Millet- not only a favorite treat of many birds, but people can eat it in various forms as well! It is a small-seed grass crop; in fact, one of the world’s oldest cereal grains and easily grown in dry areas or areas with poor soil conditions that other crops can’t tolerate. It is a natural part of the diet for many birds and parrots in the wild.
The large spray millet on the branch (foxtail millet) is the most familiar form, but there are other varieties as well. Proso millet, red millet, Japanese millet, and finger millet can all be found in seed mixes for finches, parakeets, and cockatiels.
Nutritionally, millet contains vitamin b, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, protein, and is a good source of fiber. Not only can it be used as a treat, but it can help keep weight up on baby birds as a transition food from formula to larger seed. Even adult birds enjoy it, choosing to methodically pick off seed by seed- a great way to keep an African Grey or a cockatoo busy.
A full diet of millet is not recommended and can lead to health problems such as fatty tumors, liver complications, and vitamin deficiencies. It is important to round out daily diets with other seeds, grains, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables.