Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
- Foosa101
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
I can get or have pretty much any variety of grass seed or legume you could want or desire.
Yes, it may seem like Cindy and I are working together into trying to form a business or make profit off this but should that be your opinion...than so be it. I, or should say we, are just trying to cut down on the cost of bird feed so we can spend more money on birds. Should you not find that desirable than ignore the post. Like I have said, and I think many will vouch for, I am not interested in making money off this. Should you find this offensive..I am sorry and I am not (was not) trying to degrade other feed blends/mixes. I am just offering my knowledge of the market to other hobbiest,like myself.
Yes, it may seem like Cindy and I are working together into trying to form a business or make profit off this but should that be your opinion...than so be it. I, or should say we, are just trying to cut down on the cost of bird feed so we can spend more money on birds. Should you not find that desirable than ignore the post. Like I have said, and I think many will vouch for, I am not interested in making money off this. Should you find this offensive..I am sorry and I am not (was not) trying to degrade other feed blends/mixes. I am just offering my knowledge of the market to other hobbiest,like myself.
- cindy
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
As Nancy mentioned...we are not in business together we are just trying out seeds her work place has to offer to see what is going to work on the finches/birds. Once we come down with what goes over well with a variety of our birds we can suggest what works.
I spoke with nancy last night and may go back to see her next week to pick up and order of the mix or individual baags and blend it here.
Thank you Nancy for offering us fresh enticing seed for our finches and at a reasonable cost to.
I spoke with nancy last night and may go back to see her next week to pick up and order of the mix or individual baags and blend it here.
Thank you Nancy for offering us fresh enticing seed for our finches and at a reasonable cost to.
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- MLaRue
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Even if you both were going into a seed mix business – I don’t think any of us would mind at all!
I only asked about the two of you mixing seeds for certain mixes because I was just curious, there was no ill feelings intended to either of you.
It seems that there might be a misunderstanding there from my asking that question.
I certainly appreciate Nancy offering to sell these super fresh seeds to us at a wholesale price but more than that the variety she has available as well. Shipping maybe too cost prohibitive for me or others but I’m very interested in this either way.
As you know I still don’t believe in pellets so my birds are given a very large variety of seeds along with vegetables, greens, herbs, eggs, etc… The wasted seed from premixed seed blends is what encouraged me to start mixing my own seed mixes here locally. And, the horrible shipping prices.
I’m very happy both of you are interested in the variety of seed Nancy has available and looking forward to all the goodness as well.


I certainly appreciate Nancy offering to sell these super fresh seeds to us at a wholesale price but more than that the variety she has available as well. Shipping maybe too cost prohibitive for me or others but I’m very interested in this either way.
As you know I still don’t believe in pellets so my birds are given a very large variety of seeds along with vegetables, greens, herbs, eggs, etc… The wasted seed from premixed seed blends is what encouraged me to start mixing my own seed mixes here locally. And, the horrible shipping prices.
I’m very happy both of you are interested in the variety of seed Nancy has available and looking forward to all the goodness as well.

- cindy
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Misty, I met Nancy through the forum and we live somewhat closeby in the same county. She asked if I would try seeds out to see what was moste desirable....in doing so we are both learning what our birds go for and not. I am cleaning cages today and noticed that some of the birds especially the owls are now going for the dove proso to....they feasted on the brown top and Japenese.
I appreciate the fact that you do not use pellets and may be able to offer your birds a variety of foods. I do not live in an area that allows that and we all must do what we think is best. For me pellets work along with a healthy seed mix, one that does not end up on the floor or in the tray. I watched my birds eat the seed that Nancy gave me....there was very little spilled...then when mixed with a commercial seed mix there was more waste as they went though and found the seeds Nancy is offering.
As far as pellets, I spent close to a $1000 in medical costs when I owned my gray due to health issues. My vet is an avian diplomat, she has researched pellets and recommends them, when ever my gray's blood levels and panels were drawn on a 6 month basis his health as far as dietary needs was excellent...on a pelleted diet only with fruits and veggies daily. Finches have a very high metabolism and she said it was acceptable to add a good seed to the mix along with veggies.
Nancy and I are experimenting to find what the seed is most desired by our finches...I have both African and Australian and we think we have found the tip of the iceberg so to speak as to the seeds they like.
This has also been a learning experience for me...each type of seed offers something a little different as far as nutrition. Now this might interest you...since feeding this fresh seed the birds are not going through pellets as fast which leads me to believe even though store brand pre-bagged seed claims to have good additives in it the birds are seem to be lacking something...perhaps this something is now found in the fresh seeds. They still eat pellets to a powder but they are not consuming as much. The proof are in the dishes!
Misty...the issue of nutrition and what we each has feed our birds has always been a debatable issue, sometimes heated. We all need to do what we feel is best for them in the long run. I respect your choice as I hope you respect mine...I think I know you do based on our chats...so not to worry.
I appreciate the fact that you do not use pellets and may be able to offer your birds a variety of foods. I do not live in an area that allows that and we all must do what we think is best. For me pellets work along with a healthy seed mix, one that does not end up on the floor or in the tray. I watched my birds eat the seed that Nancy gave me....there was very little spilled...then when mixed with a commercial seed mix there was more waste as they went though and found the seeds Nancy is offering.
As far as pellets, I spent close to a $1000 in medical costs when I owned my gray due to health issues. My vet is an avian diplomat, she has researched pellets and recommends them, when ever my gray's blood levels and panels were drawn on a 6 month basis his health as far as dietary needs was excellent...on a pelleted diet only with fruits and veggies daily. Finches have a very high metabolism and she said it was acceptable to add a good seed to the mix along with veggies.
Nancy and I are experimenting to find what the seed is most desired by our finches...I have both African and Australian and we think we have found the tip of the iceberg so to speak as to the seeds they like.
This has also been a learning experience for me...each type of seed offers something a little different as far as nutrition. Now this might interest you...since feeding this fresh seed the birds are not going through pellets as fast which leads me to believe even though store brand pre-bagged seed claims to have good additives in it the birds are seem to be lacking something...perhaps this something is now found in the fresh seeds. They still eat pellets to a powder but they are not consuming as much. The proof are in the dishes!
Misty...the issue of nutrition and what we each has feed our birds has always been a debatable issue, sometimes heated. We all need to do what we feel is best for them in the long run. I respect your choice as I hope you respect mine...I think I know you do based on our chats...so not to worry.
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- nixity
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
I realize this is completely off-topic, but I love your updated signature, Cindy! A bounty of bichenos! A plethora of Poephila!
Not only do I love alliteration but plethora is quite possibly one of my favorite words.. it made me giggle
Not only do I love alliteration but plethora is quite possibly one of my favorite words.. it made me giggle

- MLaRue
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
I, too love her signature and kept meaning to mention it when I first saw it but kept thinking OTnixity wrote:I realize this is completely off-topic, but I love your updated signature, Cindy! A bounty of bichenos! A plethora of Poephila!
Not only do I love alliteration but plethora is quite possibly one of my favorite words.. it made me giggle



