Whole sunflower seeds???

[7cutechix]

I bought some whole sunflower seeds from the bin in the wild bird feed section at Rural King. Can I give my 10 week old chicks this?? They don't really like anything yet, they squalk and run away from tomatoes, lettuce, cantalope, cabbage... they've only liked yogurt and crumbles mixed in (REALLY like) and Tomato worms!!!! If so, do I just sprinkle it in on the grass?? (I move their tractor, which is why they have grass)

 

[Andora]

Only some of my birds like sunflowers seeds--those that do, love them. Worst case scenario is you have a nice patch of sunflowers growing!

 

[Barn Maid Ann]

I buy BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds) for my horses and for our many bird feeders. When I got the chickens and let them free range, they not only discovered the feeders, but they help themselves to the horses' pans as they are eating. Most all of my chickens have come to relish the BOSS. They RUN when they hear the bin opening, to beg for seeds. I mix it with their scratch and throw it as a treat, all over the barnyard. This way I can go feed the horses without tripping over a chicken.

The striped sunflower seeds have much harder shells and are generally bigger. I would avoid those.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

They do not like Cantaloupe!?!? It is mine's favorite, they eat it right down to the rind.

 

[Sparklee]

My olders layers didn't "get" it until at first. I tossed the seeds in the grasss and they ignored them. After I soaked some sunflower seeds (black ones) overnight first they started catching on. I then put them in a pile so that the birds could learn that those little black things taste good and the shape of the seed. Now I can scatter them (soaked or dry) and they'll peck/scratch around for them in the grass.

I just started giving soaked ones to my 14 week old layers. Yesterday. I'd for sure soak them for 10 week olds, but then some folks think I baby my birds. So.....

Grit is necessary, too.

I make homemade feed and grind the sunflower seeds up in the coffee grinder (with blades) to make the feed more palatable.

 

[b.hromada]

The BOSS, as you say, is great for extra protein for you chickens! Mine just love them!

 

[cgmccary]

Yeah, whole sunflower seeds are good for chickens-- just make sure, if you haven't already, that they have had "grit" available.