Hemp seeds?

[Gen120]

I got some Hemp seeds at the birdfair last weekend, because I read they were good for birds but I don't remember why. Do I feed them raw just like other seeds, can I sprout them, or what? Just bought it because it seemed cheap and I knew it had some purpose for birds even if I didn't remember what it was- LOL! Thanks, Victoria

 

[Billie Faye]

These are some sites for you to read to learn about hemp seeds for your parrots:
But like flax seeds, I would grind them up when you are ready to feed them to your birds...this helps with the break down of them inside the gizzard...and your larger birds will get the benefit because they are little pieces on ALL the fresh foods instead of a seed here or there...
High protein food | Vegetable Protein Sources | Hemp the best vegetable protein
HolisticBird and HolisticBirds
HolisticBird and HolisticBirds

 

[HungryBird]

I feed the ones from Avian Organics whole. They just crack them and eat them.

 

[Deejo]

Hemp seeds are great for parrots, and just as great for people too
Feed them whole, raw, as they were at time of purchase...or, grind them slightly. Either way, they are very nutritious,
good protein and Vit E.

 

[bubblelady]

Gussie loves them. She just cracks them open...I never thought of grinding them. Should I be? I was told they have beneficial oils in them.
I orignally got some because I read conures eat them in the wild.

 

[Deejo]

Gussie loves them. She just cracks them open...I never thought of grinding them. Should I be? I was told they have beneficial oils in them.
I orignally got some because I read conures eat them in the wild.

No, you don't need to grind them.
If you want hemp for baking things for your bird(s), purchase hemp heats; they have the husk removed.
Birds enjoy cracking the little hemp seeds.

 

[Gen120]

Thanks for the info everyone and thanks for the sites BF!

 

[love4birds]

My guys love whole hemp seeds. Sometimes I use hulled ones instead.

You can't sprout them because they will have been sterilized.

 

[JLcribber]

I've been feeding them for years. Contains all the essential fatty acids and amino acids. Lots of omega 3 & 6.

Its a complete protein. It has been said that it increases egg production. Something to ponder.

 

[Chantilly Lace]

My birds all love them! I get them from Nuts Online for $2.99 a pound or so, which is A LOT of them. I throw a little handful on their playstands and let them go crazy, finding each and every one and eating the insides. I ate one, and they are pretty tasty, nutty, good. Definitely a fun treat for them, and tons of health benefits.

 

[Deejo]

My guys love whole hemp seeds. Sometimes I use hulled ones instead.

You can't sprout them because they will have been sterilized.

Hemp seeds will sprout...but they will not grow into a plant. That of course is because of what you mentioned; they are sterilized.
The law requires this, all hemp seed must be sterilized. The low heat process (sterilization) renders the hemp seed into what is termed "semi-viable" - can be used as food, and for sprouting, but can't be grown and harvested

 

[HungryBird]

Oh my gosh so I could have sprouted the hemp seed this entire time? I was thinking about it but figured it wouldn't work. I will try with my next bag.

 

[KimKimWilliamson]

I feed the ones from Avian Organics whole. They just crack them and eat them.

Me too - Penny goes insane for them!!

 

[love4birds]

Hemp seeds will sprout...but they will not grow into a plant. That of course is because of what you mentioned; they are sterilized.
The law requires this, all hemp seed must be sterilized. The low heat process (sterilization) renders the hemp seed into what is termed "semi-viable" - can be used as food, and for sprouting, but can't be grown and harvested

That's really interesting, thank you! I will have to throw some in to my next sprout batch!

 

[Gen120]

I didn't know that either- thanks for the info!