Seed mess!!

[steph]

Hello! Its been a while!

I just wanted to know if anyone else has this problem...it seems like about 1/2 or more of the seed I give my finches ends up being tossed onto the floor. I don't just mean the shells...they toss out whole seeds! It seems like such a waste! I don't know if I should change their seed mix or get a different feeder or what.

[dfcauley]

Find out which ones they are looking for and maybe add more of those or change your mix.

Missed you being around lately!!

[steph]

Thanks! I've been so busy with school lately. And on top of that, we're moving! We are going to try to move the aviary this weekend. Its quite an ordeal. We built the aviary IN the screen porch, so we're going to either have to disassemble it or take the screen out of the screen porch. We're probably going to have to do a little of both! We'll see. My little finch babies have been in a smaller indoor cage for two months now because its been SO cold here (cold for Florida!).

So, for the seed....should I buy seeds individually instead of in a mix so I can see which one they are eating? Where can I buy seeds that aren't in a mix?

[dfcauley]

Do you have bird marts anywhere near you? I always find that an excellent place to buy individual type seeds.

[Rayray]

they just eating the seeds they really like ( but not need ) , you should feed less seeds until you see everything ( almost ) is gone , means they getting all the goodies from all the different seeds .Here we use a little medicin cup ( or a medicin spoon ) to find out the amount to feed for a certain species , and you will be shocked how little the real amount is what they need to stay healthy and in a good shape ....

Ray

[Ursula]

I would say, get a different feeder. All my birds are messing with their seed.

Seed hoppers work best in cages, I believe.

[ac12]

I use a covered seed dish where they can't toss seeds out. Well they have a HARD time. But like you I can see which seeds they eat and which they do NOT eat. In many finch seed mixes the birds do not eat up to 60% of the seeds. Generally my finches eat light colored seeds and leave dark colored seeds behind. I have a 1 quart container of uneaten seeds that I plan to put out for the wild birds. This is frustrating because what this means is the uneaten seeds make the seeds they did eat effectively more expensive. And like was said, they are not getting the nutrition and vitamins that you paid for, just what they want to eat.

I have not pushed 'minimum seeds' method to force them to eat the seeds they otherwise would not. While they are on eggs, I don't want to push them. I would do that when they are not on eggs or chicks. But I might try that approach.

This is why I switched all my zebras to pellets and most of my gouldians partially to pellets (1 hen is the hold out). No uneaten food, and no mess from seed hulls. The zebras now get seeds as a treat or when they are feeding chicks. The gouldians get seeds MUCH more often.

[Sally]

What brand seed are you feeding? Also, since finches aren't as popular as other birds, sometimes finch seed sits on the shelf for a long time, so it is old seed when you buy it.

[JohnBoy]

Do you have bird marts anywhere near you? I always find that an excellent place to buy individual type seeds.

Never buy seed from shops that keep the different seeds in open (uncovered) containers.

[cindy]

I order my seed from Herman Brothers Pet Products. They mix up a blend my birds love and it is sent to me. You can buy it separate or have them mix it. I started with a few blends watched what the ate and what they did not, based on what they ate that is blend I order (it is under my name).


http://www.hermanbros-seed.com/

I live in West Central Florida, it has been so cold and chilly this winter...hoping for warmth soon!!!!!

[Gawain1974]

Do you have bird marts anywhere near you? I always find that an excellent place to buy individual type seeds.

Never buy seed from shops that keep the different seeds in open (uncovered) containers.

This is probably gonna sound like a dumb question, but can I ask why you shouldn't buy seed this way? I can probably guess why, but I'd like a solid reason besides my haphazard guesses, lol.

[Sally]

Do you have bird marts anywhere near you? I always find that an excellent place to buy individual type seeds.

Never buy seed from shops that keep the different seeds in open (uncovered) containers.

This is probably gonna sound like a dumb question, but can I ask why you shouldn't buy seed this way? I can probably guess why, but I'd like a solid reason besides my haphazard guesses, lol.

For one thing, it's a good way to bring home seed moths, which are a pain to get rid of. Also, if it is in an open container, you really don't know what the ingredients are, like they are listed on a bag.