What Is Millet Spray?

Millet spray contains the mature, dried seed head of foxtail or finger millet. It is sold almost universally in pet stores as a treat for pet birds, and is the most popular such treat. Seed heads of milo are also sometimes sold as "jumbo millet spray," although they bear only a superficial resemblance to genuine millet spray.

Features

Millet spray ranges from approximately 6 to 18 inches in length, depending on the variety, and around 1 inch in diameter. It consists of a long, thin stalk from which small "tufts" of tan seeds extend. Each tuft has between 25 and 50 millet seeds, and a full millet spray, which may contain thousands of seeds, can be clipped to a bird's cage or cut into smaller portions to facilitate training.

Types

Many varieties of millet spray are sold, but most vary only in size and color. Jumbo millet spray is sold for larger parrots, although they show no preference for this form. Some millet spray is coated in a colored mixture of minerals to encourage birds to consume more calcium. This technique is unlikely to be effective, because pet birds hull their seeds, and the mixture of minerals does not penetrate the seed hulls.

Benefits

Nearly all pet birds capable of eating seeds relish millet spray. This is especially true of parrots, which tend to be destructive feeders. They enjoy not only eating the millet, but shredding the natural "packaging." Millet spray is particularly useful for behavioral and trick training. It is also very low in fat, which makes it a useful addition to the diet of pet birds that refuse to eat other foods. Many of the seeds included in commercial seed mixes contain excessive levels of fat, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems.

Considerations

Millet spray is often touted as a nutritious source of food for pet birds, but this is generally untrue. Millet contains extremely low levels of most nutrients that are of high value to pet birds, namely vitamin A and calcium. Although millet spray is perfectly acceptable as a treat, it should not be fed on demand to pet birds, especially parrots and other psittacines. Many birds will eat millet spray to the exclusion of other foods, which can rapidly lead to serious nutritional deficiencies.

Expert Insight

Millet spray has other uses as well. Many birds greatly reduce their food intake when they are ill, and offering millet spray can encourage them to eat. Millet spray, especially if soaked in warm water first, is an excellent weaning food for immature parrots. The appeal of the treat, as both food and toy, encourages young birds to learn to eat independently. Entire millet sprays can also be sprouted, which increases their nutritional value.

Resources

• Understanding Pet Bird Nutrition
• Parrot Nutrition 101