Lovebirds are small parrots that make wonderful pets. They are energetic, affectionate, and very intelligent birds. Like all parrots, lovebirds require a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. Seeds should only make up a small part of a lovebird’s diet, but they do provide important nutrients. Here is an overview of the best and healthiest seeds for lovebirds.
Why Seeds Are Important for Lovebirds
While a lovebird’s diet should consist mostly of high-quality pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds do serve a valuable purpose. Seeds provide lovebirds with essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, seeds are a good source of:
- Protein – Necessary for growth and repair of tissues.
- Fat – Provides concentrated energy.
- Fiber – Facilitates digestion.
- Vitamin E – An antioxidant that boosts immunity.
- Niacin – Aids metabolism.
- Pyridoxine – Helps regulate hormones.
- Zinc – Supports immune system health.
- Iron – Oxygenates blood.
- Copper – Benefits blood cell formation.
While seeds have nutritional value, they are high in fat. Lovebirds should only be fed a small amount of seeds each day to limit excess calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Best Seeds for Lovebirds
Millet
The most common seed fed to lovebirds is millet. Millet is readily available, affordable, and nutritious. There are several types of millet, including white proso, red, and Japanese. Lovebirds tend to prefer white proso millet. Millet is a good source of fiber, B vitamins, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. It makes up the bulk of seed mixtures produced specifically for lovebirds. Feed no more than 1-2 teaspoons of millet per lovebird daily.
Oats
Whole oats provide lovebirds with protein, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. They also contain iron, zinc, manganese, thiamin, selenium, and copper. Look for whole oat groats, not processed or flavored oatmeal. Check that the oats are free of contaminants. Offer lovebirds a few oats two or three times per week.
Canary Seed
Canary seed is commonly fed to pet birds. The small, oval seeds provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Canary seed also contains vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Lovebirds will enjoy a few canary seeds two or three times a week as part of a balanced diet.
Flax Seed
Flax seeds are nutritious, containing protein, fiber, manganese, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a natural source of antioxidants. Lovebirds can eat a few flax seeds two or three times per week. Make sure to grind the flax seeds first to aid digestion. Only feed flax seeds in moderation, as they are high in fat.
Safflower Seed
Safflower seeds have a soft shell that lovebirds enjoy cracking open. They are lower in fat than many other seeds and provide protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and iron. Offer just 3-5 safflower seeds per lovebird a couple times a week due to the fat content.
Nyjer Seed
Also called thistle seed, nyjer seed comes from the African yellow daisy. It is small and black in color. Nyjer seed contains protein and essential fatty acids. It makes a nice treat for lovebirds but feed sparingly, no more than 1-2 times per week. Nyjer seed spoils easily so buy it from a source with high turnover.
Seeds to Avoid for Lovebirds
Some seeds are unsuitable for lovebirds and should not be fed. Seeds to avoid include:
- Sunflower seeds – Too high in fat and may cause obesity.
- Peanuts – High potential to contain mold or fungus.
- Chocolate or yogurt-covered seeds – Too much sugar and fat.
- Raw beans – Contain toxins, must be cooked.
Unfortunately, many commercial seed mixes contain these undesirable seeds. Be sure to read ingredient labels carefully and pick out any seeds to avoid before feeding mix to lovebirds.
How to Feed Seeds to Lovebirds
To properly feed seeds to lovebirds:
- Select seeds specifically made for small parrots like lovebirds.
- Look for a quality, clean mix without fillers, dyed seeds, or artificial preservatives.
- Feed no more than 1-2 tablespoons of seed mix per lovebird daily.
- Supplement seeds with plenty of pellets, vegetables, and fruit.
- Avoid seeds high in fat, salt, and sugar.
- Introduce new seeds gradually.
- Remove any uneaten seeds within 24 hours.
- Store seeds in a cool, dry place away from light.
Following these tips will help provide lovebirds with the benefits of seeds while limiting unhealthy excess. Be sure to monitor your lovebird’s weight and health continually when feeding seeds.
Healthiest Seed Diet for Lovebirds
The healthiest diet for lovebirds consists mainly of pellets supplemented with vegetables, fruits, and a small amount of seed. Here is a good daily diet plan:
- High-quality lovebird pellets – 75% of diet
- Chopped vegetables – 15% of diet
- Chopped fruits – 5% of diet
- Healthy seeds – 5% of diet
When feeding seeds, rotate between millet, oats, canary seed, flax seed, safflower seed, and nyjer seed for variety. Offer seeds in a separate dish from pellets to allow lovebirds to choose their preferred foods. Clean and replace food dishes daily.
In addition to the right diet, ensure lovebirds get regular exercise by providing plenty of safe toys. Set up cages to encourage foraging, chewing, and climbing. With proper nutrition and activity, lovebirds can live 10 years or longer.
Example Daily Menu
Here is a sample daily seed menu for one lovebird:
- 1-2 tablespoons lovebird pellet mix
- 1 tablespoon chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon chopped carrots
- 1⁄2 tablespoon diced apple
- 1 teaspoon millet
Vary the vegetables, fruits, and seeds daily for variety.
