FINCHforum

Are these two seeds ok to give to gouldians
1,sesame seed
2,grass seed from the garden centre(im assuming if u buy organic it is not treated with anything)
Thanks in advance

I would not feed seed bought from the garden center. Even organic seeds are often treated with chemicals.

Gouldiandave

I agree with Layne.
I don't trust packaged grass seeds. I figure that they are treated with something somewhere down the road, that would not be healthy for the birds.

I do however collect wild gass seeds for the kids (during Summer and Fall).

As for sesame seeds..... I haven't offered them. They are not part of the finch seed mixes which I buy, and for some reason I've always assumed they were high in fat (sesame seed oil).

Anyone please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I used to order seed from Herman Bros. Seed Co. in Michigan. Their E.M. Finch mix was what I used, and it contains sesame seed, so it is OK, probably in small amounts. They add sesame seed to several of their finch mixes.

I also would be careful with grass seed from the garden center, as it has often been treated.

Decided to look into sesame seeds.
What I found out, is that these little gems contain a lot of good things. They are however (as I suspected) very high in fat, so personally I would only use very tiny amounts (especially with birds that are living in fairly small enclosures and indoors).

I think I will invest in a small bag, and see which one of my fids will be the first to try a few out (as a treat). My bets are on my little singing piggies ( the Canaries ).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame
Scroll down to nutritional information.

I feed sesame seeds during the breeding season, a small amount mixed in with the normal mix.

I found that fledglings love it, as they are soft and good seeds for them to experiment with while still being weaned. Also full of good nutrition.

Thanks for d reply. A landscape gardner pal told me do treat grass seed in garden centres, so thats a no no, as for the sesame ive being putting a bit in the eggfood mix, a tbh they are devouring it, but id say u overuse it=fat gouldians

Agreed, go easy on the sesame seed.
Fat gouldians = breeding problems and fertility issues