Do Pigeons Eat Sunflower Seeds? All You Need To Know

Do Pigeons Eat Sunflower Seeds?

According to various studies and professionals, the best food for pigeons and other bird species is sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are packed with nutrition which keeps the birds healthy and happy. Not only it is healthy but the taste of sunflower seeds are enjoyed by pigeons.

Pigeons are not picky eaters but they enjoy the striped sunflower seeds and black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are considered best for them. So, answer to the question would be yes, pigeons enjoy eating the sunflower seeds.

Should Pigeons Eat Sunflower Seeds or Sunflower Hearts?

The pigeons enjoy eating both the sunflower seed and the sunflower heart. According to some experts, if sunflower heart is offered to any bird, it will be easier for the birds to eat. The sunflower heart is only the seed inside the shell.

These are available in the market with the shell already removed and that makes it easier to feed the pigeons especially when it is smaller-sized breeds. The sunflower hearts are easier to eat but it is also a concentrated blend of a number of vitamins and minerals.

These nutrients will help to maintain the overall health of the pigeon. Also, the shells that are already removed help pigeons because it will save their energy from cracking the open shells to get to the seed inside.

This process is very helpful in the winter season because the birds will conserve as much as energy as they can. The reason behind this is that they have a thinner shell, which the bird is capable of open faster and they don’t have to struggle for it also.

The varied diet is important because it cover the bird`s nutrient needs. So, it is always advisable to have a look at the pigeon`s diet because sunflower seeds should not be the only one thing that pigeons should be eating.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Sunflower Seeds for Pigeons?

Pigeons enjoy eating sunflower seeds and also, they are good for them as it is packed with a range of vitamins and minerals. The little seeds that are packed with a nutritional punch will keep the birds healthy and happy.

The sunflower seeds contain a range of nutrients and that include the following:

Healthy fats
Potassium
Carbohydrates
Protein
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Fiber
Zinc
Copper

This will give the pigeons a mixture of nutrients and it is also considered as a healthy diet. Moreover, the sunflower heart or seed is not the only thing that pigeons should be eating it’s just that it is a good part of their meal plan.

Why Are Sunflower Seeds Good for Pigeons?

Sunflower seeds are good for pigeons because they are packed with nutrients. Each piece of sunflower seed makes sure that the bird is getting an adequate intake of important vitamins and minerals. Heathy fats and carbs are considered as best source of energy for pigeons.

Protein is a vital component in the pigeon`s diet. It will keep the pigeon`s muscles strong and healthy. Not only proteins but vitamins and minerals also play a large number of body functions. This will include boosting immunity, improve blood flow and also leads to enhancement of cognition.

Deficiency of any component in pigeon`s diet leads to a lot of health problem. That is the reason the blended mix of seeds and other foods is ideal for helping the pigeons to reach its quota each day. The vitamins present in sunflower seed is Vitamin E which can combat this condition.

The seeds are rich in magnesium and healthy fats. These nutrients help to support good heart heath. Few studies have shown that these seeds help to control the blood sugar levels.

How to Feed Sunflower Seeds to Pigeons

It has been seen that sunflower seeds are so good for pigeons but the people mostly wonder that how to feed the seeds to your birds. This is an important part because proper feeding of pigeons with enough seeds to benefit them.

Sunflower seeds are offered to pigeons because they are ground feeders. They are not prone to eating them because they are served in a hanging bird feeder. There are some birds that you kept as pets are tame pigeons, they are willing to eat sunflower seeds out of your hands.

To feed pigeons, there are a number of blended seed mixtures. The owner may choose the mixture that supports the pigeon`s health. Also, pigeons have different nutritional needs as compared to other birds. Also, the blend that is chosen is very heavy on the sunflower seeds because they are a nutritional powerhouse.

Problems with Overfeeding Sunflower Seeds to Pigeons

If too much of sunflower seeds is added to pigeon`s diet it can be a bad thing. The high consumption of black oil sunflower seeds can sometimes cause pigeon diarrhoea. If this becomes a problem, cut back on how many your bird is eating. The weight gain in pigeon is seen when they consume oil in black sunflower seeds.

Overfeeding can lead to hindering of pigeon`s performance because of show or racing pigeons. This may also lead to compromise of pigeon`s overall health.

Sunflower seeds contain a great mix of nutrients for the birds. The pigeons eat more when seeds cover their needs. The pigeons are also offered more fruits as compared to sunflower seeds. Some pigeons eat mealworms while the others eat small insects so always be sure to offer to those things as well.

To maintain the optimal health of pigeons, right food should be given. So, that’s why by adding the sunflower seeds in their diet, a plethora of nutrients should be added to make the bird healthy and happy for many more years to come.