How Much Spray Millet Should You Offer Your Bird?
If you’ve ever watched your bird devour a millet spray, you'd know that millet is basically bird candy. So it's time we answer the age old question. How much spray millet is too much?
What Spray Millet Actually Is
Spray millet refers to entire stalks or sprays of millet, as opposed to millet that’s been hulled. High-quality spray millet appears as a dried stalk covered in clusters of golden-brown, densely packed seeds about 1/16” in diameter.
The types of spray millet most commonly found in pet stores are Foxtail Millet, Finger Millet, Red Proso Millet and White Proso Millet. Other types, like Japanese Millet and Green Pearl Millet, aren’t typically sold in spray form.
Spray millet can be used as a training treat (check out Higgin's Spray Millet Bits for a convenient option) or as an occasional snack. The main part of your bird’s diet should always be a high-quality pellet supplemented with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Millet typically contains about 2-4% fat, 9-12% protein, and up to 20% fiber. This nutrient profile makes it an excellent choice for training rewards (especially for species prone to obesity, like budgerigars and cockatoos) because it’s less calorie-dense than treats like sunflower or safflower seeds.
The Ideal Amount of Spray Millet
Limited amounts of grains and seeds like spray millet can be a beneficial addition to your pet bird’s diet. However, it’s difficult to make broad statements regarding the amount any one bird should eat. The right amount depends on factors such as species, activity level, and pre-existing health concerns.
That being said, spray millet can safely make up around 15–20% of your bird’s daily diet, provided the remaining 80–85% consists of more nutritious foods. Birds on a seed-based diet should be offered less spray millet and encouraged to eat a variety of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.
Flighted birds and high-energy species (such as parrotlets and macaws) may need more calorie-dense foods to maintain good health and body condition.
Our Millet vs. The Competition
Not all spray millet is created equal!
At Exotic Wings our #1 Grade Premium Spray Millet, grown right here in Canada is among the best quality millet you can find on the market! With a difference in size and colour that you won't find in the generic options you'll find in many other pet stores!
We also offer our #1 Grade Premium Millet in smaller individual bulk quantities / 3 packs / 6 packs, etc...
What We Recommend
We suggest waiting until the afternoon to offer your bird a spray millet treat. Birds are hungriest in the morning, so providing only their main diet (ideally a combination of pellets, vegetables, and fruits) at that time ensures they get the nutrients they need first. Once they’ve eaten their healthy foods, you can offer a little spray millet for “dessert,” knowing their diet remains balanced.
Another great tip is to cut the millet spray into smaller pieces and use them one at a time instead of offering the whole stalk at once. This helps control how much your bird eats and stretches your supply to last as long as possible!
Proper Spray Millet Storage
Spray millet, like all bird seed, should be stored in a container that allows some airflow. Seeds have a higher moisture content than pellets, so storing millet in an airtight container can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.
Our pampered pet birds don’t have quite the street smarts of their wild relatives. They can’t tell the difference between “bad” seeds and good ones. All they see is a delicious treat to be demolished as quickly as possible!
In Summary
Spray millet is a great option for training rewards or occasional treats. Offering small amounts in the afternoon is ideal, as long as 80–85% of your bird’s diet consists of pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Remember to store your millet in a breathable container to prevent the growth of mold and mildew! With these guidelines spray millet can be a fun and healthy addition to your pet bird’s diet!
