What difference does the quality of bird food make?
As much as I know, the most important element of a good bird food mix is that it contains a substantial percentage of sunflower and millet because these two are the most nutritional. A quality bird food will provide the bird with the necessary nutrient intake and will not be just to fill the stomach. My cockatiel loves sunflower seeds for birds, and I always try to get qualitative mixes without any additives. I know, this can be a little expensive, but as much as I know, qualitative bird food can extend his life, so for me, it’s worth the money.
Not all bird food blends are created equal! The quality of the ingredients will significantly impact the number of birds that frequent your feeder(s). Given the need to survive in the wild and sometimes harsh conditions, birds seek food that is naturally high in energy (similar to their natural diet), as well as easy to find and eat. Wild bird food blends containing ingredients such as black oil sunflower, millet and thistle will attract and retain wild birds more effectively than filler grains commonly found in ordinary blends. Birds will often sift through or discard these blends at the feeder(s). Ultimately, the quality of the wild bird food will determine two things: (1) the number and variety of birds that frequent your feeder and (2) the amount of discarded, wasted or uneaten seed.
