How do you grow millet for parakeets?

Answer 1

You grow millet for your parakeets by planting the seed from the stalks you purchase (there are always a few in the bottom of the bag) in rich soil that is a little sandy for good drainage. Do not plant the seeds very deep, just cover them with soil slightly. Millet doesn't like to be waterlogged. You can grow it in your yard or in pots. The birds love to nibble the green shoots as they begin to come up, so as you thin the crop, don't toss these tidbits out! The millet plant will grow, depending on the variety, to about 1 foot or a bit more. There are some types that grow up to 15 feet, but I've never run into that variety, whatever type it might be. The red millet I plant grows to about 1 foot. The seed head begins to form, and if you really, really want to make your birds happy, once the seeds develop but before any begin to turn brown at all, let them have a stalk. They will flip out! Only allow the millet that you plan to dry and store to turn brown before harvesting. I have had no problem with birds coming into the area and eating my millet because I guess most outdoor birds don't as fond of it -- or maybe because I feed them their own seed mix and they don't have to try to get to those stalks. Also, plant the other seeds from your bird's seed mix. Wheat or oats are relished by the little fellows, again best picked when still green but you can harvest some that has dried for serving later. Everything in your bird's seed mix will grow. IF you plant the seeds and maintain them as you would any other weed (in order words, give them some water and ignore them) and they do not sprout and come up, you have either planted them too deep OR your seed is no good and you shouldn't feed it to your parakeet!