Sunflower Seeds

[Holden1960]

I have read time and time again that grey striped sunflower seeds are like crack cocaine to parrots and they will do whatever you want them to just to get their not so little beaks on them, but here is my issue.

I have been to the health food stores, supermarkets and organic fruiterers just to have them look at me like I have 2 heads when I ask about Grey striped sunflower seeds.

What everyone does seem to have is already shelled sunflower seeds, but I have no idea of their origins.

I am looking for something to use as treats for training. So far we have tried cashews, almonds and wall nuts, all of which seem to peak his interest for a short while, but am I best off to find these elusive birdy treats?

Cheers
HARRY

 

[weco]

It's simple Harry, you need to go shopping where your grey/gray striped seeds are sold.....do an online search for either "giant gray striped" or "mammoth grey striped" sunflower seeds and you'll find all you want.....

Good luck.....

 

[RavensGryf]

They look at you like you have two heads! I hate when people do that to me LOL. I'm sure their first thought is of shelled seeds with gray stripes on them . I've actually only seen the seeds in the shell (for humans) which are the type that are salty.

My suggestion would be to try Safflower seeds. My birds go NUTS over these! If you've ever examined a parrot seed mix, they're the egg shaped white ones, about 1/4 the size of a sunflower seed. Not only do birds love these seeds at least as much as sunflower, but they're smaller, and the benefit of that is you're still giving a reward, but they end up not eating as much junk. I'm not sure of the nutritional value of safflower, but since you're not feeding large amounts I wouldn't worry.

 

[Dieseldoctor]

I get mine at dr's foster and smith. I think they have them in 5 lb bags. My severe eats them but Sophie (U2) just throws them around.

 

[4dugnlee]

I just got a bag of Tropical Carnival parrot food/treat and it seems to have alot of the gray and white striped seeds. I am planning on picking them out to save as training treats. My fids also go crazy for pistachio's.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I buy them at the bird store I get Zilla's regular food and supplies from, but to be honest she doesn't do anything for them! She couldn't care less what I want her to do if the reward is a sunflower seed she will go check for something better in her dish! Don't get me wrong she will eat them if I put a couple in her dish, but some days there are still some left when I empty it to refill it. She also doesn't like safflower seeds (OK she is weird, I know...LOL) her favorite thing of all time is a piece of pecan or almond or walnut!