- cindy
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Thank you Tiffany and Misty....if you were to see my cages/house right now, it is very miuch a plethora of Poephila and a bounty of bichenos! Luckily the owls have taken a break and enjoying their flight.
The zebras all have young and there are many mutations all of which will be going to marketplace looking for a new home to go to and make more of a plethora of more poephila!!!
As I am typing this I faintly hear an owl male doing the "dance and song"!
The zebras all have young and there are many mutations all of which will be going to marketplace looking for a new home to go to and make more of a plethora of more poephila!!!
As I am typing this I faintly hear an owl male doing the "dance and song"!
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Cindy,cindy wrote:Misty, I met Nancy through the forum and we live somewhat closeby in the same county. She asked if I would try seeds out to see what was moste desirable....in doing so we are both learning what our birds go for and not. I am cleaning cages today and noticed that some of the birds especially the owls are now going for the dove proso to....they feasted on the brown top and Japenese.
I appreciate the fact that you do not use pellets and may be able to offer your birds a variety of foods. I do not live in an area that allows that and we all must do what we think is best. For me pellets work along with a healthy seed mix, one that does not end up on the floor or in the tray. I watched my birds eat the seed that Nancy gave me....there was very little spilled...then when mixed with a commercial seed mix there was more waste as they went though and found the seeds Nancy is offering.
As far as pellets, I spent close to a $1000 in medical costs when I owned my gray due to health issues. My vet is an avian diplomat, she has researched pellets and recommends them, when ever my gray's blood levels and panels were drawn on a 6 month basis his health as far as dietary needs was excellent...on a pelleted diet only with fruits and veggies daily. Finches have a very high metabolism and she said it was acceptable to add a good seed to the mix along with veggies.
Nancy and I are experimenting to find what the seed is most desired by our finches...I have both African and Australian and we think we have found the tip of the iceberg so to speak as to the seeds they like.
This has also been a learning experience for me...each type of seed offers something a little different as far as nutrition. Now this might interest you...since feeding this fresh seed the birds are not going through pellets as fast which leads me to believe even though store brand pre-bagged seed claims to have good additives in it the birds are seem to be lacking something...perhaps this something is now found in the fresh seeds. They still eat pellets to a powder but they are not consuming as much. The proof are in the dishes!
Misty...the issue of nutrition and what we each has feed our birds has always been a debatable issue, sometimes heated. We all need to do what we feel is best for them in the long run. I respect your choice as I hope you respect mine...I think I know you do based on our chats...so not to worry.
You know that I respect your decision and stand on pellets. I've even tried feeding them to mine but they will not eat them. But they will eat the heck out of other things like a good mixture of seeds. I use very little white proso in my seed because I too have both the Australian and African species and didn't want to have too many different mixes. But with my group right now they have decided they don't like red millet anymore

Also you should know that the Conures I have now were raised on pellets - and they love them! And, after seeing their condition, health, color, I do believe pellets are a good choice for the larger birds that are not big eaters of everything like our finches. Their feather quality is outstanding, their sheen is gorgeous. With the finches since they will not eat them now I stopped trying but after doing much research on pellets I decided for the finches it was best they didn't eat them (my birds). I think the species of birds makes the difference and the Conures have certainly opened me up for exceptions.

As you know I'm open for whatever works for each person and their flock. And, with the "bounty" and "plethora" of babies you've had recently - it works so I'm game.

- cindy
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
The large white millet is being kicked out, so are the longer oats that are included...and the seed that is color coated...don't let me go on about those.....
Personally the larger birds do way better on pellets than seeds, the overall health and feathering I agree is better. I was always pleased when I got test restults back on my gray, and lovebird.

