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Choosing The Best Canary Seed Mix

By Deanne Shepard


An immense variety of bird foods are sold today and this can make product selection difficult. A canary seed mix, for example, can consist of many different combinations of seeds in varying quantities. Canary seeds, flax, rape, hemp and millet may all be used in different amounts. Certain factors like seasons, age and health of canaries have to be taken into account when making a choice.

All canaries must have certain nutrients in their diets. This means blends of different seeds such as canary seed, millet, black rapeseed, linseed and hemp are usually used. These seeds all contain proportions of the necessary nutrients and oils. If birds are suffering in any way with regard to mood, mating or singing they are most likely missing out on some essential nutrients and their diet needs to be adjusted.

A diet that is higher in fat may need to be selected for winter months, particularly for birds in colder conditions. However, a bird that is fed a diet too high in fat in summer months will become overweight and this can affect mood, mating and singing. More carbohydrates will be required in the diet of birds kept in aviaries rather than cages as they fly around more.

The kinds of mixes available at pet stores are fairly standard. The seeds contained vary considerably but many of the mixtures consist mostly of canary seeds with some rape or canola, millet or flax added. Searching for such products online offers access to a far wider variety of mixes to choose from. This allows for a comparison of ingredients and prices and reviews can also be read before deciding on a particular product.

Not only is it critical for the proportions and blends of seeds to be right, but all seeds should be good quality, thoroughly clean and fresh. No synthetic ingredients, dyes or preservatives should be used. Any seeds that are suspected of being too old or contaminated in any way should not be used.

A number of the mixes available commercially are designed by experts and the combination of ingredients is carefully considered. As green leafy vegetables like spinach are an essential part of the diet, they are often added to mixes. Fruit like pears or apples may also be added. Some products even contain nuts, fruit and vegetables as well as the seeds.

Birds living in cages indoors will need extra vitamins in their diets. These can be added to their food or water but some mixes contain vitamin enriched seeds. Too many vitamins is not advised and these mixes often have the right amount added, taking away any guesswork. Other supplements can also be added to address particular conditions.

Great attention has to be paid to the formulation, composition and preparation of seeds and blends. Fortunately, there are many different blends available today for every possible circumstance. Feeding canaries an excellent blend, even if it is more expensive, helps them to thrive and achieve their maximum potential.




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