Can Birds Eat Chia Seeds? 

 

Can Birds Eat Chia Seeds? 

Yes Birds cat eat Chia seeds, Chia seeds are also called seeds of Salvia hispanica, from the name you would find that it is grown mostly in Latino areas or Hispanic areas in fact it is easy to come by in those areas. It is a flowering plant in the mint family. It is eaten typically by migrating birds and birds of the wild because of its location which is usually in the desert.

Chia seeds are come in different shades and sizes, and is nutritious to birds, a trait which one can only expect given the area that it grows and the kind of help it renders to wild migrating birds. It is of a mild in taste and small which makes easy for birds to enjoy it. That been said, It is a very wonderful addition to your birds food because of its taste and nutritional value. 

Which Wild Birds Eat Chia Seeds?

There are several birds that eat the chia seed and some of those are Hummingbird, Roadrunner, Woodpeckers, Emberiza, Quails, Weaver Birds, Sparrows, Doves and Pigeons, Macaws, Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Blue Jay, and sparrows, for example, Finches and buntings, Quails.

Consequently, if your bird is amongst these then hurray, they will love those chia seed that you are planning on buying. However, if your bird is capable of safely eating those food stuff that you usually purchase at home then be rest assured that it will be able to safely eat the chia seeds. Therefore, if your bird wasn’t specifically included then you are in luck

Are Chia Seeds Good for Birds?

It to note that before you feed a bird with any food, its best that you have it checked out so you know that it is safe for your bird, because to be honest is things go from 0 to 100 within a very short period of time for birds because its intestine and digestive system is not that complexly developed and if fed with something that is not agreeable, you might have just invited danger to your bird or even death in a worst case scenario. 

But on the chia seed, it would be a good choice because it is safe as it is healthy and I would be discussing the nutrients that your bird get in chia seeds .so sit tight and enjoy the journey.

Chia Seed Nutrients Beneficial to Wild Birds

Chia seeds is one hell of super food in fact, super food does not get any further super than that, you might want to think this as exaggeration, from very far from it, because it not, this is because I intend to back up my assertion with the many nutrients that your bird will enjoy from the food.

Proteins

Chia seed are a very high in protein, protein is the growth and replenishing, cell rejuvenation/ replacement nutrient. It is wonderful for birds especially the young ones.  And do you know that Bird feathers is made up of 90% protein? This means that most of the protein your bird consumes go to nourishing its feather, I mean what is a bird without its feather, so it is only reasonable that a bird, for its own survival consumes enough protein unless it could literally render itself immobile and starvation, exposure will follow suit. It will suffice you to note that that there is around 16.5 -17 grams of protein for every 100 grams of chia seeds. Isn’t that amazing?  So, feeding birds with chia seed is a good choice for a  healthy and strong bird. 

Amino Acids

The chia seed is a great source of amino acids, which is a broken-down form of protein and which make its even easily absorbable for a bird. It contains lysine, methionine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, all of which are very important for the growth and replacement of dead cells. This is especially good for young birds hatching because they need all the growth juice they can get.

Calcium

When you think of calcium, you think of the bone because calcium helps the bone remain strong and healthy. You know most of the food that the birds come across doesn’t really provide the required level of calcium that a bird needs to sustain itself. Chia seed therefore is a very of good source of calcium to ensure that its bones, feathers are in good health and need I also say for their female species laying eggs, calcium is a make or mare for them. 

Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in their diets and just enough to improve bird’s immune systems and protect them from diseases. Although chia seed has more omega 3, so you may as well add some corn or sunflower that would make up for the presence of adequate omega 6.

Fat

Would you believe that fat is essential for the coloration of the bird’s feathers? Well now you know. Subsequently, if you see that luscious color on a bird then know that that such a bird is consuming the right amount of fat, deformed feather will put the brakes on mating and even migration.  After all everyone including birds love good and attractive things. It also a form protection for birds from cold. Chia seed is an opportunity to provide the bird with enough fat to keep those feathers looking luscious and healthy.

Phosphorous

Chia seeds are an excellent in the provision phosphorous and thus keep birds agile and coordinated. 

Manganese

Chia seed are high in manganese and this nutrient helps in production of more eggs and such eggs that are healthy as well, it improves metabolism and blood clotting. 

Folic Acid

Chia sees are high in folate, this is a natural form of vitamin b 9, a nutrient that helps boost healthy cell separation. This will also ensure a healthy growth, muscular health and reproductive health.

Riboflavin

Birds Chia seed contain a great amount t of riboflavin or vitamin b2 which help in the break down protein.

Thiamin

Chia seeds also gives a high amount of thamin or vitamin b1 which ensure the proper functioning the nervous system.

Niacin

Chai sees are a good source of niacin and thus helps aid growth it improves the health of the bird as it supports with food digestion.

Antioxidants

Chia seeds contain several antioxidants chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid, and myricetin.  Which are critical in the improving the health of the liver, heart and cellular activity.

Why choose chia seed over other seeds? 

Chia seeds are at an advantage because it presents a better option to than other seeds for this reason:

• Chia seeds doesn’t need pesticides to grow or be preserved. In fact you can store up the chia seeds without any preservatives and it will still be as good as new. There pesticides are quite dangerous especially when consumed in large amount by a bird, given their fragile system. 
• Chia seeds doesn’t need to be processed before it can be fed to the birds. 
• Chia seed is healthy as raw or as cooked, and you don’t to add any other condiments make it palatable. it is a treat all by itself.

How To Feed Chia Seeds to Wild Birds

Well you can serve it dry and raw, then you can soak in in the water for couple of hours and that way the seed will become soupy and stringy or gelatinous, a texture that gives the seeds and smooth feeling for birds.

Conclusion

Chia seed is a compete food you can serve your bird. It is easy to feed in its different forms and tasty as well. so why don’t you give it a try.