Making your own budgie seed mix is a great way to provide a balanced, fresh, and affordable diet for your budgies. Commercial blends may include fillers or repeat the same items in every batch, so having control over homemade is the best. Here, we will guide you through the process of making a healthy budgie seed mix and adapting it according to the season or breeding process.
Can You Make Your Own Bird Seed Mix?
Yes, you can make your own bird seed mix. It’s healthier and cheaper than buying it. You can change the mix to fit your budgie’s needs and likes. Homemade mixes don’t have added dyes or preservatives.
What Are the Ingredients in Budgie Seeds?
A good budgie seed mix has different grains, seeds, and a few extra things. The main ingredients are:
- Millet (White, Red, Yellow): High in carbohydrates, easy to digest
- Canary seed: High in protein, a budgie favorite
- Oats (groats): Good for fiber
- Buckwheat: Full of amino acids
- Flaxseed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (use a little)
- Sunflower seed: High in protein and vitamin A
- Hemp seeds: Good for protein, omega fatty acids, and easy to digest
Make sure to buy seeds labeled for avian or pet use. Agricultural seeds might have pesticides.
Seed Mix Ratio during Winter
In winter, budgies need more fat and energy to stay warm. Here’s a mix for winter:
| S.N | Ingredient | Winter Ratio | |
| 1 | White Millet | 40% | 2 Kg |
| 2 | Canary Seed | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 3 | Red Millet | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 4 | Oat Groats | 5% | 250 Gram |
| 5 | Pearl Millet seed small | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 6 | Flax seed/Chia Mix | 5% | 250 Gram |
| 7 | Hemp/Niger Seeds | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 8 | Sunflower seed | 10% | 0.5 KG |
| Total | 5 kg | ||
Mix all ingredients in a clean, dry container. Store it in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture.
❄️ Winter Tip:
Add soaked/sprouted seeds for extra nutrients and water.
Seed Mix Ratio during Summer
In summer, cut down on fats and add hydrating, light ingredients.
| S.N | Ingredient | Summer Ratio | |
| 1 | White Millet | 40% | 2 Kg |
| 2 | Canary Seed | 5% | 250 Gram |
| 3 | Red Millet | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 4 | Oat Groats | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 5 | Pearl Millet seed Small | 20% | 1 Kg |
| 6 | Flax seed/Chia Mix | 0% | Nil |
| 7 | Hemp/Niger Seeds | 5% | 250 Gram |
| 8 | Sunflower seed | 5% | 250 Gram |
| 9 | Foxtail millet Yellow | 5% | 250 Gram |
| Total | 5 Kg | ||
☀️ Summer Tip:
Give fresh veggies like cucumber or leafy greens like alfalfa to help with hydration.
Seed Mix Ratio for Breeding Season
Breeding budgies need more protein and calcium. This helps them develop eggs and chicks.
| S.N | Ingredient | Breeding Ratio | |
| 1 | White Millet | 30% | 1.5 Kg |
| 2 | Canary Seed | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 3 | Red Millet | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 4 | Oat Groats | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 5 | Pearl Millet seed small | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 6 | Flaxseed/Chia Mix | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 7 | Hemp/Niger Seeds | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 8 | Sunflower seed | 10% | 0.5 Kg |
| 9 | Foxtail millet Yellow | Nil | |
| Total | 5 Kg | ||
🐣 Breeding Tip:
Add egg food, cuttlefish bone, and multivitamins as supplements.
Note: Don’t forget to give your birds cuttlefish bone during the breeding season. I have written an entire article on the benefits of cuttlefish bones for birds.
Storage and Safety Tips
- Keep your seed mix in an air-tight plastic or glass container.
- Store it in a cool, dark location to maintain freshness.
- Inspect seeds every week for pests, mold, or moisture.
- Rotate your mix every 2–4 weeks for nutritional diversity.
Conclusion
Making your own budgie seed mix is simple and rewarding. Adjusting the mix for different seasons helps your birds stay healthy all year. Don’t forget to add fresh fruits, veggies, and clean water for a balanced diet.
✅ FAQs
What seeds should I not use for budgies?
Avoid avocado, fruit pits, chocolate, and salted or flavoured seeds. Only use pet-safe, untreated seeds.
Can I feed my budgie seeds alone?
No. Seeds are important, but budgies also need fresh fruit, minerals, and protein. A diet of only seeds can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
When do I need to change the seed mix?
Change the mix every 2–4 weeks for rotation and freshness. Clean the feeding trays daily.
In this article, we have explained the importance of the seed mix ratio for birds. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments or by contacting me. I hope that this information will be very useful for your birds. If you liked this information, then you must share it.