Can Millet Spoil?

[Chelle]

I have some Millet that I bought a couple of months ago. It looks different now so I was wondering can it spoil???

What are the guidelines for keeping it as fresh as possible?

How long can it be kept after opening?

THANKS FOR ANY HELP

 

[MikeyTN]

If you kept it where there's moisture then it can spoil. Keep it bagged up and away from moisture is your best bet to keep it good. On the millet bags have holes on them to keep them aired out so they're already open pretty much.

 

[Chelle]

I live in a dry climate. And I put it in a Rubbermaid container. However, it is starting to look almost like something is growing on it. Not mold or anything it just looks different. Does that seem normal or should I toss it?

 

[MikeyTN]

Does it look black? If it seem suspicious I would just toss it and be done with it.

 

[Chelle]

No it doesn't look black. It just looks different than it did. I think I am going to be safe and toss it! I was just wanting to see if I was worrying over nothing. Thanks for your help!!

 

[strudel]

Insects could have attacked it. Better safe than sorry, I reckon, if in doubt, don't

 

[Kalidasa]

I've noticed it gets slightly lighter in color as it gets more dried out. If you're seeing webbing-like stuff on it that's seed moths at work. But I agree better not risk it if you're not sure.

 

[GaryBV]

When you asked 'Can millet spoil' I thought you meant spoil the birds lol - and that is a definite YES ! But yes, it can spoil as in go bad as well. I did buy 5 pounds of millet and the directions told me to refrigerate it in the plastic bag it came from and so far so good, I'm not having any trouble with it. Someone here mentioned those horrid seed moths - I got those one time and it seemed like FOREVER before I got rid of them. As a result of them I know refrigerate all bird foods, all the dog foods, the cat foods and the fish foods. In fact, there is hardly any room left for MY food But yes, better safe and sorry, it's not that expensive to put the birds at risk. I wish my birds loved fruits and vegetables, especially my Fischer Lovebirds, as much as they love millet.

 

[crimson]

if your not sure don't take a chance and throw it out, go buy new

I do know millet contains mould spores, and you should only give no more than a 2" pieces

 

[BruceV]

Is millet ok for macaws? Or are the seeds too tiny?

 

[MonicaMc]

Stores used to sell "super millet", which is more an ingredient in wild bird seed. I haven't seen it sold in stores now for years! It was milo, aka sorghum.


File:Sorghum head in India.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
http://soilcropandmore.info/crops/sorghum/seed01a.jpg



I don't know why stores stopped carrying it, but it was a great size for medium and large parrots.



I'm sure millet can be fed to macaws, although it could be too small for them if they eat it whole rather than breaking the hull off.