If you have the time and inclination, back when I fed birds I found that single seed type bags were usually of better quality than the premixed 'birdseed', and you can get several types delivered in 25/50 lb bags and make a mix yourself. The 50lbs are usually the cheapest per lb on Amazon, and a couple of neighborhood bird feeding friends splitting costs can get good deals. You could maybe get them to pony up some home made pies in return for you being the mixer.

I normally purchase either Wild Delight or Kaytee from my local Ace Hardware both brands are available on Amazon. I have never tried the other two brands that I see on Amazon. I would contact the company directly along with Amazon about the mold. I purchased two 50 pound bags of mixed seed and black oil seed and received them with no mold. That will I hope be enough to last until February or March when I switch to a blend that has fruit in it. When I was feeding heavily before our deer herd exploded I would use a 50 pound bag of mixed about every month. It just depends how many feeders you put out.

maifleur03, not so sure it was just mold or bugs too. It looked webby like moths were in it also. I have 8 feeders out so by the time I realized the birds wouldn't eat it I'd already dumped a lot. And I've read to get a credit you have to return the bad seed. Easier to just switch brands.

I'll check out those two brands you mentioned. I like the premium seeds so there's little waste and no fillers that the birds don't eat.

Did the deer eat the bird seed?

Lucille, the Song mix I lke has around 8-10 different seeds so I'd need to buy a huge amount to duplicate that. Hah! No to the inclination, but thanks for the idea.

OTOH I do have a big bag of BOSS so I suppose if I got something for the smaller birds I could mix that up. I'll think on that. thnks.

I also like Kaytee. I get it at Meijers. It's very clean. They have a good selection of varieties too.

Yes the deer ate the bird seed they also would lick the suet blocks through the cages. I watched one of the does enjoying herself at the cage popsicle one night when I could not sleep.

Don’t tell me that! I was going to recommend Wagner ‘s. Occasionally if I am suspicious about a bag I will put it in the freezer for a few days just to make sure everything’s dead. I hate buggy seed.

I buy mine at my local WBU - Wild Birds Unlimited but you can also order online. I like doing business locally if I can and the woman who owns the store has been very helpful over the years. She sends out frequent tips on what the local birds are doing and which seed mixes they like.

When I called her to let her know that the hot suet did not deter the squirrels she immediately issued me a credit. The store also carries a wide variety of bird feeding products.

I do have a question. How long ago did you purchase your bags?

I used to order directly from Audubon. They have pick up spots. Fresh seed, beautiful. Don't know if they still do this but I would suggest looking at Audubon where you live.

Jane

I just buy a 50 lb bag of sunflower seeds at the feed store here, I've not had an issue with bugs or mold...sometimes a little bit of sticks but nothing major.

maifleur, the 4 bags were all bought in the last 2-3 months. I generally feed most of the year except in the hottest summertime.

I had 3-4 varieties of birds come to the feeders and leave immediately after checking out the seed, so it may have smelled badly also. Definitely spoiled seed.

I like the mixed seeds so all the little ones have something too. I do buy BOSS by the 40lb bag at my feed store but their wild bird see is just plain seed and fillers and the junk the birds don't like.

Thanks for all the suggestions, so far.

I switched to just sunflower seeds when I saw the birds sorting through seed to get to them. Even the little chickadee dee dees like them.I pick them up locally at Country Max.

Have to give a shout out to Wildbirds Unlimited- went to my local store and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and clean seeds and a nice variety of special feeds for wild critters. Plus very clean seeds. No mold, no dust, no webby or buggy seeds. Not the cheapest prices but great quality and my birds are coming back in to eat.

Thanks for the update and I'm glad you like your WBU. You can find seed cheaper in other places but I'm been very happy with my WBU. I don't know if all the stores offer a discount but I signed up at mine and now I get a small discount on seeds and purchases and every now and then they send out postcards with more discounts on seeds, poles, feeders etc.

maire_cate- thank you for suggesting WBU. It's a great little store near me and I'll be going back soon when I can browse and see all the neat nature things they have.

Their seeds are definitely a cut above what I buy here normally.

And the birds knew immediately as all the colorful little goldfinches and chicadees

swarmed to the new food. Plus the catbirds, thrashers, cardinals and blue jays came back too.

Mornings here are now looking like an 'All you Can Eat Buffet'. Very busy backyard.