How long to keep food for budgies?

[tweetiepiesmom]

I managed to find a supplier of Guardian Angel here in the US. It is an 80gm container, powder. It has a "best before" label with the date of 31.12.20. Is it still good? If it is, should I put it in the fridge once I open it? How long do you keep yours before you get a new container?

Similar question about seeds. I don't feed my guys much seed, about 1 tsp every day. I buy a 2lb bag which lasts a long time. Should I store it in the freezer and take out a little at a time and keep it in the fridge? If it is stored a room temp, how long should I keep it before tossing it?

I also give them Harrison's super fine pellets. I buy the 1lb bag and store it in the freezer and keep a small amount in the fridge. I use the 1 lb bag in about 6 months.

The fresh foods I make for them, I make up in quantities that they'll eat in about 1 week and store it in the fridge.

[Hezz]

I can’t give you any answer regarding GA, but seed if stored properly has an extensive shelf life as it doesn’t contain any moisture, or very little. If you store the seed in the freezer, you don’t actually freeze the seed, again lack of moisture, but you will kill off any nasties such as grain-eating insect eggs or larva, bacteria or yeasts that may be packaged with the seed. Even if, once frozen for a day or two, you then allow all condensation from the bag or container to dry off and then store in a cool dry, dark place, the seed should last almost indefinitely. Grains in silos, as long as the moisture content is kept below around 15%, can be safely stored for up the 18 months.

[tweetiepiesmom]

Thank you, Hezz. That eases my mind that the seed most likely is good.

For the question about the GA, I'll email The Birdcare Co. I'll share their response if they answer.

[ladybird]

Regarding the GA…..because you are asking about a best before date, it should be perfectly OK….it really is USE before dates that are a concern. Also once you open it, it’s probably best then used within six months or so….and I have phoned the GA stockists about this…….I keep the GA in a cool dry place…Hope this helps.

[tweetiepiesmom]

Thank you, ladybird, very useful.