FINCHforum

I bought 2 millet plants this spring (ornamental outdoor annuals); they have red leaves & the millet spray looks blackish.

Millet is millet? Right? Can I feed this to my finches? Does it matter when to harvest, i.e. I have no idea when they would ripe or not.

I think this should be fine.. There are several millet species, yours is probaly red millet. I know some people cut them when they are green, and freeze them until needed. You can wait until fall when the stems die and turn brown in colors, that is when the seed also change from green, and is what is offered in most stores

Is this the plant? http://www.amazon.com/PURPLE-MAJESTY-Or ... B004ZHZ2ZM

BLOOM TIME: Summer
HARDINESS ZONE: 8 - 11
PLANT HEIGHT: 36 - 60" . . . PLANT SPACING: 18 - 24"
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun . . . SOIL / WATER: Average - Dry
Dark Purple - Nearly Black. Purple Majesty can easily be grown in containers, and the 8-12 inches flower (seed) stalks are an absolute favorite of birds. This is an AAS winning variety whose lovely dark colors can add a great contrast when paired with other plants

If that is it, that is a rather pretty millet species!!

cindy Yes; that's it: Purple Majesty. I just picked 13 millet stalks as it looks like the outside birds were eating them away.

OK to feed them to my finches; right?

Lol, if the outdoor birds like it, yours should. I would freeze them for a little while, just incase there are any small insects hiding, the'll get killed

DanteD716 good point; I'll do that. (I do freeze all my seeds, etc. on a regular basis) I was wondering about bugs being in it, and freezing should solve that. Thanks

finchandlovebird wrote: DanteD716 good point; I'll do that. (I do freeze all my seeds, etc. on a regular basis) I was wondering about bugs being in it, and freezing should solve that. Thanks

No problem! First thing that came to my mind when you said wild birds were enjoying it = mites and lice. Wouldnt want your birds getting that!