Black Sunflower Seeds ?treated? or don't worry

[Maggie2]

I know a fair few of you feed sunflower seeds, I have read on another site not to use treated ones. But treated with what? How would I know? Or do you just buy what is in the pet shop or ag. merchants when you go?

Also how much a day for a 16.2 should I be feeding for general coat condition please. Do they ever go through undigested, as we have real trouble with birds pecking the muck over if there is anything like that to be had.

Thanks

 

[Tia]

I don't know - some chemical I presume? On the bags that I buy it actually states that they are natural and pesticide-free. Not sure if they do that in the UK?

For my big horses they probably get about a cupfull a day although I know that others on here use a bit more. I haven't had any sunflowers growing in my fields but I do soak mine along with my oats so not sure whether this may make them more digestible?

 

[Maggie2]

I didn't think about soaking them, I will do that, it was an American site I was reading about them not being treated I haven't looked at the suppliers yet to see what the bag says.

 

[eekmon]

Well I just use the 'normal' black ones intended for birds! Don't think they would have been treated as they are intended for birds to eat!

I give my 14.2 two mugs a day so maybe a little more? yes some do pass out undigested, we had a lovely crop of sunflowers in our ditch at the yard where the feed buckets get rinsed!

 

[Theresa_F]

I just get a big sack from my feed merchant.

Both my 14.2 young gypsy cob and my 16.3 not so young clydie get 2 mugs a day - they get two feeds a day.

I have noticed a big improvement in coat - very soft and glossy and their feet seem to grow more.

They thrived on them with a little chaff and an all round vit and min supplement this summer and I was commented on their condition. Plus Chancer won his show classes.