Are seeds REALLY necessary??

[peeko.the.eclectus]

I've seen Volkmann's seed mix recommended a lot. I myself have conflicting feelings about this because I don't want it to lead to liver damage.

I do understand that it would be a small portion of the diet (a tablespoon a day), but I'm also curious if seeds are needed at all? I also noticed that the Volkmann mix contains sunflower seeds which I've read birds shouldn't eat! Currently I've been giving Peeko raw almond slivers and raw pumpkin seeds in the evening. Couldn't I just make my own mix instead of getting a pre made mix?

Also today is going to be day 2 without any pellets, Yay! But I also want to make sure he has a well rounded diet.

I'm also asking because the vet I saw said it would be ok to not give seeds.

 

[MikeyTN]

It's a supplement(seeds) Out in the wild that's what they feed on so it's natural for them to eat seeds. But due to in captivity conditions that we can't provide what they needed such as room to fly and exercise we must limit their seed intake. But I personally wouldn't cut it out of your eclectus diet. You mentioned volkman again, the last post I said to feed as a treat or minor feeding but not constant daily feeding due to what's inside. Like I've told you in prior post, use the smaller seeds. I mix 25 lbs of parakeet to 3 lbs cockatiel seeds to get my mixture that I prefer. I used to mix my own seeds when I used to breed years ago, I order my seeds directly from the seed company in bulk and I mix them on my own. I made it easy for you by telling you how much to mix in the premix.

 

[Terry57]

I feed my ekkie a small portion of Volkmans in his overnight dish on my vet's recommendation, but I think making your own mix would be great as well

 

[Allee]

I don't see anything wrong with a tablespoon or so of seed per day. You could easily make your own mix and leave out the sunflower seeds completely. I give my birds sunflower seeds as treats, but not too many.

 

[peeko.the.eclectus]

Thank you for the responses.
I got small seed mix and added almond slivers and pumpkin seeds. I put it in the second bowl and he enjoyed going back and forth between his dinner and the seeds.

 

[Allee]

Awww, that's good, that should keep Peeko happy and healthy!

 

[Birdman666]

Seed is fed in limited portions. 10% is a good rule.

And it isn't that sunflower seeds aren't good for them, in limited amounts they are fine. A diet of primarily sunflower seeds, however, will eventually kill them.

Volkmanns mix contains some sunflower. It is not primarily sunflower. It's a mix of a lot of different things. And it is one of the better seed mixes out there, it's just not the ONLY thing you feed an eckie.

Eckie's should get primarily fresh foods.

10% seed, 10% pellets, and 80% Fresh. Veggies, potatoes, nuts, fruit, chicken, fish, rice, beans, etc.

Variety.