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How do I know what a good quality seed mix is? The books say it, messages mention it. How could I tell?

Jo

Good question and an important one. One of my vets feels that many, if not most, cases of liver disease are caused by contaminated seed, seed that has not been harvested, dried, and stored properly and develops aflatoxins as a result.

A few years ago, I asked breeders I trusted what seed mixes they trust and most recommended Volkman's and Topper. Since breeders have their livelihood invested in their birds' good health, I feel piggybacking on their research and experience is a good idea.

After comparing price and availability, I selected Topper for my tiels. I buy it in 5lb bags for $11 at my nearby SuperPets, so there are no additional hefty shipping costs. Here's their homepage, but the descriptions of what's in each type mix aren't working for me this morning. Maybe soon. It's the Total Diet I use. The blend is safflower seed based, with no sunflower seed.

http://www.topperbirdranch.com/

Volkman's is probably the better quality seed, but only available on-line. Its cost is much higher since shipping is so high now. If I were feeding just one bird, I might give it more consideration.

http://www.finefeatheredfriends.net/volk.htm

In the past, I've been happy with McBride's seed mix w/o sunflower seed. I used it happily for years and switched only after having trouble getting the large bags I needed. It's available in 2-4 bags in good bird stores, so you might call to see who carries it near you.

http://www.naturechest.com/mcbridcoc.html

Paca

Thanks Paca - I usually buy small amounts from the bulk bin at the bird store.

The mix she prefers has dried fruits in it - she doesn't eat them and it goes to waste. I think I have the only parrot that doesn't eat sunflower seeds!! Well almost doesn't - maybe 2 a week. I give her cantaloupe seeds and she LOVES them

Since she eats about a tsp of seed a day, I see no reason to buy a 5lb. bag. Even 1lb. lasts about 2 months or so

There are 2 reasons I never buy from a bin. One is freshness. Bins aren't airtight. I consider seed too old even overnight, so what's been in a bin for an unknown time wouldn't work for me. And, unless it's a gravity bin, I'd worry about the hands and shirtsleeves of the customers who went into the bin before me. Too much chance they could, unknowingly even, have a sick bird at home whose germs they took shopping with them.

I buy large bags and freeze it until serving time each morning. My cost calculates to only 3.7 cents per bird daily:

viewtopic.php?t=24241&highlight=cents


Paca

Hi,
Palmer gets Avi cakes.
They are full of nutrition, and he loves them!

Palmers Mom

I read in one post here seed can be frozen
All seed or just if you know its very fresh?
We really dont know how long its been around,
as most, is in plastic bags these days.

Big problem to make sure its as fresh as possible
I find..

I too have heard that Volkmans is good....my bird store actually sells it and they can't keep it stocked!! I buy a different mix called Island Treat that Sherwin absolutely loves.

Aside from a particular brand and knowing seed is fresh.

What makes a good quality mix? Is it the ratio of different seeds? Does Volkmans have a variety of seed the other do not?

I want to know the criteria you use to determine a good quality seed mix.

I would think (no expert knowledge here) it's a combination of the most nutritious blend for cockatiels; proper harvesting and processing; and regular testing for quality. For me, that translates into a company I can trust to assess and ensure these factors, since I can't by simply looking into a handful of seed.

Paca

hey Guys

I like Volkmans and TOP. I look for seeds that look clean - ie. not dusty looking, and they will have a shine or fresh look to them. I sometime sprout my seeds and that is also a good indicator of freshness. They should begin to sprout in about 24 hrs. I agree with PP in that I will never buy from a bin. I try to buy from the company on line or at the place we bought our bird from.

Freddy

In all the books and websites I've checked on, I've also heard a big no to bin food, for all the reasons that Paca said. I'm actually surprised that it's still sold in the bin style since there is so many experts saying to stay away from it.

I get her food at a reputable bird store - the store I bought her from has closed. The mixes are in gravity feed type bins, so I am not concerned with peoples dirty paws contaminating the food.

I like the gravity feeds because I can buy a small quantity and get it often rather then worry about freezing. I was there on Sunday and they discontinued the particular mix I purchased - so now onto other mixes to see which one she'll eat the most of. So I got a cup of this and a cup of that. They also sell safflower seeds and white millet separately - I think I sprout them for her this weed.

By the way, freezing will not kill the bugs or germs in foods - just inhibits the growth.

it must be a bit like buying dog food???
Supermarket brands are cheap and generally nasty with cheap ingredients, price normally being a good indication I reckon.....

I have my dog on an expensive dog food brand, from the US actually and Noah eats pellets only, an Aussie brand, sometimes a bit of seed but after reading this thread on freshness I think I will throw out my seed and only give him millet sprays twice a week (after his bath )

Claudia wrote:it must be a bit like buying dog food???
Supermarket brands are cheap and generally nasty with cheap ingredients, price normally being a good indication I reckon.....

I have my dog on an expensive dog food brand, from the US actually and Noah eats pellets only, an Aussie brand, sometimes a bit of seed but after reading this thread on freshness I think I will throw out my seed and only give him millet sprays twice a week (after his bath )

Wellllll after the toxic Chinese pet food business of a few months back, it looks as if price really doesn't make much difference. The contaminated brands ran the gamut from low- to high-end, all apparently made by the same manufacturers from the same ingredients. I tossd my cats' Eukanuba on the basis of that report. Turns out they like 9 Lives better anyhow...

Unfortunately, in this day & time, higher cost doesn't necessarily mean better quality. Makes it just that much harder to choose, eh?

Cheers,
Pat

Thanks for asking this Jo. I have wondered too.. When I bought Rosie I just got Kaytee Fiesta mix and she likes it.. The last time I went to the store that I bought her at I seen a big bin of cockatiel seed that looked good but the lid was open and there are tons of birds in the store so I just would not even dare think about purchasing it for my Rosie. But I don't think that they sell any of the brands that Paca mentioned here. But I would love to buy her a good seed. The Fiesta has like little pieces of it looks like dog food that she won't even go near my poor Baby..