Mixed Messages about Millet (Try saying that 5 times fast)

[Kalisandra]

At first I heard: "Millet is low in fat, and great to feed your birds." And then I heard the exact opposite: "Millet is high in fat, and doesn't posses enough nutritional value to feed as anything, but a occasional treat."

Which one is right? Does anybody know?

Thanks,
Kali

[Snapperhead]

I only feed Millet as a treat. I use it as a training reward so I'd be doing myself a diservice if it was part of his regular diet. I have heard that Millet is high in fat as are most seeds and has no real nutritional value. Some birds need seeds though, such as parakeets and cockatiels, so it depends on your species. I feed my boys a pelleted diet and a wide variety of veggies, fruit, sprouted seeds/beans, brown rice and once in a while some birdie muffin. I only give seed as a treat and even then it's generally a reward, although they do like a bit of avi-cake every once in a while. My daughter refers to Millet as 'bird crack'...my mom thought that was pretty funny and now calls avi-cakes 'bird crack with honey' LOL They definately go nuts for seeds those little guys!

Cheers, Tamara

[hopeful]

I give millet to every bird that comes thru here, some of them actually donot like it, but it is mainly given to the weaning babies.

[krazy4birds]

I know what you mean jonesy.....My Moustached Keet will pick out the sprig of millet and throw it in the floor of her cage hahahaha while the other birds think it is heavenly

[KeetLover]

I use it mainly as a treat, My keet loooves it but his breeder says he was never given it when young, maybe thats the reason he likes it, because it is a treat instead of part of his diet.
I also give it to him rarely cause hes too fat anyways!