Personally the larger birds do way better on pellets than seeds, the overall health and feathering I agree is better. I was always pleased when I got test restults back on my gray, and lovebird.
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
The canary seed that is color coated? Why was it that color? Is it a food dye?cindy wrote:The large white millet is being kicked out, so are the longer oats that are included...and the seed that is color coated...don't let me go on about those.....![]()
Personally the larger birds do way better on pellets than seeds, the overall health and feathering I agree is better. I was always pleased when I got test restults back on my gray, and lovebird.
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
I also saw the new signature and loved it, cindy!
As far as pellets, I know nothing about hookbills, but it seems that they get a lot of interaction from their humans, from toys or playstands, from outside-the-cage time, plus lots of treats, so they don't need the stimulation from seed. When I fed nothing but pellets to my finches, they became less active and quieter. I finally figured out that they were bored. Finches spend so much of their time searching out goodies, picking thru the hay on the floor, just foraging in general. When I gave them seed again, they perked right up and became more active.
I have gotten some of the fruit blend pellets, and I think I will mix some of them in with my seed and see how they do with it. I still think fresh seed is the best way to go for finches, along with veggies/fruits, eggfood, and whatever else you can tempt them with. I read how the big breeders in Europe go out and gather fresh seed for their birds (a little more work than I care to do in our 105 degree heat!).
As far as pellets, I know nothing about hookbills, but it seems that they get a lot of interaction from their humans, from toys or playstands, from outside-the-cage time, plus lots of treats, so they don't need the stimulation from seed. When I fed nothing but pellets to my finches, they became less active and quieter. I finally figured out that they were bored. Finches spend so much of their time searching out goodies, picking thru the hay on the floor, just foraging in general. When I gave them seed again, they perked right up and became more active.
I have gotten some of the fruit blend pellets, and I think I will mix some of them in with my seed and see how they do with it. I still think fresh seed is the best way to go for finches, along with veggies/fruits, eggfood, and whatever else you can tempt them with. I read how the big breeders in Europe go out and gather fresh seed for their birds (a little more work than I care to do in our 105 degree heat!).
- cindy
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Sally, hookbills can be very picky also, especially the bigger birds and they do let you know it, mine use to pick out specific colors and shapes as his favorite.
The finches do like to forage. There was a woman very well know in the county above me that raised owls, she was very methodical about it. I spoke with her many times in regards to her birds. She would raise mealies and cover the bottoms of the cages with leaves (not sure it they were oaks from outside or silks...either would work I imagine).
She would put mealies under the leaves and let the owls forage for them a few times a week. Finches like to pick out what they like...even some of mine like only specific colors in the pellet mixes...some eat all the yellow and green and others leave the red...the owls eat all colors! I like giving the finches a variety.
It was very interesting giving them the packaged mix and a separate dish of the fresh from Nancy...all you saw were tails in the air around the dish of fresh seeds. By the way some of the dove proso is being eaten now.
The finches do like to forage. There was a woman very well know in the county above me that raised owls, she was very methodical about it. I spoke with her many times in regards to her birds. She would raise mealies and cover the bottoms of the cages with leaves (not sure it they were oaks from outside or silks...either would work I imagine).
She would put mealies under the leaves and let the owls forage for them a few times a week. Finches like to pick out what they like...even some of mine like only specific colors in the pellet mixes...some eat all the yellow and green and others leave the red...the owls eat all colors! I like giving the finches a variety.
It was very interesting giving them the packaged mix and a separate dish of the fresh from Nancy...all you saw were tails in the air around the dish of fresh seeds. By the way some of the dove proso is being eaten now.
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Even though I live about as far away from Florida as you can get I would still pay the shipping if my birds would eat the seed. I would love to be able to mix my own seed like you do Misty! I have no idea where I'd get the seed from to mix in the first place. We have a big chest freezer and I'd pop it right in there if I could mix it myself. I'm deliriously happy about the whole idea of getting some fresh seed one way or the other. I take having pets of all kinds very seriously because they are trapped you might say with me. I had a farm in Idaho for 10 years so I'm used to taking care of the needs of animals. I want them to have as good a life as I can provide. It's just my feelings on the responsibilities of owning another living being.
spiky leaves... ha... we have a type of dandelion here that has little poky things on it's leaves and even chopped up the finches wouldn't eat them. ha.
spiky leaves... ha... we have a type of dandelion here that has little poky things on it's leaves and even chopped up the finches wouldn't eat them. ha.
Trish
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8 adorable Society finch ~ 4 beautiful Gouldian finch
~1 Cockatoo~1 Sun Conure~1 Green Cheek Conure~1 Parotlet~1 dog~ many pond fish & a 7ft Red Tailed Boa, Little Niki
- MLaRue
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
Mine were actually eating them!!6finchfriends wrote:spiky leaves... ha... we have a type of dandelion here that has little poky things on it's leaves and even chopped up the finches wouldn't eat them. ha.

- Foosa101
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Re: Fresh seed vs store bought seed...Guess the results?
No, it was not coated just a bad pic. I am using all untreated and non coated seed.MLaRue wrote:The canary seed that is color coated? Why was it that color? Is it a food dye?cindy wrote:The large white millet is being kicked out, so are the longer oats that are included...and the seed that is color coated...don't let me go on about those.....![]()
Personally the larger birds do way better on pellets than seeds, the overall health and feathering I agree is better. I was always pleased when I got test restults back on my gray, and lovebird.