There can easily be traces of who knows what and many byproducts and dyes that are not good for birds in pet store bird seed. So whether it be your feathery family member or even just the birds outside, here's a recipe for a homemade bird seed mixture that is organic, wholesome (and so healthy you could even try a little if you want!) It may seem pricier than other bird seeds, but it will give your pet bird a much longer and healthier life and is well worth it in the long run. Whether you mix it in 50/50 with a store bought seed that you already have, it's still maximizing the healthy seeds your bird will get in his or her diet. This mixture works well for my parakeets and cockatiel, and it's recommended to provide half seeds with half nutritional pellets (species or size specific) for your bird. I am nervous to take my birds off pellets because they include added vitamins critical for your bird's health, and although this homemade mixture does contain most or even all of the nutrients and vitamins critical for bird health (if you include every ingredient), I want to be sure they are getting it all even if they choose to be picky and not eat everything in the mix. Pellets can be found at your local pet store and can be softened with water if your bird isn't able to eat them easily. Since most birds aren't crazy about pellets, mixing them well with this seed and grain blend will often attract them to the food bowl and get them to nibble at everything. A mix of fresh organic fruits and veggies should also be offered multiple times a week as a healthy treat for your bird. Avocados, chocolate, and onions are all no no's for birds. Ever since we started adopting birds, I have been religious about offering them a healthy organic diet after seeing the artificial ingredients added into store bought bird seed. It may take some time for your bird to get used to this mixture, or he/she may take a liking to it right away. Remember to be patient and don't stop offering it until your bird tries it and likes it. All ingredients can be purchased at your local health food store in the bulk section. I store all of ours in large mason jars, but old plastic containers from nuts and snacks can be repurposed to store your bird seed. The following ingredients are healthy seeds and grains that offer benefits to pet birds. *Feel free to add other seeds to your mix, or use less but make sure your bird is getting a healthy and balanced diet.
Ingredients:
(each part can represent X number of tablespoons depending on how much food you want to make at once)
2 parts corn meal
2 parts wheat germ
1 part millet
1 part chia seeds
1 part poppy seeds
1 part sesame seeds
1 part sunflower seeds
1 part anise seeds
1 part amaranth
1 part flax seeds
1 part hemp seeds
1 parts red quinoa
1 parts steel cut oats or oat grouts (not rolled)
1 part dried parsley
1 part wheatgrass
(the following seeds can be ground up in a food processor prior to mixing for smaller birds with smaller beaks)
1 part farrow
1 part barley
1 part whole wheat berries
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a jar or container and shake well to mix. Serve daily with your birds nutritional pellets and some optional additions listed below. As a result you will have a very happy and healthy bird!
Optional additions to offer right when feeding:
Beaks that have been soaked overnight and/or cooked
Unsulfured dried fruits
Fresh fruits such as: apples, bananas, berries, melon, orange, pineapple
Fresh veggies such as: asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, leafy greens, peas, peppers, soybeans, sprouts, squash, yams
Nom nom nom, enjoy!!
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