Millet can be found in most pet stores in the 'bird food' section, and Marltons Spray Millet is a popular choice among many bird owners.

What are millet sprays?

Millet sprays are long stems of millet seed, a common cereal grain that's high in amino acid and carbohydrates. Millet seeds are usually a golden, honey colour. Millet sprays are usually given to pet birds as a nutritious treat. Each stem of millet typically contains a cluster of about 30 seeds.

Millet sprays can be sold for both exotic and non-exotic birds as it is a treat enjoyed by most avian species. Larger-sized millet sprays are also available for larger birds, such as macaws.

What are millet sprays used for?

Millet sprays are mostly used as an occasional treat for pet birds. Millet isn't recommended as a bird's primary diet. If they are fed millet sprays exclusively, your bird may suffer from severe nutritional deficiencies. However, millet sprays are often fed to baby birds by their owners in order to help them learn how to eat on their own.

Millet sprays can also be fun treats for birds, as they encourage them to interact with their 'foraging' instincts.

Benefits of millet sprays:

There are a variety of psychological as well as nutritional benefits of millet. Seed mixes are often known for being unbalanced diets for birds, although millet contains lower amounts of oils compared to other seed types. Millet sprays are also high in protein and calcium, which are both necessary for the development of stronger bones and beaks.

On a psychological level, it has been shown that some birds view millet as a comfort food. This means it could be a good treat for when your pet is experiencing anxiety or other negative emotions.

Millet should be given to birds in moderation, however, regardless if they are pets or wild birds. If your bird gets too used to millet sprays, they may neglect to eat the other foods included in their diets. This could potentially lead to unhealthy weight gain. To be safe, research if millet spray is safe or healthy for your particular species of bird.

As always, it's important to make sure that your bird has an overall balanced diet in order to ensure that they are receiving all the essential nutrition they need.

What are other good treats for my bird?

All birds have different tastes and specifications based on their breed and personality. However, there are a variety of delicious and healthy treats available for your avian:

• Popcorn - It should be plain and preferably made in an air popper with no added butter or salt.
• Baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes - Best given to your bird as wedges or slices, these are a healthy replacement snack for chips and fries.
• Whole grain cereal pieces - These are safe to offer your bird daily, as long as you make sure there are no added preservatives or artificial colourants.
• Birdie breads - The benefit of feeding these treats to your bird is that you can make it as healthy as you want, and your pet will still see it as a treat.
• Nuts - For most species of birds, nuts are a fantastic snack food but only on rare occasions. Although they are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids, they are high in fat in general and should be offered in moderation.