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How to dispose of bird seed with fillers #426962

Asked September 15, 2017, 2:05 PM EDT

I am buying new feeders and offering quality food for the birds in my backyard. However, I have a quantity of bird seed (with fillers that gets scattered on the ground beneath the feeder). which I am loath to just throw away.  Do you have ideas on how to best utilize the seed?

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for your question about disposing of unwanted bird seed.  You have a couple of options.  If you have lots of time on your hands, you can separate out the 'fillers,' typically the millet that gets 'tossed,' and keep the seeds you want to replenish your feeders.  You can also take it to an area where you know there to be sparrows, doves and cardinals, which all consume the millet according to this article (which has some good ideas about DIY seed mixes.  If neither of these interest you, you can just put it in the compost bin.  It will eventually decompose (although germinating the seeds before you do so will speed up the decomposition rate.)

Hope this is helpful.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 15, 2017, 2:18 PM EDT
Thank you for your prompt response.
The Question Asker Replied September 15, 2017, 2:22 PM EDT
You're welcome!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 15, 2017, 2:25 PM EDT

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