How should you store birdseed for backyard birds? You want to keep it clean and dry but also secure so other wildlife doesn’t get into the seed. And you want it to be convenient and easy to access. Here is how I store my birdseed.
Note: Because I recently changed how I store my birdseed, I updated my original post to add a third way to store seed. This replaces the previous post.
Hey fellow bird lovers! As someone who’s been feeding backyard birds for years, I’ve dealt with my fair share of birdseed calculations. Today, I’m gonna break down that classic birdseed math problem that keeps popping up everywhere. You know the one – “if three bags of birdseed cost $14.16…”
The Quick Answer
Let me save you some time – if you’re just here for the math:
- Cost per bag = $14.16 ÷ 3 = $4.72
- For 14 bags = $4.72 × 14 = $66.08
But stick around! There’s more interesting stuff about this birdseed puzzle that might surprise you.
Why This Problem Matters
As a bird enthusiast with two chatty parakeets at home, I know firsthand that buying birdseed isn’t just about solving math problems. It’s about
- Budgeting for our feathered friends’ food
- Planning bulk purchases to save money
- Making sure we never run out of seed
- Getting the best value for our bird-feeding buck
Breaking Down the Birdseed Problem
The Basic Setup
Let’s look at what we’re working with
- Initial cost: $14.16
- Initial quantity: 3 bags
- Target quantity: 14 bags
Step-by-Step Solution
- Find cost per bag:
- $14.16 ÷ 3 = $4.72 per bag
- Multiply by desired quantity:
- $4.72 × 14 = $66.08 total
Real-World Applications
When I’m shopping for my birds, I use this same logic for:
- Comparing prices between stores
- Calculating bulk discounts
- Planning monthly bird food budgets
- Splitting costs with other bird owners
Creative Ways to Use This Knowledge
Ya know what’s cool? This problem teaches us more than just math. Here’s how I’ve applied it:
Bulk Buying Strategies
- Buy during sales to maximize savings
- Split large orders with other bird owners
- Calculate price per pound to find best deals
Feeding Schedule Planning
- Figure out how long supplies will last
- Plan restock dates
- Budget monthly bird food expenses
Common Questions I Get Asked
“Is buying in bulk always cheaper?”
Not always! Ya gotta do the math each time. Sometimes those “deals” aren’t really deals at all.
“How do I know if I’m getting a good price?”
- Compare price per pound
- Check multiple stores
- Watch for sales
- Consider quality too, not just price
Tips from My Experience
After years of buying birdseed, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Keep track of prices at different stores
- Buy more during sales if you have storage space
- Consider storage conditions to keep seed fresh
- Don’t forget to factor in travel costs to stores
Making Smart Birdseed Purchases
When I’m shopping for birdseed, I always:
- Calculate price per pound
- Check expiration dates
- Look for bulk discounts
- Consider storage space
- Factor in travel costs
Conclusion
This classic “three bags of birdseed” problem isn’t just about math – it’s about smart shopping and bird care. Whether you’re feeding backyard birds or pet parakeets like mine, understanding these calculations can help you save money and keep your feathered friends well-fed.
Remember:
- 3 bags at $14.16 = $4.72 per bag
- 14 bags will cost $66.08
- Always do the math before assuming bulk is better
- Consider storage and freshness too
Happy bird feeding everyone! If you’ve got questions about birdseed math or feeding our feathered friends drop ’em in the comments below. I’d love to hear your experiences too!
Kitchen Seed Storage Tin Labels
To make my labels, I printed out a picture of each seed labeled with the name of the seed on regular paper. To attach them to my kitchen tins, I used clear packing tape to attach it to the side of the tins. Because these tins are on shelves, the side labels are easiest to see. (Note: In the comments below, Laura requested copies of my labels that can be downloaded and printed. You can now find them in the Birdseed Storage Labels to Print post.) You could of course also use adhesive labels, either printed using a computer or hand written.
Labeling Seed Storage Containers
If you are the only one filling the feeders, you may not need to label them. I like labeling mine for a few reasons. First, I learned the hard way that if other people don’t know what I’m storing in the low flat-topped plastic bins, they might think it’s ok to stack other things on top of them. Labels make it clear that what is inside is something you need free access to. And second, if we go out of town, someone else might need to find the right type of seed.
