FINCHforum

I received a 5lb box of millet today. Why? No idea. It was suppose to be 2 finch nests. Someone got my order wrong and now I have 5 lbs of millet. Really nice stuff. I never buy in bulk like this. Do you have to refrigerate or freeze it? Put it in plastic bags? Anything? It's going to last for months. What do you all do. (I did call the company and since it was their mistake they told me to keep it since I didn't get what I really needed). So I am and went out and bought my 2 finch nests. What a deal!! What a day!! I'm happy. Lyn

Jerry,
I know. I couldn't believe it. It's wonderful. The finches really, I mean really love it. Lyn

You sure did get lucky with that delivery. You could keep it in the freezer so no moths will get into it.

I agree with freezing it or adding some diatomaceous earth to it to prevent moths.

Speaking of diatomaceous earth, do finches benefit from it? About 10 yrs ago, as a teenager I worked at a farm supply store, and I recall the farmers and ranchers coming in and buying it in bulk for their cattle... Cattle are obviously much different than finches but has anyone used it?

Great point. I didn't even think of moths. I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. Buying a freezer for 5 lbs of millet. But really, I'm going to have to find room in our freezer. Thanks so much. Lyn

waxbill lover wrote:Speaking of diatomaceous earth, do finches benefit from it? About 10 yrs ago, as a teenager I worked at a farm supply store, and I recall the farmers and ranchers coming in and buying it in bulk for their cattle... Cattle are obviously much different than finches but has anyone used it?

Yes (you can do a search on this forum for diatomaceous earth), I use about 1 tsp or a little less in the bottom of all nestboxes (and cover with paper towel and nesting material) to kill/keep out any mites. But it MUST BE the food grade DE only when it comes to birds!!

finchlover1 wrote:I received a 5lb box of millet today. Why? No idea. It was suppose to be 2 finch nests. Someone got my order wrong and now I have 5 lbs of millet. Really nice stuff. I never buy in bulk like this. Do you have to refrigerate or freeze it? Put it in plastic bags? Anything? It's going to last for months. What do you all do. (I did call the company and since it was their mistake they told me to keep it since I didn't get what I really needed). So I am and went out and bought my 2 finch nests. What a deal!! What a day!! I'm happy. Lyn

You've got to love mistakes like that! Nice they let you keep it. I suppose the shipping would be more than it would be worth for them to return it. Lucky you!!

hi
i always put mine in a plastic container with a lid,this stops those horrible webs forming from the moths that manage to get everywhere

ken

Ken,
Just read you other post. Another great idea! Thanks, again. Lyn

hi
thats what we are hear for to help each other with our problems

ken

I know, but it's nice to thnk everyone and not take them for granted.

I just "inherited" another female CFW. I'm very happy about that.

This is actually my profession and we actually grow and harvest a variety of millets along with numerous other grasses/legumes for wholesale & retail sales.

Anyhow, you only need to keep the seed in an area that will not be exposed to extreme heat (over 100 degrees F) or moisture. I keep my millets (for my birds) in both a plastic container or zip lock bag in my pantry. It will keep for at least 2-3 years. You can keep it in the fridge or freezer but it is not necessary.

I recommend buying your millet seed in bulk, if you have room to store it, as the average price range for 50 lbs. runs $20.00-$50.00 per bag depending the variety of course. It'll save you considerably especially those of you who have lots of birds/finches.

Most finch mixes that I have seen or sold, even the premium blends, contain mostly millet with some niger thistle, canary grass, with a mix of millet varieties - being the majority of the mix. Millets being the least expensive out of all and then the retail stores charge you $10.00 +/- a 2 lb. bag.

What a great free-be! is it millet spray or bags of millet? I'll bet your finches are smacking their lips... err.. beaks in delight! I was just thinking of ordering a box of millet spray. I know it's a lot more economical since around here I get 3 sprays for $1.00 from a bulk box.