Cockatiels are charming and playful companions, and keeping them healthy starts with the right diet. Sunflower seeds are a favorite treat for these feathered friends, offering a tasty snack packed with energy. But not all sunflower seeds are created equal—choosing the best ones ensures your cockatiel gets the nutrition they need without unnecessary additives.
Whether you’re looking for seeds to use as a reward during training or a supplement to their daily diet, quality matters. The right sunflower seeds can support your cockatiel’s overall health, encourage natural foraging behaviors, and keep them happy. We’ve rounded up some of the best options available to help you make the perfect pick for your pet.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Wagner's 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 5-Pound Bag |
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Best Price  |
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Premium Option  | Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds for Wild Birds, (3 Pound) |
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 | Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Cockatiel with Sunflower Bird Food 4lb |
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Our Best Sunflower Seeds For Cockatiels
- Wagner’s 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed – Best Overall
- Kaytee Striped Sunflower Wild Bird Food – Best Price
- Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds – Premium Option
- Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Cockatiel
- Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips
Wagner’s 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed: High-Energy Fuel For Backyard Birds – Best Overall
- High Energy Content: Black oil sunflower seeds are rich in oil, providing a high-energy food source for wild birds.
- Thin Shells: The seeds have thinner shells, making them easier for birds to crack open and consume.
- Attracts a Variety of Birds: Suitable for attracting a wide range of songbirds, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
Packed with high energy, Wagner’s 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed is adored by many bird species. Its thin shell makes it simple to consume, letting cockatiels enjoy it with ease alongside outdoor birds such as cardinals, finches, and chickadees. This seed is versatile, working well in tray or hopper feeders, creating plenty of feeding options.
Offering quality and consistency, this product appeals to cockatiel owners looking to balance nutrition and palatability. Its high oil content provides vital energy for your feathered pet, ensuring they thrive. Whether you’re catering to backyard songbirds or indoor cockatiels, Wagner’s ensures a seamless feeding experience.
- Item Weight: 5.11 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 16.85 x 9.57 x 4.06 inches
- Specific Uses for Product: Bird Seed
- Size: 5 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Nutrient-Rich
- Easy Consumption
- Versatile Feeding Options
- Shell Debris
- Attracts Non-Target Species
Kaytee Striped Sunflower Wild Bird Food – Best Price
- Seed Quality. The seeds attract a variety of birds, indicating high quality.
- High Oil Content: These striped sunflower seeds are rich in oil, offering an excellent energy source for birds
- Striped Sunflower Seeds: The product contains striped sunflower seeds, which are known for their nutritional benefits and are preferred by many bird species.
- Airtight Packaging: The product features barrier packaging that seals in freshness and helps prevent infestation.
Kaytee Striped Sunflower Wild Bird Food is a nutrient-rich option for bird enthusiasts. Designed with large striped sunflower seeds, it provides excellent energy for cockatiels and other wild birds. These seeds are high in oil, a key energy component aiding in maintaining active bird lifestyles year-round. Pair it with a tube or platform feeder for the best feeding experience.
Packed in a resealable 5-pound package, this product ensures freshness and protects the seeds from potential infestation. The seeds are not only a vital energy source but also serve as a treat for cockatiels who enjoy cracking their shells. Though tailored for wild birds, the natural quality makes it suitable to incorporate into a cockatiel’s varied diet.
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 10 x 17.75 inches
- Specific Uses: Outdoor feeding
- Material: Plastic resealable packaging
- Age Range Description: Suitable for all life stages
- High Nutritional Value
- Attracts a Variety of Birds
- Triple-Cleaned for Purity
- Resealable Packaging
- Limited to Larger Birds
- Potential Mess
Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds: Natural Seeds For Healthy Snacking – Premium Option
- Family Farm Freshness: These premium striped sunflower seeds are nurtured and harvested with care on a family-owned farm, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Nutrient-Rich Treat: The seeds are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and essential oils, providing optimal nourishment to attract a diverse range of wild birds.
- Striped Sunflower Seeds: The product contains striped sunflower seeds, which are favored by many bird species and are known for their nutritional benefits.
- Versatile Use: The seeds are perfect for all types of bird feeders, making it easy to attract and nourish a diverse range of wild birds.
Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds bring unmatched purity and quality to your cockatiel’s diet. Grown on fertile farm soils, these striped sunflower seeds are carefully cultivated and meticulously packaged. They ensure a natural, wholesome snacking option that’s free from harmful additives. Birds like cockatiels and other small breeds love their fresh taste and nutritional value.
Representing the pinnacle of natural feeding, these seeds are an excellent choice for supplementing a cockatiel’s diet. The farm-fresh quality guarantees a healthy and tasty treat. Simply open the bag, fill your bird feeder, and watch your feathered companion enjoy.
