As bird owners, we often rely on commercially produced seed mixes for our beloved cockatiels. However, did you know that the production of these mixes is largely unregulated? This means the quality of grains used, and any potential chemical additives, go unchecked. That handful of “dust” at the bottom of many pre-packaged bags? While some dust is natural from seed hulls breaking apart, a significant portion can be from old, disintegrating product, shop dust, or other non-food contaminants. This revelation prompted a significant change in how I approach my cockatiels’ diet.
Seed is a vital component of my cockatiels’ diet, so I decided to take control of its quality. Consulting with my veterinarian, I learned that she exclusively uses human-grade grains for her own cockatiels. These grains are subject to government regulations, ensuring a higher standard of production and processing.
Inspired by this, I now create my own seed mix using only human-grade and organic grains. These can be found in the bulk bin sections of health food stores like Whole Foods. The preparation is remarkably simple: purchase the grains, combine them in a bowl, and mix thoroughly.
If certain ingredients are temporarily unavailable, don’t hesitate to omit them until they are back in stock. I typically keep a pound or two of the homemade seed mix in an airtight container for immediate use and freeze the rest. By removing as much air as possible from the bags, the seeds can remain fresh for about six months. Vacuum sealers are excellent tools for this purpose.
Cockatiel Seed Mix Recipe
To create this healthier seed mix, gather the following human-grade, organic ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat berries
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup hulled barley
- 1 cup whole spelt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat groats
- 1 cup hulled millet
- 1 cup rye flakes
- 1 cup rye berries
- 1 cup steel cut oats
Important Note: Before serving, be sure to stir your mix thoroughly. Smaller grains such as quinoa, millet, and steel cut oats tend to settle at the bottom.
Integrating Seed into Your Bird’s Diet
For smaller birds, seed should ideally constitute only about 10% of their overall diet. The remaining portion should consist of 45% organic pellets and 45% from a structured feeding system like the Seasonal Feeding System.
Observing the difference between a store-bought product and my homemade mix is striking. The lighter-colored homemade mix on top is visibly fresher and offers a greater variety of ingredients without any unnecessary additives, unlike the conventionally colored seed mix found at the bottom of this comparison.
Note: The homemade mix at the top contains only fresh, organic, human-grade grains. The colored seed at the bottom is a non-organic store-bought seed mix.
Transitioning Your Cockatiel to a New Seed Blend
When I first introduced this new blend, my cockatiels were hesitant, accustomed to their familiar store-bought brand. To help them adapt, I gradually transitioned them. I started by mixing a quarter pound of my homemade blend with one pound of their old mix. Over time, I slowly increased the ratio until they were eating a 50/50 mix, and eventually, they were completely weaned off the old seed. Now, they absolutely love it. This gradual approach is key for birds who may be reluctant to switch to this new blend.
While I don’t advocate for seed being the primary food source for many bird species, it remains a significant part of the diet for some species in the wild. Providing access to quality seed can contribute to their emotional as well as physical well-being.
The Art of Sprouting Seeds
Sprouting seeds is a super easy method to enhance their nutritional value. Spread a thin layer of seeds over a slightly damp paper towel (not soaking wet) before bedtime. Place the paper towel with seeds on a plate or in a shallow container and loosely cover it with a dry paper towel. Leave it in a warm spot overnight, and by morning or afternoon, you’ll see the beginnings of sprouts.
Finding the optimal spot in your kitchen for the paper towel is crucial for successful sprouting. If your counter doesn’t work, try different locations.
It’s important to note that sprouts don’t need to have a visible plant growing out of them to be beneficial. The nutritional advantages begin at the earliest stages of germination. Even the tiniest nodule emerging from the seed indicates it has sprouted and is ready to eat. Avoid leaving the sprouting mixture out beyond the afternoon, as the damp paper towel can easily harbor bacteria when exposed to the air for extended periods.
Cockatiel seeds can yield sprouts suitable for birds of all sizes. Have fun experimenting!
Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior, and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.
