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

I know that wild birds love them because they are rich in oils.

 

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....

 

According to what I have read in this forum, they are a source of protein.

 

Yep, 30% protein to help with the stress from laying, and also helps to produce feathers faster after a molt.

bigzio

 

To clarify, are BO sunflower seeds fed to chickens shelled or unshelled?

 

shelled or unshelled is fine - NO salt.....

 

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.

 

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?