wild bird feed

[dubge]

is there anything in wild bird feed/seeds to worry about? I have been looking around for different things and was wondering if it is ok? I was going to buy a bag of sunflower seeds in particular.

Thanks

[Gator]

Are you talking about feeding it to your fid? I'm not sure. I don't know if wild bird seed has the same standards as parrot food. I know that they tend to have more bugs in them. Every bag we get for the wild bird feeders is full of weevils. We put it in the freezer to kill them.

[my-africangrey-echo]

Not only is wild bird seed a bad choice. Sunflower seeds are like candy to them and should only be given in limited amounts..

[dubge]

Ya I meant as treats once in a while, I know they are not healthy to feed all the time.

[ccg]

I have been wondering this myself. If a bag is frozen will it be ok?

It makes since that wild bird seed would not be of the same quality, but it would not surprise me if many of the brands come from the same factory.

[Koki]

I buy storebought human intended sunflower seed for occasional treats. You can get them raw and no salt. You can also find them in bulk bins and some health food stores.

A good alternative is Drs. foster and smith website. they sell the indivisual seed types so you can make your own mix. I havn't tried the sunflower seed, but he white proso millet and the canary seed were both fairly clean, no bugs, and had virtually a 100% germination rate when sprouted.

the stuff sold for wildbirds may be last year's crop, moldy, aspergillos, etc. There are no standards for storage. I feed wild birds year round, but wouldn't give it to my fids.

[Chief's Mom]

I buy all my 'treats' from nutsonline.com. They have a great selection of nuts and seeds that are good for both you and your birdie. They sell by the pound and have great service. I normally buy the mixed nuts for the big birds. I also buy the pumpkin seeds as a treat.

[hollyhawkz]

If they are just a treat why don't you get a bag or raw sunflower seeds from a health food store?... at least then you know you can't go wrong. I have heard wild bird seed is not great stuff. I even feed our wild birds outside, Wawa's left overs so they get good food as well.