Choosing a Quality Seed Mix
With so many options on the market, choosing a quality seed mix for lovebirds can be challenging. Here are tips for selecting the best seed mix:
- Look for mixes specifically formulated for small parrots like lovebirds.
- Avoid mixes with a lot of filler seeds like wheat, oats, or milo.
- Make sure millet is one of the primary ingredients.
- Check for a variety of small, colorful seeds like canary, flax, and safflower.
- Skip mixes with nuts, dried fruit, or sugary treats.
- Read the ingredient list carefully and avoid artificial additives.
- Choose organic when possible.
- Buy from a reputable brand known for bird nutrition.
- Check expiration date and inspect packaging for damage, bugs, or clumping.
- Price alone shouldn’t dictate choice, focus on quality.
Ask your avian vet for recommendations on high-quality seed mixes appropriate for lovebirds. It may take some trial and error to find a mix your lovebirds enjoy and thrive on.
Top Seed Mixes for Lovebirds
Here are some top-rated seed mixes for lovebirds:
Product | Key Features |
---|---|
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Lovebird | Made for lovebirds, variety of small seeds, nutritious |
Volkman’s Lovebird or Parrotlet Food | Blend for small parrots, top ingredients, natural |
Higgins Mayan Harvest Lovebird | No artificial preservatives, variety, millet-based |
ZuPreem Fruitblend Flavor for Small Birds | Fruit and veggie pieces, no sunflower seeds |
Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet for Lovebirds | Complete diet, pellets and seeds, veterinarian formulated |
Common Lovebird Seed Mix Questions
Are lovebirds picky eaters with seeds?
Lovebirds can be somewhat picky about the seeds they will eat. This is why it is important to choose a premium seed mix made specifically for lovebirds and monitor that your bird is eating a variety of seeds. Lovebirds often sort through mixes and only eat their favorite seeds like millet. Make sure to offer a rotating variety of healthy seeds.
Should lovebird seed be given in the shell?
Lovebirds can be fed seeds with or without the shell intact. Some lovebirds enjoy cracking open seeds. Offer a mix of hulled and in-shell seeds for variety. Smaller seeds like millet and canary seed can be fed with shells on since lovebird beaks are capable of easily cracking them open.
How long do lovebird seed mixes last?
An unopened bag of lovebird seed mix will last for around 6 months past its production date if stored properly. Once opened, the seed mix should be used within 3-4 weeks before it starts to lose freshness. Any uneaten seeds should be discarded after 24 hours. Keep seed in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.
Are seeds enough to keep lovebirds healthy?
No, seeds alone are not sufficient to meet all a lovebird’s nutritional requirements. While seeds provide valuable protein and healthy fats, they are not a complete diet. Lovebirds also need a quality pellet mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and calcium sources for optimal nutrition. Relying solely on seeds can lead to malnutrition and obesity.
What are crop fillers in lovebird seed mixes?
Crop fillers are inexpensive seeds added to bird food to make up bulk and reduce cost. Common crop fillers used in lovebird mixes include oats, wheat, corn, milo, millet spikes, and flax seeds. While some fillers provide nutrition, most have low value. Avoid seed mixes with excessive fillers. Check the ingredient list for quality seeds at the top.
Important Health Reminders for Feeding Lovebirds Seeds
When feeding seeds to lovebirds, keep these health considerations in mind:
- Overfeeding seeds can lead to obesity and fatty liver disease.
- Rotating seed types will provide more balanced nutrition.
- Look for signs of selective feeding and discourage it.
- Feed only amount seeds your lovebird will eat in a day.
- Clean and disinfect food bowls thoroughly.
- Store seeds in air-tight containers away from light and heat.
- Schedule regular wellness exams with an avian vet.
- Monitor droppings for signs of health issues.
- Provide filtered, chlorinated water to discourage bacterial growth.
By feeding quality seeds properly, monitoring nutrition, and paying attention to overall health, lovebirds can thrive on a balanced, seed-included diet.
Lovebird Seed Recipes
In addition to commercial seed mixes, you can make your own healthy lovebird seed combinations at home. This allows you to control quality and customize to your lovebird’s preferences. Here are a couple simple lovebird seed recipe ideas:
energize Me Lovebird Seed
- 1 cup white millet
- 1⁄2 cup hulled oats
- 1⁄4 cup canary seed
- 2 tablespoons flax seed
- 1 tablespoon safflower seed
Tropical Lovebird Seed
- 1 cup hulled oats
- 1⁄2 cup canary seed
- 1⁄4 cup red millet
- 2 tablespoons flax seed
- 1 tablespoon nyjer seed
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
Experiment with seed combinations to find recipes your lovebirds enjoy. Store homemade mixes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Lovebirds benefit from a balanced diet including a variety of quality seeds. The best seeds provide protein, fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals lovebirds need without excess fat and calories. Feed a small amount of seeds daily alongside pellets, vegetables, and fruit. Choose millet, oats, canary seed, flax, safflower, and nyjer in moderation. Avoid unhealthy seeds like sunflower, peanuts, and chocolate-covered seeds. Feed 1-2 tablespoons of seed mix per lovebird each day. With proper nutrition and care, seeds can be part of a healthy diet supporting an active, long life for pet lovebirds.