
• Nuts that smell like old cooking oil

Moldy food, especially peanuts and grains, can carry toxins that are dangerous to birds. When in doubt, throw it out. See more in foods that are toxic to parrots.

Buy the right amount

Bulk bags are the best value, but only if you'll use the food while it's still fresh. If you have one small bird, a smaller bag or buying by the pound keeps food fresher. If you have a flock or big birds like macaws, larger bags make more sense.

Why fresh-made food matters

Many bird foods sit in warehouses and on store shelves for months before they reach your bird. Our Ultimate Blends are made fresh daily in our store, so they arrive as fresh as possible. Find the right blend for your bird in our species feeding guides.

Other tips

• Don't top up old food with new. Use up or toss the old batch first, then wash and dry the container.
• Empty and refill your bird's food dish daily, and remove fresh foods within a few hours.
• Keep a scoop in the container so hands don't add moisture to the food.

Related reading: What do parrots eat? A complete diet guide