Question about Indian corn

[Kate B]

This may belong in the "Other Stuff" forum, but I'll try here. I bought some Indian corn for Fall decorating. I know it's not for human consumption (LOL!), but do you think it can be fed to squirrels? I buy them squirrel cobs.... but I don't want the little buggers to get sick!

If not, any ideas on what to do with it besides chuck it? (can it be saved until next Fall?)

Thoughts?

TIA,

Kate

[Beth]

Depending on where you buy it and where it came from, you could be buying dried corn, which would be fine for them. But if you buy it in a decorating store, I'd be more concerned that it could be sprayed with something to coat or preserve it. A preservative might not be good for them but also might not be enough to really hurt them either. On the other hand, if they have anything to keep mice and such out of them -- that could be bad.

Can you ask the place where you got it if they have been treated?

[Kate B]

Hi Beth,
I hadn't thought of a coating; I think I'll just chuck it or throw it in the garage to see if it lasts a year. Thanks for your time!

Kate

[heavy hedonist]

as above-- please do not feed it to any animal. besides a coating which may not be visible, these items carry other risks-- staples, wires, tacks, strings etc from placement in the store-- but the worst thing is, the corn may have sat for ages in storerooms and shelves, and can be a carrier of mold, which is not safe for animals.
decorative items are truly and only decorative, they are designed and sold for that purpose and can carry many hazards for wild foraging creatures.
the corn may last two years or so for decorating with if kept in a very dry place, wrapped well with in breathable material like a paper bag. a damp basement area or moist part of the garage is not a good place for it.
otherwise it will likely develop mold spores that you may not be able to smell, but which can certainly affect your health.

[Kate B]

I hadn't thought about mold.... into the trash they go! I won't even compost them 'cuz I think the squirrels might find them. Thanks so much for pointing that out!!!

Kate

[cindy47031]

I grew some this year, and the varieties I grew are safe to eat, for peoples or critters. Next year, get yours from a local farmer's market where you can ask!

I didn't look to see if your profile reveals where you are, but in my part of the country, it's been extremely wet and all the farmers are having trouble getting their grain in and getting it dry before it molds. Some of my indian corn molded on the stock! But what I did manage to get dry before it molded still looks good, and I'm sure it would keep for reuse next year. I would suggest keeping it in a box (so it doesn't get mashed and beat up) in the deep freeze (in the event you get a mousie in your housie.)