In a message dated 96-10-29 23:13:07 EST, Betty writes:

<< 20 minutes at 225 degrees >>

Betty,

I sterilize the black oil sunflower seeds as well as the wild bird seed mix
but not the niger thistle. The method I use is 45 minutes at 250 degrees and
I have virtually no more "weed" growth under my birdfeeders. Actually,
sunflowers were popping up everywhere before I starting sterilizing the seed
because the finches would take the seed away and sometimes it would drop
before they could eat it. Since we buy 150 pounds of birdseed every two
weeks, the sterilization takes awhile but to me it's worth the work.

Maia Kelly
Selah, WA