Seed List

Following is a list of the various seeds and their value which may help in your choice from which to pick and assess their value in your feeding program:

• Canary: Principle item of diet. provides muscle (nitrogen) and heat (carbon). Husks provide fiber for stimulation of alimentary canal, also phosphorous and iron for vigor. Protein 13.5%, Fat 4.0%, Carbohydrates 10.2%, Ash 3.9%, Water 13.6%
  

• Rape: Of great value to most seed-eating birds but should be used moderately or it will produce diarrhea. Rich in Magnesia, lime, potash, and phosphoric acid. Protein 19.4%, Fat 40.5%, Carbohydrate 10.2%, Ash 3.9%, Water 11.5%
  

• Hemp: Nourishing, fattening, warming. Used sparingly in winter or in the breeding season it can be beneficial. Sterilized hemp seed can still be purchased at some pet shops and at seed companies though it is expensive; Protein 15.5%, Fat 32.2, Carbohydrate 15.2%, Ash 1.5%, Water12.5%
  

• Poppy (Maw): Corrects constipation and looseness of bowels. Readily digestible and good preparation for young in eating harder seeds. The seed is free of opiates though the plant is not. Protein 15.5%, Fat 40.5%, Carbohydrates 12.2%
  

• Niger (Thistle): Stimulating, restores song, maintains health and enriches plumage. Damaged hulls cause oil to be rancid. Too much may cause liver trouble. Protein 17.5%, Fat 32.7%, Carbohydrate 15.3%, Ash 7%, Water 8.4%
  

• Flax: Gives gloss to coat, in molt is good for respiratory organs. Strengthens the system. Use sparingly.
  

• Anise: Relieves gas in stomach and intestines, and is a fine stimulant.

   

• Sesame: Valuable as a change in food, in winter months. High in fats and oils so should be used sparingly.
  

   

• Sunflower seed: Rich in oils. Black sunflower seeds are less oily. When ground the seed is then available to the canary. Sunflower chips (hulled, unsalted and not roasted) are available and when coarse ground or chopped even the young canaries can eat them.
  

• Teazle: Natural tonic and has plenty of nitrogenous matter. Overcomes harmful affects of hemp and flax.
  

   

• Hulled-Oats: Used instead of hemp; fattening, heating.
  

• Millets: Sometimes the canaries cannot crack this seed but it is valuable when ground where the birds have been fed too much fat and rich food as it exercises the stomach and gives nourishment. Protein 15%, Fat 5%, Carbohydrates 16.2%, Ash 1.5%, Water 13%
  

• Gold-of-Pleasure (False Flax): Tightens and glosses the plumage. Forces hens into breeding condition. Excessive use effects the stomach, has lots of sulphur.
  

   

• Grain-of-Paradise: Excellent remedy for diarrhea, also used as a general tonic.