Sunflower seeds for birds wholesale

Types of Bulk Sunflower Seeds for Birds

Bird feeds come in numerous formulations to attract specific species of birds. Sunflower seeds are a favorite for most birds, which makes them the most common ingredient in bird seed mixes.

Based on the variety of birds to be attracted, buyers can choose from different types of bulk sunflower seeds for birds. All these seed types have unique benefits and nutritional value for birds.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

Black oil sunflower seeds have a thin shell, a black color, and are mostly filled with pure edible flesh. The seeds have a high oil content, which makes them a healthy energy source for birds. Common birds that feed on black oil include cardinals, chickadees, and finches.

White Proso Millet

White proso millet is small-sized, oval, pale color, and a grass seed or grain before harvest. Farmers and commercial bird seed manufacturers dry it, dehusk it, and package it as bird feed. It is preferred because it has a hard shell that attracts different birds, such as juncos and doves, which have softer beaks.

Shelled Sunflower Seeds

Also known as hulled or unshelled sunflower seeds, shelled sunflower seeds are sunflower seed kernels or the meat inside the seed. These seeds are ready to eat and require no extra shelling for consumption. Shelled sunflower seeds are popular with birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, and wrens.

Stripped Sunflower Seeds

Stripped sunflower seeds are lighter in color than black oil and white proso millet because they have been stripped of their outer shell. They are smaller than black oil sunflower seeds and easier to eat because they have been de-shelled. Stripped sunflower seeds are suitable for small birds like finches and pine siskins.

Benefits of Bulk Sunflower Seeds for Birds

Sunflower seeds are healthy nutrition-rich food for birds. Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals and have several benefits, including:

• High in energy: Bulk sunflower seeds for birds are a significant energy source because they are high in fats and oils. They are an energy-intensive food that keeps birds warm in winter, helping maintain their metabolic processes.
• Easily accessible: Sunflower seeds are available in bulk year-round, making them accessible to pet owners. They are affordable because they are mass-produced and easy to store and distribute.
• Promotes heart health: Sunflower seeds reduce the risk of heart disease through plant fats called unsaturated fats. The unsaturated fats lower bad cholesterol and protect the heart.
• Reduces inflammation: Sunflower seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties due to phytosterols that help reduce inflammation and its associated risks.
• Prevents constipation: Sunflower seeds contain dietary fiber, which increases bowel movement, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy digestive system.
• Makes skin better: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins B and E, which help prevent skin diseases, moisturize dry skin, and give a radiant glow. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin from harmful radicals and pollutants.

How to Store Bulk Sunflower Seeds for Birds

Sunflower seeds for birds lose their nutritional value and become harmful when they expire or become rancid. It is imperative that buyers learn to properly store bulk sunflower seeds for birds so they do not spoil before use.

• Cool temperature: Buyers should keep sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place like a pantry, cellar, or cupboard. Buyers should use a refrigerator to store seeds to extend their shelf life by up to 12 months. Buyers should ensure that the temperature remains stable, as frequent temperature changes can affect seed quality.
• Keep away from moisture: Buyers should keep seeds dry, as moisture can cause mold, bacterial growth, and sprouting, rendering the seeds inedible. Store seeds in airtight containers to prevent moisture entry. Avoid storing seeds in refrigerators as condensation will form on the seeds and make them soggy.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to light, especially sunlight, degrades the quality of seeds and reduces the nutritional value of food for birds. Sunlight also reduces seed viability, making them unuseless for planting. Store the seeds in opaque containers like mason jars or in non-transparent cupboards.
• Prevent strong odors: Seeds can absorb strong odors from the environment and affect their taste. Since some storage containers are not airtight and handle avoiding odor absorption, try mixing using a vibrant onion or slicing an open lemon and placing it inside the refrigerator for scent neutralization.
• Proper storage duration: Buyers should replace sunflower seeds at least every 6–12 months, depending on the storage conditions. Discard any seeds that notice changes in smell, color, or appearance; bad flavor, unusual texture, or mold presence; or seeds that have become hard. These are commonly signs that the seeds have degraded or gone bad.

FAQs

Q1. Are bulk sunflower seeds good for birds?

A1. Yes, bulk sunflower seeds are highly nutritious for birds and a great source of energy. Bulk types of sunflower seeds for birds include black oil, white proso millet, shelled, and stripped sunflower seeds. All these seeds are ideal for birds and promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and prevent constipation.

Q2. What is the difference between black oil sunflower and regular sunflower seeds?

A2. Black oil sunflower seeds have a thin shell, high oil content, and are a major bird food source. Regular sunflower seeds are longer, harder to crack open, and not as oil-rich or energy-packed as black oil. Black oil sunflowers are a variety of sunflowers with different characteristics from other forms of the plant.

Q3. Can humans eat black oil sunflower seeds?

A3. Yes, humans can eat black oil sunflower seeds and benefit because they are a good source of vitamin B6, E, magnesium, iron, and protein. They are delicious when eaten raw, added to recipes and savory or sweet dishes, used as bird feed, and for health benefits like heart health improvement, inflammation reduction, and antioxidant.

Q4. How long can sunflower seeds be stored?

A4. When stored properly in low-temperature environments, away from moisture, light, and foul odors in airtight containers, sunflower seeds can stay fresh for up to 12 months. It is advisable to replace sunflower seeds every 6–12 months to make sure the buyers' seeds are potent and nutritious for birds.

Q5. What is the best way to store sunflower seeds?

A5. Store sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or pantry, a refrigerator for longer shelf life, and airtight containers to keep away moisture. To prevent degradation of sunflower seeds, store them in opaque containers to avoid seed viability and nutritional value impairment by sunlight exposure.