Sunflower Seeds??

[Vetgirl95ER]

So I know that sunflower seeds are very fatty and should be fed in moderation. I feed my green cheek conure a sunflower free diet but they are his asolute favorite and I would like to give them to him as a treat. Can anyone recommend a specific sunflower seed brand that I can buy online that is just a package of sunflowers? Is the wild bird grade stuff ok to feed my parrot? I would hope that it would be but if anyone had any info as to why it might not be that would be awesome

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I feed Zilla the ones in the grocery store for human consumption, just make sure they are unsalted.

 

[JamJar]

Sunflower seeds can't be that bad for parrots as Marley was fed sunflower seeds as his main food for nearly 2 years ! and he isn't especially over weight.. he loves them id say i give him maybe 20 a day if he is doing well in training

 

[JerseyWendy]

Sunflower seeds can't be that bad for parrots as Marley was fed sunflower seeds as his main food for nearly 2 years ! and he isn't especially over weight.. he loves them id say i give him maybe 20 a day if he is doing well in training

On the contrary, they ARE that bad, especially for Amazons. Look up fatty liver disease, or long term effects of inadequate diets.

Here are some links for you:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/36727-fatty-liver-disease.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/48740-zilla-s-prognosis-maybe-good-maybe-bad.html

 

[JamJar]

Sunflower seeds can't be that bad for parrots as Marley was fed sunflower seeds as his main food for nearly 2 years ! and he isn't especially over weight.. he loves them id say i give him maybe 20 a day if he is doing well in training

On the contrary, they ARE that bad, especially for Amazons. Look up fatty liver disease, or long term effects of inadequate diets.

Here are some links for you:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/36727-fatty-liver-disease.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/48740-zilla-s-prognosis-maybe-good-maybe-bad.html

I will definatly keep the sunflower seeds for training only then Thanks

 

[noblemacaw]

In Valentino's sprout mix there are sunflower seeds. Is it better that they are sprouted instead of just as a seed?

I do let Valentino eat the sprouted sunflower seeds. Also in the winter I give him extra nuts to help with him deal with our winters. I keep my home at 62 degrees and his appetite does increase in the winter so I increase his fat intake to compensate.

 

[Carabella]

So I know that sunflower seeds are very fatty and should be fed in moderation. I feed my green cheek conure a sunflower free diet but they are his asolute favorite and I would like to give them to him as a treat. Can anyone recommend a specific sunflower seed brand that I can buy online that is just a package of sunflowers? Is the wild bird grade stuff ok to feed my parrot? I would hope that it would be but if anyone had any info as to why it might not be that would be awesome

Just make sure you avoid any sunflower seeds that look black and oily. They're meant only for wild birds. We have Feeder's Supply stores all over Louisville and buy the large striped seeds. They'll look dry, not oily.