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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Nov 19, 2020 21:46:29 GMT
I found this seed mix which is made for small birds and is intended to be sprouted. I'm wondering what you think of it and if I could feed them the seeds in addition to the sprouts? Do you mind me posting this here mona or should I start another thread? LIL BIRD MIX SUNFLOWER (IN SHELL), WHEAT, SPELT (HULLED), TRITICALE, BARLEY (HULLESS), OATS (HULLESS), MILLET, BUCKWHEAT (IN HULL), BROWN RICE, BLACK LENTILS, CRIMSON LENTILS, FRENCH BLUE LENTILS AND RED LENTILS, ADZUKI BEANS, MUNG BEANS, FENUGREEK, FLAX, ALFALFA, RED CLOVER, ORIENTAL MUSTARD, RADISH, QUINOA, SESAME, AMARANTH
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Post by mona on Nov 20, 2020 4:58:18 GMT
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Nov 20, 2020 14:52:23 GMT
I think in that mixture, the sunflower seeds are the one I'm concerned with. During the germination, does enough of the fat get converted so that its not a concern? I'd have to pick out any sunflower seeds that didn't germinate but since they are big seeds, that wouldn't be hard. I think mona you are sprouting many of the seeds in that mixture, right?
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Post by Morgan on Nov 20, 2020 17:42:41 GMT
I think I would use that mix in limited quantities, but I personally think sprouting any budgie-safe seed cannot be all bad. They all have different nutrient profiles. I would be concerned about the fat from the sunflower seeds, maybe the oats? (Oats are actually not very high in fat but it could be the carbs that make them fatty for budgies?), and I dunno about wheat. Probably fine for buds though some humans can be allergic - and based on that some brands tout “wheat, corn, and soy-free” but I haven’t done the research to know if this is just a sales pitch or if there’s actually something wrong with feeding those. For humans the issue is usually lack of moderation so...
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Post by Morgan on Nov 20, 2020 17:46:42 GMT
tweetiepiesmom - dunno if it might actually be more cost effective, but you could maybe buy a few of those ingredients (whichever appeal to you most) from the bulk section of your supermarket and make your own mix. Human grade fenugreek, triticale, amaranth, etc. should all sprout. I’ve noticed that even shelled sunflower seeds sprout, sometimes the broken ones even grow a root, but not sure about grains if any hull is removed for easier human consumption.
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Nov 20, 2020 18:01:26 GMT
Don't know why I didn't think about buying those seeds in the bulk section of my grocery store! I have both Wholes Foods Market and Sprouts near my home Morgan, both of which carry organic seeds.
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Post by mona on Nov 20, 2020 19:04:12 GMT
I have bought a few things separately like moong beans, fenugreek, quinoa, flax seed etc and I create my own custom sprout mix.. I do change the contents sometimes. Same goes for the steamed seeds too instead of sprouts sometimes..
I have these: MILLET, MUNG BEANS, FENUGREEK, FLAX, Yellow MUSTARD, QUINOA, SESAME. I tried wheat sprouts, they didn't like it and I didn't try again. Not tried whole lentils too. I guess brown and white chickpea is also okay to give - don't recall it correctly right now, but I have been lazy to include that..I had read about it a lot. Along with the custom sprout mix, I also add their seed mix sprouts - the raw crunchy ones they eat, is much easier to lure. The custom sprout mix requires much time to get them used to.. but with their seed mix sprouts, it seems the same, so more chances! I intend to mix both of them together.
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Post by mona on Nov 21, 2020 8:00:47 GMT
I have no idea why birdie things are so difficult to find at my place! 😑😔
Now that they have started gaining interest in millet spray, I thought about ordering more. The vendor isn't on amazon anymore.
I'm trying to get in touch with non amazon vendors..there are only two to get it for them. Just wondering, the seed mix change concept wouldn't apply on millet right? Unless it's a very different variety?
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Nov 21, 2020 15:39:03 GMT
I agree mona. Since millet is only a treat, I don't think you need to introduce it slowly. Just like new veggies that you introduce, they'll either eat it not.
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Post by Morgan on Nov 21, 2020 16:52:13 GMT
The only thing I can think of mona is that millet might only be available seasonally in some places? I don’t think it’s very hard to store for at least a year but if it sells out then maybe it’s just gone. Or the vendor really just quit Amazon for some reason. That is frustrating, but I hope you can find a local source!
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Post by mona on Nov 21, 2020 17:25:33 GMT
Yeah it is indeed frustrating. I cannot find any source for millet spray though the state I stay in, produces millet a lot and has millet farms around. Rest I know it is produced by in northern states. Only if I can get in touch with some farmer, I could get that. Otherwise a few are available at extremely high cost. A local vendor is selling a single stick at 250 rs, which is in fact costlier than imported millet 🤦♀️ Amazon lists an imported one with 12 millet sprays at 1600 and others range from 3000 to 7000 🙄 I tried searching local vendors via google, facebook and local places.
I felt so dejected that I thought let me grow millet too at home, but it takes around 3 months to grow those kind of millet sprays and it would be too ambitious! 😅 I have millet spray that would last until next month or so. Now, I'm thinking about binding millet seeds to form something like that every week, since I have millet seeds available with me. Millet seeds and flour is very easily available over here. Would baking it with a very small quantity of millet flour or wheat flour be safe? Just wondering, if the flour would be safe, if the seeds and plants are safe, just as a binding material. It would have to be fresh everytime.. Just thinking about which binding food material to use. Not even sure if they would like it.. worth a try! 🤦♀️
I had been just looking at the different types of millet available. Foxtail millet, french millet, red millet etc. Are there any specific ones that are good or bad for budgies? I never wondered ever earlier about the types of millet..
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Nov 21, 2020 18:19:20 GMT
Yes mona, you can use wheat flour as a binder. If you are buying eggs as a protein source for your birds when they molt, you can also add an egg to the mixture. You can also add some chopped veggies like carrots, kale, etc and other seeds to make a "birdie bread". You can google "birdie bread" and see recipes and what to add.
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Post by mona on Nov 21, 2020 18:38:46 GMT
I will try this out within this week. I like the egg as binding element idea! Thank you tweetiepiesmom! The only intent to get millet spray was to continue the training that they have just started. I'm going to be very careful with the amount I have, until I figure something else. Or maybe buy that 1600 for 12 sticks for now.. Just if I spend it and they don't like that brand.. not sure yet!
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Post by Hezz on Nov 22, 2020 1:01:17 GMT
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Post by mona on Nov 22, 2020 2:25:20 GMT
Hezz Thank you so much for taking the time to find the link. I tried that one but they canceled the order, since it's not available & somehow not listed as unavailable on the website. This is the same that was available on amazon and is with me too.
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