Home made seed mixes

[Dayna]

I really don't like the seed mixes that are readily available to me and anything that I have found that is a good mix the shipping is just as expensive if not more than the cost of the seed so I have decided to make my own mix. My only problem is that I really don't have a clue where to even begin with which seeds are most beneficial and which seeds are not as beneficial but still needed and the ratio in which to mix. Then there is the problem of changing seed to match the seasons. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[CandoAviary]

Most quality seed mixes are costly and costly to ship. You may want to order in larger bulk to save on the shipping. Maybe go in with a friend or even package it and put in your freezer. It will stay as fresh as the day you bought it.
I am not sure what kind of birds you are feeding but there has been much research on diets and diets that change throughout the seasons. I always follow the rule of if you you don't have a clue... then either rely on the people that do and have already put together a complete diet based on scientific researchand pay for their efforts or learn what you are doing.
One of the top experts on gouldian diet has it down to a fine art... read the diet plan... and happy learning
http://www.fabulousfinch.com/feeding-la ... inches.htm

To learn about mixes and what birds need
http://www.abbaseed.com/Seed_Products/s ... ducts.html

another great source for a nutritional diets for your birds
http://www.gulfcoastfinches.com/the_green_day_diet

[cindy]

Once you figure out what the birds like and will and will not eat if you can find a company to order seeds to mix your own it will cut down on waste.

Companies like Herman Bros. sell indiviual types of seeds and they can even blend it for you.

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

[Dayna]

I just re-read over my post again. I am not as vague as I made myself out to be. I know the majority of good seeds but there just seems to be a never ending amount of seeds to add to the mixture but the thing I am having the most problem with is rations. I will read over the articles and see what I can find out. Thanks so much Candace.

[Dayna]

Once you figure out what the birds like and will and will not eat if you can find a company to order seeds to mix your own it will cut down on waste.

Companies like Herman Bros. sell indiviual types of seeds and they can even blend it for you.

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

Thank you Cindy I will definitely check them out.

[PrettyBird]

For us Canadians...has anyone ordered seed from Chin Ridge in AB? (or stores that supply it?)

[Dayna]

Jean Tarr swears by it and she also knows another breeder that swears by the Hagen Living World Finch Seed.

Jean feeds her finches the same diet all year round though and is strongly against changing up the diet so I'm uncertain about buying it.

[DanteD716]

This most likely not helpful, but m birds never really touched their white prosso millet, but now that it is cold they eat all of it, and ignore almost all their other seed, maybe you coud add white prosso in the winter months.

[Dayna]

I just read through all these articles and the funny thing is I already know all this stuff thats listed in these articles. I guess I should stop second guessing myself and just go with what I know rather than worry that I'm going to miss a very crucial seed or something and its going to take a terrible toll on my finches.

[DanteD716]

I do not think you will damage your birds. Most of my birds don't eat anything I give them besides their white prosso, come warmer weather they will probaly start eating a more variety. The prosso seems to be making them a bit fat, who knows.

[cindy]

Dayna..the way I figured out what my birds liked was to order/get different types of seeds, put each kind in individual dishes and do this for a few days...after a bit you will see what they like and don't like...then mix it with a good pelleted finch food and serve it up. Colder weather you can offer a bit fattier seed but not everyday. Ft finches end up with health issues so moderation is the key.

The pellets are to ensure they are getting added nutrition that is good for them...supplement with eggfood and veggies.

[Chichireeo]

What Cindy said about fatty seeds is so true. Last year I kept buying fancy seed mixes to try and my bird got fat and slowed down. He developed a taste for fat and would pick those seeds out. Now after dieting, he's energetic again. So yeah, I give millet blend free choice, but all other seeds are rationed. Because I am not using a seed hopper, for me not mixing all the seeds means less waste and a more controlled diet.

[Dayna]

Ok thats what I will do. I'll get a good base of the millet seeds and put a bunch of testers of other seed around and see if I can't get them to eat some pellets. My attempts with pellets have never worked as of yet but I will keep trying.

[cindy]

Did you try the Zupreem fruit blends...mine will not touch the natural.

[Dayna]

Yes I have been using the Zupreem fruit blend. The zebra's will eat it fine but the rest of my birds so far haven't touched it regardless of if I mix it in their seed or put it in a dish beside their seed. Maybe I should start crushing it up to a powder and putting it in my egg food?