Sunflower: The Bird Seed That Changed Bird Feeders

Description

How Bird Feeders Started Being Used

After very many steps taken in the direction of finding the perfect combination for bird feeders, the bird seed that really stood out was the sunflower, thus placing these kind of seeds at the top of the most sought after bird supplies.

From a historical standpoint ( https://europeanpetfood.org/pet-food-facts/fact-sheets/quality-and-safety/history-of-pet-food-manufacturing/ ), during ancient times bird feeding was not a common practice and it became one almost by mistake, as the birds started to eat leftover seeds from harvesting, thus creating a habit in time.

However, it was in pet markets that supplies started being sold, during the 19th century when the concept started growing in popularity. At first, merchants would sell mixes of various seeds until the ones researching how birds feed realized that one of the most wanted seed was the sunflower, marking the beginning of a new perspective regarding bird food.

Nowadays, this field is continually evolving and producers are trying new types of food combinations so as to achieve healthy, well-balanced and nutritious meals.

The Ingredients of an Appropriate Habitat: The Bird Seed and the Environment

Alongside a healthy environment, the quality of the bird seed (
https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/shop/category/bird-seed ) is equally important for an overall well-being, whether it is a domesticated bird (parrots), or a wild bird, living freely. When regarding birds such as parrots, for example, their habitat is usually represented by cages filled with various entertaining objects such as mirrors, toys and feeders. An interesting aspect is the one pertaining to the multitude of uses regarding the bird supplies, more specifically the bird feeders, as they can be used both as objects of enjoyment or games and as feeders, being made of various seeds. The most appreciated seed in this case is the sunflower one, a very nutritious seed:

• Vitamins: alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), niacin (vitamin B3);
• Minerals: iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium;
• Nutrients: fat, fiber, protein.

An advantage to be taken into account when including these seeds in a bird’s diet is related to plumage, as it helps improvement; another one is represented by an enhanced and healthier reproductive system when having sunflowers included, as they can contribute to the production of healthier, larger eggs. Last, but not least, the fat these seeds provide has proven to be very helpful in cold weather or during times of growth, stress or moulting.

The Rise of Bird Supplies

Pet supplies gained popularity when domestication started to be on the rise, therefore creating a market for them, bird supplies included. Domestication is believed to have had a starting point thousands of years ago, stating the geese as being the first birds to become trained in living their lives around households with everything such habitat includes. With a successful outcome, more birds were domesticated (chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.), therefore an increased demand for bird supplies was only a matter of time.

As industrialization grew, the companies responsible for providing supplies became equally larger and started testing various food combinations to see which would be better received by the customers. After trying many variations, some the ones that stuck were sunflower, safflower, nyjer, white prosso millet and rapeseed, thus making them the most used in the creation of feeders. It is only fair to acknowledge that the greatest discovery regarding bird supplies is the bird seed and the many variations it may take.

In present times, whether referring to farmers (who cater to a big number of birds) or to a bird owner who enjoys the company of a parrot, pet shops as well as bigger merchants are very sought after as they are the only ones able to provide any type of supplies needed to raise healthy birds.

A Helping Hand from Technology

Technology, including artificial intelligence, has become a reliable source for the evolution of many of the pet shop related products. Either in ways of producing materials, food or any other relevant accessories, technology is rightfully regarded as the right hand in this industry, as it eases certain production processes, allowing the human responsibility to be strictly on what is relevant in each process.

Artificial technology is now two steps ahead by following automated commands and in certain situations making decisions so as to facilitate a better and more rapid production of goods. This is a relevant example of how nature and science can combine and bring greatness to life, thus creating a balance between the two.