Seed mix variations

[spanna]

Hi all. With some of the recent talk on the forum, I have been intrigued as to how much variety is found in all the finch mixes around. The picture of the (alleged? ) breeders finch mix (topic of the same name) looks vastly different to the regular finch mix I get. Mine seems to have a higher proportion of red pannicum, and less white millet and possibly less canary as well. At this stage, I don't have the space to buy all my seeds separately and mix it myself or supply each individually, as would be ideal, but did also note that E Orix actually buys a budgie mix, purchasing red pannicum separately and supplying that also separately. Having purchased a bit of budgie mix today, it does seem fairly similar to a finch mix, just lacking the red pannicum, and a few other minor seeds.

I will try and get some pics tomorrow morning and post up what these budgie mix and finch mixes look like, but was curious to hear what others do in regards to buying seeds or seed mixes. How variable are the different mixes out there, and can anyone (particularly E Orix) weigh in on seed wastage in finch mix vs budgie mix, with red pannicum provided separately in both cases?

[E Orix]

I use my seed merchants Budgie mix because it has far more canary seed in it.
In my opinion merchants use Red Millet just to colour the seed mix in particular if it hasn't any black seeds in the mix.
They are reluctant to use more as it seems to be more expensive and they generally buy it in.
If it wasn't so popular I wouldn't feed it but it is.The Red Millet and my soaked seed would possibly cover 75% of seed eaten each week.
In the breeding season possibly 80%+
Wastage,this generally occurs when birds get to the seed hopper or tray and search for a particular seed,they flick the seed around
and if the recepticle is not big enough out and onto the floor.Having a simple diet can still be balanced diet wise but the birds generally
have no need to search for the different seeds.
I have watched birds feed on Greens and Grains that were in a tray and they constantly turned the seed mix over looking for their preference.
I suppose if I kept the European Finches or Siskins I would possibly feed the dark oil seeds to them but I don't think Waxbills and Aust. Finches
really need them. Maybe Niger to the Red Faced P/F's but definitely in a seperate feed bowl.

[Tiaris]

I buy separate seeds & mix my own. 2parts red pannicum & 1 part each white, jap & canary for my basic mix. The basic mix is always available in large metal hoppers. Other higher value grass, herb & oil seeds are offered as a mix in smaller quantities (in jar feeders sitting in a plastic pot base) to ensure minimal wastgage.

[Myzomela]

Hi EOrix,

What about all the hulled oats in the budgie mix? Do your smaller birds manage to eat it? I'm sure the weavers would be ok.

[E Orix]

My supplier has two Budgie mixes the less expensive has hulled oats the one I use hasn't any at all.
It's most likely a mix used by Budgie breeders who feed Oats seperately. I think it is too fattening for the Budgies so
they try to limit the intake.
Its funny but several of my mates won't use Budgie Mix , because of the name and feed finch mix even though its not as good a mix.
It is many years since I mixed my own seed and to be honest I can't see a difference. But thats up to the individual.
The last 2 weeks of winter and the first 2 weeks of spring I feed only Red Millet and White Millet,then full diet with extras
until the breeding season is finished.

[Tiaris]

I've seen some excellent budgie mixes in the past (for finches). Generally the ones which are best are those which contain no hulled oats or milo (sorghum). Apart from cleanliness, I look for a good proportion of red pannicum and plain canary in a mix as a measure of quality. Jap millet or more ideally siberian millet are superior to shirohie millet also. All 3 of these are very similar, siberian is the smallest & greyest, shirohie is largest. Mixes with a high proportion of panorama are no good, nor are those containing red dakota as a substitute for red pannicum. Panorama looks like yellow pannicum. Red dakota looks like an orange version of white-french millet. Both of these are useless as dry seed but excellent as half-ripe seed heads when grown.

[Myzomela]

Thanks E Orix and Tiaris.

[Jimla]

With feeding soaked seed to finches, how long do you generally soak it for?

[Jayburd]

3.5-4 hours with Virkon S for mine

[E Orix]

Same as Jayburd