Your Bird & Millet Seed! 

Seeds to birds can be like candies to children - most would eat them all the time if they could. But like candy, seeds are high in fat and too much fatty seed may make your bird avoid the more nutritious items (fruits and vegetables) that you provide for him. One particular seed, millet, is lower in fat and in fact, very nutritious. Millet is a grass that has botanical name of panicum miliaceum and is one of the most nutritious grains you can give to your bird. Millet contains high levels of proteins, carbohydrates, B-complex vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in addition to a host of other important nutrients.

The best millet you can buy is fresh spray millet. Fresh millet is moist and the seeds are firmly attached; many pre-packaged millets (such as those you find in grocery stores) are stored so long that they are dry and the seeds fall to the cage floor uneaten.

Keeping a sprig in your bird's cage not only provides valuable nutrients, but also keeps him occupied, and that's always a bonus!

 

Millet: Stress Relief the Natural Way   Place a fresh millet spray in any birdcage, and take delight watching your bird devour the seeds. But millet is also nutritious - it's one of the most beneficial seeds you can offer your bird. It aids digestion, provides quality protein, and helps ease molting and breeding stress. One of the better carbohydrates for birds, millet is highly digestible. Many grains acidify in the stomach, but millet is highly alkaline to counteract acids and digest more easily. It is also an excellent source of protein, with one of the highest amino acid profiles of all the cereal grains. Low-fat millet supplies Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, and vitamin K, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, and potassium. And because millet has a high concentration of B vitamins, it's also a natural stress-reliever for your bird. It's great for breeding and molting, a weekly treat, or in small quantities during weaning.

Don't Forget to Exercise your Bird's Brain Interacting with your bird is every bit as important as providing an interesting environment. The secret to keeping your bird happy is the frequency of attention, not the duration. A few minutes of attention every half hour or so works wonders to relieve stress. Mental growth comes from engaging in a variety of life experiences. Experiment to discover the types of toys your bird finds the most interesting and challenging. Keep in mind that no matter which toys you provide, and regardless of how intriguing, your bird will eventually tire of them. It is important not to place too many toys in the cage at once, which may over-stimulate your bird and cause stress. It's better to choose a select few and to rotate them every few days. From time to time, your parrot or other psittacine may appreciate a change of scenery, even if it comes by simply moving his cage about your house. Also, many birds and their cages travel quite easily. Consider taking him along on your next vacation or long weekend. Teaching also brings you and your pet closer together. If you have a talking bird, a number of audios are available. Pay attention to what your bird is telling you. It is key to avoiding behavioral problems.     When Nothing Helps   Sometimes, stimulation alone won't resolve the boredom-induced problem. You can provide all of the basics - food, water, shelter, sleep, and social interaction - but undesirable behavior may persist. If so, your pet may be ill, or suffering anxiety, stress, or phobias. Under these conditions, we recommend that you consult with an avian veterinarian to identify and treat the problem.

Change Water and Clean Containers Daily: Birds drink water every day. But, if there’s food, fecal matter, or debris floating around in their water bowl, they may be drinking a dangerous bacteria soup. Change the water and clean the water dish each day, so you can ensure your bird gets a healthy source of fresh water on a daily basis.

Consider the Source: In choosing a water source, unchlorinated water is best. You may wish to consider using bottled spring water. However, if you’d rather use tap water, it’s important to have the water professionally tested as some tap water may have elevated coliform counts, which can cause disease in birds. Another alternative would be using a water filter to purify the water.

For the latest advice, consult your Veterinarian!

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