Black sunflower seeds... what are they good for?

Discussion in 'Feeding & Watering Your Flock' started by FingerLakesChick, Sep 28, 2007.

Top Posters Most Liked Posts
Page 1 of 2
  1. Sep 28, 2007 Post #1 of 15
    FingerLakesChick

    FingerLakesChick Songster

    200
    0
    139
    Mar 14, 2007
    Western New York
    I've read that black sunflower seeds are good for something in chickens. But for the life of me, I can't remember what. And I can't find the info again in this forum. Can anyone enlighten me? I'd be grateful. Thanks!!
     
  2. Sep 28, 2007 Post #2 of 15
    wegotchickens

    wegotchickens DownSouth D'Uccles & Silkies

    12,146
    34
    311
    Jul 5, 2007
    Sevier County, TN
    I know that wild birds love them because they are rich in oils.
     
  3. Sep 28, 2007 Post #3 of 15
    Tuffoldhen

    Tuffoldhen Flock Mistress

    7,502
    30
    301
    Jan 30, 2007
    WV
    Black oiled Sunflower seeds in the shell just like people use in their feeders for wild birds...I buy mine in 50# bags...Its good for the hens during egg laying...like a lubricant for their egg flow....
     
  4. Sep 28, 2007 Post #4 of 15
    FingerLakesChick

    FingerLakesChick Songster

    200
    0
    139
    Mar 14, 2007
    Western New York
    They do love them! Thanks!
     
  5. Sep 28, 2007 Post #5 of 15
    Farmer Kitty

    Farmer Kitty Flock Mistress

    5,184
    9
    261
    Sep 18, 2007
    Wisconsin
    According to what I have read in this forum, they are a source of protein.[​IMG]
     
  6. Sep 28, 2007 Post #6 of 15
    bigzio

    bigzio Crowing

    4,886
    460
    331
    Jan 20, 2007
    Wisconsin
    Yep, 30% protein to help with the stress from laying, and also helps to produce feathers faster after a molt.

    bigzio
     
  7. Sep 28, 2007 Post #7 of 15
    Mac

    Mac Songster

    300
    0
    139
    Jul 1, 2007
    South Central PA
    To clarify, are BO sunflower seeds fed to chickens shelled or unshelled?
     
  8. Sep 28, 2007 Post #8 of 15
    eggzettera

    eggzettera Songster

    1,495
    4
    181
    Mar 9, 2007
    Eggzile and / or Utah
    shelled or unshelled is fine - NO salt.....
     
  9. Sep 28, 2007 Post #9 of 15
    valmom

    valmom Songster

    227
    1
    131
    Sep 23, 2007
    Vermont
    Black Oil sunflower seeds are a wonderful food. I even feed them to my horses- oil, protein, and fiber all in one little package. I buy it by the 50 pound bag and steal cupfulls for the chickies. They like sunflower seeds better than the cracked corn I got them.[​IMG][​IMG]
     
  10. Sep 30, 2007 Post #10 of 15
    s6bee

    s6bee Songster

    1,096
    1
    171
    Jul 1, 2007
    Western, NY
    I just threw out some today at them, and they aren't too sure about it. My girls are a bit spoiled and I think I need to bring them back to reality. I bet they just want them w/o the shells. Too much work I guess?
     
Page 1 of 2

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: