Sunflower Seeds and Agression

[PythonzEve]

Ok so I've heard all over this site that sunflower seeds make IRNs more aggressive, but I have not once seen an actual study, proof or fact that they do, just coincidental and opinion. I have a lot of sunflower seeds from mammoth sunflowers I grew in my back yard (grey and white) as well as black sunflower seed. I am wary about feeding because of these claims, but wonder where the information came from?

I can understand if they were fed only sunflower seeds, as this would lead to malnourishment and as a consequence could effect the proper firing of nerves and neurons which in turn would effect the behavior, but I feed Zupreem Garden pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, seeds, raw nuts and other foods that I eat like cereal, eggs, meat, noodles and whatnot.

My Ringneck bit me before any sunflowers were fed, during sunflower feeding and even after sunflowers were withdrawn so I haven't seen him get nicer when they are withdrawn, if anything he's gotten more testy lately.

I would like reference to real proof, evidence or a study if anyone has it please.

[Melika]

Huh. I suppose I've heard it thrown about here and there but never put any stock in the idea that sunflower seeds make an IRN aggressive. Though that isn't to say a specific bird won't become more aggressive... though I suspect it has something more to do with excitement and greed over the seeds.

In fact, Hane is at his nicest and sweetest when it involves sunflower seeds- because he want's them! I use them as a treat.

-digs up ancient topic- I knew this sounded familiar!
http://www.indianringneck.com/forum/vie ... f=3&t=3000

[PythonzEve]

Yep! I searched through before posting as always and I read that one, but no firm facts. I have a ton of seed as I put out (good quality) bird seed for the wild birds, then I have sunflowers in my back yard so I would like to use them. Right now I'm using spray millet as seed treats and sunflower seeds here and there in foraging toys.

[3tiels&aringneck]

I've heard the same thing about aggression, but not just in ringnecks. I think part of the sunflower thing is they are fatty types of seeds and more having issues with weight, weight gain by too much fat.