freezing pellets?

[HalfInsane]

Does anyone do this? I'm considering ordering pellets in bulk and freezing them to be thawed in portions (I'd keep them in a well sealed container, of course). The pet stores where I live are insanely overpriced, so it'd save me money.

 

[Spiritbird]

Yes I try to keep a second bag of Harrisions around and put it in the freezer.

 

[antoinette]

Yipe I do freeze the pellets as well. If I were not able to purchase when needed, I have peace of mind knowing I do still have.
When purchasing a new one, I take the old one out, replacing it with the new one.

 

[Rio Mom]

I keep all my pellets in the freezer. I just put about a weeks worth in a small container in the refridgerator and refill it once a week.

 

[roxynoodle]

Are you freezing them in the original Harrison's bag or putting them into different bags? Merlin's previous owners sent me what was left of a 40lb bag, which was most of it. I have it in the fridge and it sure takes up a lot of room. I don't think I could fit it in the freezer unless I divided it up into smaller bags though. I've been using my only empty Harrison's bag to put a few days worth in to keep at room temps. Right now it's winter so it's cool and dry in my house, but come summer it might be best to freeze at least some of it.

 

[Rio Mom]

Mine is in the harrisons bag, which is then inside a plastic container.

 

[roxynoodle]

I don't plan on buying such a large bag in the future, but it would be nice if this one didn't go to waste.

 

[suncon97]

Is it necessary to refrigerate or freeze pellets?Because I just order a new bag when I get low but I always keep the bag beside Pearls cage.

 

[roxynoodle]

Well, the Harrison's don't have any preservatives so it's possible they could go bad before you use them all.

 

[suncon97]

I use Pretty Bird and it's a new bag so should I stick it in the freezer with the bag clipped shut and have a Tupperware ware container full in the fridge?

 

[roxynoodle]

I use Pretty Bird and it's a new bag so should I stick it in the freezer with the bag clipped shut and have a Tupperware ware container full in the fridge?

I guess you will have to read the label to see if it has preservatives or not. I don't generally freeze the Zupreem. Although if you have grain moths coming out in August or whenever it gets humid near you, freezing it for a day will kill them.

 

[suncon97]

Okay thanks

 

[suncon97]

Would it hurt if I just freeze it to be safe?

 

[MikeyTN]

I would do freezer bag instead! Moisture and freezer smell can easily get into those paper bags they pack them in. There is no need for me to freeze since I buy directly from a distributor friend of mine locally so I always keep them pretty fresh.

 

[suncon97]

Okay what kind of freezer bag?Its in the plastic bag and I get a new bag every month or month and a half.Would you still recommend it?
Thanks

 

[henpecked]

I'd check the date before investing in a large bag to freeze.I'd freeze in Qt size ziplock bags.If you use a bag up in 6 wks,then you might want to freeze half and only bring out a weeks worth at a time.Even in airtight container,spoilage and bugs could be an issue after 5-6 weeks IMO.

 

[suncon97]

Okay thanks

 

[roxynoodle]

I'm sure you can probably freeze any bird food safely. The trouble could be finding freezer bags as big as the pellet bags. I don't think I've ever seen any bigger than the one gallon size in my store. But, I was wondering the same about the Harrison's paper bag as far as long term freezer storage.

In July and August I do stick the Zupreem in the freezer for at least a day due to those grain moths. They are annoying as heck!

 

[suncon97]

I have the big pack of quart sized zip locs so if I could split the whole bag up between those and bring a bag out a week would it work?

 

[henpecked]

The quality of your pellets is deteriorating with heat,time ,sunlight etc. If you lived in the high desert keeping it in the cabinets might work OK but in most places i'd keep it in the freezer.Your pellets might grow bacteria with the help from the moisture from condensation when pellets are transferred from freezer to room temp in a closed container.So i'd freeze small amounts that can be used quickly.I don't have this issue often anymore because the birds eat large bags of pellets relatively quick,but treat type foods (seeds,Nut-Blend Pellets,etc) i keep in the freezer.