Black oil sunflower seeds come from a variety of sunflower cultivated to produce sunflower oil, livestock feed and seed for feeding birds. Songbirds prefer black oil sunflower seeds because the shells are thin and thus easy to crack, and the kernels deliver a powerful nutritional punch in a small package. more »

Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are a new item in the world of horse nutrition. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, and many horses love the taste as well. Some will even raid bird feeders to get them if they are not included in their daily feed. Horses that eat BOSS also tend to have thicker, shinier, healthier coats and, when administered in higher quantities, can help with regulated weight gain. more »

Feeding goats whole sunflower seeds is a common practice among both small- and large-scale goat owners to help boost their goats' nutritional intake. Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS), the type of sunflower seed goat owners typically use, are a good source of fiber (the sunflower seed shells) and protein (the sunflower seed meat), according to MoatsClearCreekFarms.com. Other benefits of feeding your goats whole, black oil sunflower seeds include improved milk production and butterfat in lactating does, as well as increased energy and a shinier, healthier coat for all your goats from the sunflower seed oil. more »

Recipes for making your own bird seed to entice wild birds to your yard can vary greatly, depending on the types of birds you'd like to attract. Most wild birds enjoy black-oil sunflower seeds, which is the basis for this bird seed recipe. Experiment with your own ingredients to find the right mix for your feathered friends. more »

Birds need plenty of fat and protein, especially in winter. Just like us, birds also need calcium in their diet to strengthen their bones. The basic recipe below provides fat, protein and calcium in concentrated form. Individual species of birds have their own preferences, but almost all of them especially love black oil sunflower seeds, so include some of these if you can. more »

Bird seed contains one or more of a variety of seeds and other ingredients depending on the type of birds you are trying to feed or attract. Some common ingredients in bird seed are the black-oil sunflower seed, Thistle seed, Safflower seed, Millet, corn and Milo. Bird seed may also contain dried fruits, nuts and suet. Special blends are available for caged birds to enhance color and provide grit needed for digestion. Bird lovers purchase individual seeds like Thistle seed to attract a specific variety of bird-like finches. more »

Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of many birds. When combined with other ingredients including raisins they can make a feeder cake for the birds. You don't need additional bird feeders to make the seed available to the birds. Set the finished cakes on the ground for ground feeding birds or hang them from tree branches with string for all the birds. These sunflower and raisin birdseed cakes are less expensive than similar ones found at stores. more »