"Live" Seed for Finches

[debbyloo]

Does anyone know if the "live" seed mix for finches previously offerred for sale by one of our forum members whose family business, Roose Green Solutions, involved producing seed intended to be planted out (hence "live" seed) is going to be available again? I have been to their website and it simply notes that the finch mix is out of stock. I've emailed someone at the company but so far have received no response. I so hope we will be able to buy this seed mix again. My finches consistently empty the bowl with that seed in it. I'm out now and it's time to restock.

[paul-inAZ]

Why buy seed for planting?
I grow seed grasses from the uneaten seeds that would otherwise be thrown into trash. Most of what grows are a couple of varieties of millets and some others that I haven't identified. If it came from feed dish seeds I figure it has to be OK.
I go out every morning and cut stalks, leaves and all, to give my birds. Cut them when the seed heads are changing from green to yellow-green. Much beyond that the wild birds will strip the ripe seeds.
My Gouldians and Bourkes love 'em. They eat the seeds and nibble on the green leaves.

What I do is pitch the seeds and hulls onto a couple of areas in the back yard that get regular watering. I once tried growing in pots indoors but that wasn't very successful. You could scratch the seeds into the dirt but I rarely bother. Wild birds get some of it but plenty of it grows. The millets vary from knee high to chest high at times. Some of the others with slightly larger seeds get about a foot high.

[finchandlovebird]

Great idea Paul; and you've got the climate to do that successfully.

[paul-inAZ]

It doesn't work as well in our mid summer heat and dryness. From now till June will be fine.
You could do it... just break the frozen ground up a bit. [grin]

[cindy]

The seed for the mixes she offered were tested and approved for seed grade...meaning it was approved to feed to birds...not sure they are still selling the seed.

topics pertaining to the seed mix

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... ore+bought

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... ore+bought

[paul-inAZ]

"Seed grade" is seed that has been tested for uniformity, lack of weeds and for germination. Ideally it is fresh. Useful for farmers planting seeds by the acre so they pay extra for the absence of weeds etc.
I hate to be a cynic but if one grows plants from seed that is fed to our birds how is that somehow different? So some of it doesn't germinate. Not a biggie. Any "weeds" grown come from seeds in the bird mixes so can't be harmful.
Maybe I'm too frugal.

[cindy]

Paul, the seed that were used came from one of the biggest growers down here...it was fresh, no chemicals and the birds enjoyed it. If you go back and read the past topics we posted on it you will see the time that went into putting the mix together.

[birdclaws]

I sure hope this seed returns. It seems like no one is getting any response from Nancy. Hope she is ok and knows there are a lot of people hoping she can continue making her mix.

[beachbird]

Gee Paul I never thought of that and I see so much seed go to waste. Hey what have you got to loose. I am going to give it a try. Thanks for the great idea.