When it comes to birdseed, there are certain ingredients that are best to avoid if you want to provide a nutritious and appealing mix for our feathered friends. One of these ingredients is milo, also known as sorghum. Milo is a red, round, and thick-coated seed that is often included as a filler in birdseed mixes.
The main issue with milo is that birds tend to avoid it unless they are extremely hungry and have no other food options available. It is not a preferred choice for most bird species due to its unpalatable taste and texture. In fact, many birds will actually pick out the milo from the mix in an attempt to reach more desirable ingredients.
One of the reasons why birds may reject milo is its low-fat content. Birds generally require high-fat foods to provide them with the energy they need for flying, foraging, and maintaining their body temperature. Since milo is relatively low in fat, it is not an ideal choice for birds looking to fulfill their energy requirements.
Furthermore, milo is often considered a filler seed, meaning it adds bulk to the birdseed mix without providing much nutritional value. This is because milo lacks the essential nutrients and vitamins that many bird species need to thrive. By including a significant amount of milo in a birdseed mix, you are essentially diluting the overall nutritional quality of the food.
From personal experience, I have noticed that when I offer birdseed mixes containing milo, birds often end up flicking it aside or scattering it on the ground. It becomes evident that the milo is being disregarded in favor of other seeds and ingredients that are more appealing and nourishing to the birds.
To provide a more enticing and nutritious birdseed mix, it is best to avoid including milo as a filler seed. Instead, opt for seeds that are higher in fat and provide a good source of energy for birds, such as black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and safflower seeds. These seeds are generally more palatable to a wide range of bird species and are more likely to be consumed.
When it comes to birdseed, it is best to avoid using milo as a filler seed. Birds typically do not find milo appetizing and will often pick it out of the mix in search of more desirable and nutritious seeds. By focusing on high-fat and nutrient-rich seeds, you can provide a birdseed mix that will be more appealing to a variety of bird species and help support their overall health and well-being.