Seeds are the outcome of the shredded ovule of the plant, which is rich in monosaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Different seeds are favorites by cockatiels, like millets, cannery seeds, black seeds, paddy seeds, oats seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and many more.
Seeds are inexpensive and easily available in the market. Naturally, cockatiels are seed eaters and like to have varieties of food in their diet. Cockatiel should have veggies, fruits, calcium rock, and seeds to avoid overeating seeds.
TOP 5 SEEDS FOR COCKATIEL
1. Sunflower
Sunflower seeds are collected from the head of the sunflower; they are thin-shelled. These seeds are favorites for cockatiels. They do anything for that. There are two types of sunflower seeds oily black and white striped. Sunflower seeds are high in protein and fats.
Sunflower seeds should be given once or twice a week as they will avoid other nutritional food. The nutritional value of sunflower seeds is 26% fats, 15% protein, 18% carbohydrates, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin E. Black oil sunflower seeds contain meatier fats and more nutrition than the striped ones.
2. Millets
Millets are small-seeded grass widely consumed by cockatiels and other birds. There are different varieties of millet, red, white, and striped. They are the most commonly available seeds in the market at a very low price. Millets are small and round with a very thin whitish covering. They are high in carbohydrates and are a good source of energy.
Nutritional values are 4% fats, 11%protein, 73% carbohydrates, vitamin e, and calcium. These seeds can easily absorb water and may attract different bacteria, so keep these seeds always in a dry place. And dry it in sunlight by chance any moisture.
3. Safflower
Safflower seeds are seeds of the safflower plant. Safflower seeds are medicinal seeds with a thick cover and white. These are a few favorites of cockatiel as they are bitter but surely are high in nutrition and antibiotics. In addition, these seeds help in eye protection, digestion, and fever.
Cockatiels may not even look at it, but the best way to give it is by mixing it with other seeds or putting some seeds on the ground. These seeds are also called Kusum seeds and are easily available like others. Nutritional values are 38% fats, 16% protein, and 34% carbohydrates. These seeds are considered to be ayurvedic in nature.
4. Cannery
Cannery seeds are one of the most expensive seeds in the market. These seeds are highly recommended for the breeding and fertility of the egg. Cannery seeds are high in oxalic acid and antioxidants, keeping their internal organ, feather, and skin healthy. Nutritional values are 60% protein, 12% fiber, and potassium. The potassium content of cannery seeds is compared with bananas. Cannery seeds are given little in summer as they are high in heat.
5. Paddy
Paddy is high in fiber and carbohydrates. Paddy is the natural state of rice with cover present; they are easily available and are cheap. Cockatiel eats these with heart and loves to crack its shell to get the grain. Nutritional values are 10% carbohydrates, 5% protein and 0% fats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seeds are an important part of a cockatiel's diet and provide essential nutrients such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, feeding a varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and calcium rock is important to avoid overeating seeds.
