What is BOSS?

[jimz1]

I saw this on a favorite treats thread. Someone said it was one of their favorite foods

 

[GiddyMoon]

black oil sunflower seeds

 

[backyardmenagerie]

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

 

[gryeyes]

What they said.

Not only is it a favorite, but it has more protein content than "scratch" (which is mostly corn) and a nice, high, natural oil content which is very good for feather growth.

 

[jimz1]

Thanks. Is there a difference in sunflowers?

 

[gryeyes]

Black oil sunflower seed is the smaller, black hulled type. Not the larger, grey ones with the white stripe.

The birds can eat the whole thing, shell and all, and they don't usually do that with the larger sunflower seed.

 

[wsdareme]

I give my broody hen (The Velociraptor) a couple tablespoons of BOSS every day. I just drop it in the nest box with her. I'm hoping that it will help keep her healthy during her time of limited food consumption. But mostly I give it to her as a peace offering, and she still pecks the heck out me. Leather gloves are a good thing.

 

[jimz1]

Where do you get them? Are they expensive? Everything is expensive these days. I mean compared to the other ones.

 

[DrTom]

Your local feed store should have plenty of BOSS...Anywhere that sells bird seed will also carry BOSS because birds love it as well!

 

[DrTom]

As for cost...I've seen a 50-pound bag run around 20-30 bucks or so...but if you're just using it as a treat, it should last a while.