Wild Acres Black Sunflower Seeds 15kg: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds for Birds, Poultry and Horses

Wild Acres Black Sunflower: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds for Birds and Stock

Wild Acres Black Sunflower Seeds are whole black oil sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), with a solid black husk and a higher oil content than grey striped sunflower. They're a high-energy sunflower bird seed for parrots, cockatoos, poultry and aviary birds, and are also fed to horses as an oil-rich supplement. Sunflower seed provides energy, protein and healthy fats, including linoleic acid. It's available in 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 15kg bags, from a treat for a pet parrot to bulk feed for an aviary or stable.

Black Oil vs Grey Striped Sunflower Seeds

• Black oil sunflower: smaller seed, thin black shell and higher oil content. Easier for more birds to crack, and more energy per seed.
• Grey striped sunflower: larger seed with a thicker, striped shell and less oil. Birds have to work harder to open it.

Black sunflower's thin shell and rich kernel are why it's one of the most popular sunflower seeds for birds.

What Birds Eat Black Sunflower Seeds?

• Cockatoos, galahs and corellas
• King parrots, rosellas and other medium to large parrots
• Cockatiels, as a small part of their mix
• Pigeons and doves
• Chickens and other poultry, as an occasional treat

Which Birds Don't Eat Sunflower Seeds?

Nectar feeders such as lorikeets and honeyeaters, and insect-eating birds, don't rely on seed and shouldn't be fed sunflower. Very small finches, such as zebra finches, prefer tiny grass seeds and usually can't manage sunflower seeds.

Are Sunflower Seeds Good for Birds?

Yes, in moderation. Black sunflower is rich in energy, protein and healthy oils, which helps during cold weather, moult and breeding. But it's high in fat and low in calcium, so it should be a treat or supplement, not the main diet. Feed it alongside a base seed mix or pellets, fresh vegetables, a calcium source and clean water. Birds love it, so it's easy to overfeed. Keep portions small, especially for caged birds that get less exercise.

Black Sunflower for Poultry

Chickens enjoy sunflower seeds as a scratch treat, and the oil can help feather condition during moult. Because chickens don't burn energy the way wild birds do, keep sunflower to a small handful on top of their complete layer feed, not in place of it.

Black Sunflower for Horses

Black sunflower seeds are a popular oil supplement for horses, used to support coat shine and condition. The seeds are fed whole, with the thin husk providing fibre. Introduce sunflower gradually, feed it as a small part of a balanced diet, and ask your equine nutritionist or vet about the right amount for your horse's workload.

Feeding Wild Birds

If you feed wild birds, offer small amounts only, so they don't come to rely on it, and use clean, dry feeders. Remove old or wet seed regularly, as damp oil seed can go mouldy and make birds sick.

Storing Sunflower Seed

Black sunflower is oil-rich, so it can go rancid if stored warm or damp. Keep it sealed in a cool, dry, vermin-proof container, out of direct sun, and use bulk bags within a reasonable time.

Key Features and Benefits

• Whole black oil sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus)
• Higher oil content than grey striped sunflower
• Thin black husk that's easy for most seed-eating birds to crack
• Source of energy, protein and linoleic acid
• For parrots, cockatoos, aviary birds, pigeons and poultry
• Also fed to horses as an oil supplement for coat condition
• Ideal as a treat, training reward or foraging enrichment
• 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 15kg bags

Product Details

• Brand: Wild Acres
• Product: Black Sunflower Seeds
• Type: Whole black oil sunflower seed
• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
• Suitable for: Parrots, cockatoos, aviary birds, pigeons, poultry and horses
• Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 4kg, 15kg
• Storage: Sealed, cool, dry and vermin-proof

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Wild Acres Black Sunflower Seeds?

They're whole black oil sunflower seeds with a solid black husk and high oil content. They're used as a high-energy treat for parrots, aviary birds and poultry, and as an oil supplement for horses.

Can I feed Wild Acres Black Sunflower to horses?

Yes. Black sunflower seeds are commonly fed to horses as an oil source for coat shine and condition. Introduce them slowly and check the right amount for your horse with an equine nutritionist or vet.

Are black sunflower seeds good for birds?

Yes, in moderation. They're rich in energy, protein and healthy oils, but high in fat and low in calcium, so feed them as a treat within a balanced diet.

What birds eat black sunflower seeds?

Cockatoos, galahs, corellas, king parrots, rosellas, cockatiels, pigeons, doves and poultry all eat black sunflower seeds.

What are the best sunflower seeds for birds?

Black oil sunflower seeds are usually preferred, as their thin shell is easier to crack and the kernel has more oil and energy than grey striped sunflower.

Why do birds like black sunflower seeds?

The thin husk is easy to open and the kernel is rich in oil, so birds get a lot of energy for little effort.

Which birds don't eat sunflower seeds?

Lorikeets, honeyeaters and other nectar feeders, insect-eating birds, and very small finches that prefer tiny grass seeds.

Where can I buy Wild Acres Black Sunflower Seeds in Australia?

Wild Acres Black Sunflower Seeds are available from Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies at 462 Elizabeth Dr, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia. You can visit our store or order online with delivery across Australia.