Crushed Sunflower for Siskins, etc...

[matcho]

Would this have any benefit for the gould breeding season, given it is cooler here in Sydney. I suppose the real thing is getting them to eat it. Maybe if I mixed it in the sprouted/chitted seed each morning? Looks the goods.

Ken.

[Tiaris]

Gouldians will certainly have a go at sunflower kernels as will many other species, but other than fringillids (cup-nesters) the high fat content just makes estrildid species fat. Siskins in particular have a remarkable ability to eat a high fat dry seed diet without the obesity issues.

[BluJay]

I remember someone else bringing this topic up a couple years ago, and they were using this product with success.

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=11166&p=100670&hil ... at#p100670

SamDavis, how often to you feed this product? Have there been any changes in your birds behavior? Or other changes?
I am asking this, because some supplements, caused erratic behavior in some of my parrots, as well as screaming. I'm wondering what, if any damage is done to finches with over suplimentation. Maybe Myzo can help with this question.
Regards

[E Orix]

I think the reason you will find that birds love eating Sun Flower is that it is mild Narcotic. The birds get hooked on it and tend to leave
most other seeds. Hence often they will get very fat because it is a full on oil seed.
There is an example of the problem and that is with the house hold pet white Cockatoo. When they were taken off the Parrot Mix that
contained SunFlower and it was replaced by Safflower Seed the Cockatoos screamed continually for several weeks as they went through
withdrawl. So feed Sun Flower in any form carefully in my opinion.

[SamDavis]

I remember someone else bringing this topic up a couple years ago, and they were using this product with success.

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=11166&p=100670&hil ... at#p100670

SamDavis, how often to you feed this product? Have there been any changes in your birds behavior? Or other changes?
I am asking this, because some supplements, caused erratic behavior in some of my parrots, as well as screaming. I'm wondering what, if any damage is done to finches with over suplimentation. Maybe Myzo can help with this question.
Regards

Somehow I missed that old thread. To think I could have been feeding this stuff for years! Anyway, now I've read it - particularly myzo's warning about it potentially going rancid. Just checked the use by on my bucket and it says "Feb 2015". I might need to refrigerate or maybe freeze mine as no way I'll get through 10kgs of the stuff by February.

I've only just started using it - maybe a month or 6 weeks ago. My Red Siskins took to it straight away, particularly any with chicks. I've had 2 nests of 3 fledge since starting which is terrific for me. But it could just be a fluke due to the weather. Prior to use I did lose a few nests at the usual week or so old age. I haven't been rationing it at all - they can eat as much as they like. All are in mixed aviaries and I haven't really seen other species touching it.

The day at Graham Wagstaff's (October) was a bit of an eye opener to me in terms of Red Siskins. He runs 3 hens and 2 cocks in a few aviaries. There were a heap of fledglings but what really made me jealous was seeing aviaries with nest after nest of either 4 eggs or 4 chicks in them. If you don't believe me, GaryMc was there too - so I have a witness! Mind you, I don't think it's just the sunflower that makes the difference.

[BluJay]

Thanks SamDavis. No worries. I believe what you have to say. I was wondering with all the other suplimentations, can finches have issues with over suplimentation? It's fantastic you are having success with this product, and have shared it. Good on ya! Kindest Regards.