- Item Weight: 3 pounds
- Size: 3 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Item Package Dimensions: 14.13 x 9.41 x 2.48 inches
- Specific Uses for Product: Wild Bird Feeding
- High Purity and Cleanliness
- Nutrient-Rich
- Attracts Diverse Bird Species
- Versatile for Various Feeders
- Family-Owned Production
- Hard Shells May Deter Smaller Birds
- Potential Mess from Shells
Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Cockatiel: Nutrient-Rich Blend For Cockatiels
- Seed Quality: The seeds are described as clean and free from excessive dust or debris, reducing waste and ensuring a healthier diet for birds.
- Enriched with Vitamins and Minerals: The blend is fortified with essential nutrients, supporting the overall health and vitality of cockatiels.
- Inclusion of Sunflower Seeds: The presence of striped sunflower seeds adds variety and is favored by many cockatiels, enhancing the mix's appeal.
- Resealable Packaging: The product features a resealable bag, helping to maintain freshness and prevent contamination over time.
Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Cockatiel offers a nutrient-rich mix combining striped sunflower, canary grass seeds, cracked corn, and diced papaya. It gives cockatiels a blend of textures and flavors that not only satisfy their cravings but also support their nutritional needs. Packed with vitamin-rich dehydrated carrot and shredded coconut, this mix ensures your feathered companion thrives.
Ingredients like millet, safflower seed, and oat groats are perfect for diversity and balance in their daily diet. Calcium and spinach flakes supplement essential nutrients, promoting overall health. The absence of artificial fillers makes the mix clean and healthy. The bright orange oil and peppers add an appealing scent, increasing its palatability. Fill your cockatiel’s bowl with this wholesome blend to enhance their quality of life.
- Item Weight: 4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 2 inches
- Daily Bird Diet
- Size: 4 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Diverse and Nutritious Ingredients
- Enriched with Vitamins and Minerals
- All-Natural Composition
- Inclusion of Sunflower Seeds
- Presence of Artificial Colors
Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips: No-Mess Option For Clean Feeding
- No Shells, No Mess: The product consists of sunflower hearts and chips without shells, reducing waste and mess under feeders.
- High Protein and Fat Content: Sunflower hearts are rich in protein and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients for birds.
- Attracts a Variety of Birds: Suitable for attracting a wide range of songbirds to your backyard.
Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips eliminates mess by removing shells from the sunflower seeds, making it ideal for clean feeding. Cockatiels benefit from the high protein and healthy fat content, promoting energy and overall well-being. The blend’s ready-to-eat formula reduces waste accumulation around feeders, perfect for neat spaces.
Providing versatile feeding options, it effectively attracts not only cockatiels but also various colorful songbirds to your feeders. Remember to store leftovers properly in a cool, dry area and clean feeders regularly for maximum hygiene and enjoyment.
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 2.5 x 13.2 inches
- Item Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Size: 5.5 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Specific Uses for Product: Training
- High Purity and Cleanliness
- Nutrient-Rich
- Attracts Diverse Bird Species
- Versatile for Various Feeders
- Family-Owned Production
- Hard Shells May Deter Smaller Birds
- Potential Mess from Shells
Factors To Consider When Choosing Sunflower Seeds For Cockatiels
Seed Type: Striped vs. Black Oil
Striped sunflower seeds have thick shells and are lower in fat. They’re ideal for cockatiels needing moderation in their diet. Black oil seeds, on the other hand, have thinner shells and higher fat content. These work better for birds that require more energy or are highly active. Always balance seed types based on your cockatiel’s lifestyle and overall diet needs.
Nutritional Value: What Your Cockatiel Needs
Protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins matter most when choosing seeds. Sunflower seeds should complement a well-rounded diet, not replace it entirely. Look for calcium-enriched or vitamin-coated options if possible. Ensure that sodium levels are low to prevent any harm. Variety within the seed mix can also keep your cockatiel’s meals engaging, promoting a healthier diet.
Packaging: Size and Freshness Considerations
Smaller packaging helps keep seeds fresh, especially for single-bird households. If you’re buying bulk, resealable options can maintain freshness longer. Check the package date to ensure the seeds retain nutrients and flavor. Airtight or vacuum-sealed packs work best since freshness directly impacts your cockatiel’s enjoyment and health.
Related FAQs About Sunflower Seeds For Cockatiels
1. Can cockatiels eat sunflower seeds every day?
Sunflower seeds should be offered in moderation. While cockatiels love them, these seeds are high in fat and can lead to obesity or nutritional imbalance if consumed daily in large quantities. Use them more as treats or training rewards rather than a staple diet.
2. Are sunflower seeds healthy for cockatiels?
Yes, in moderation. They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and certain vitamins. However, they lack key nutrients that cockatiels need, so they should be part of a balanced diet that includes pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
3. What kind of sunflower seeds are best for cockatiels?
Unsalted, raw, and preferably hulled sunflower seeds are ideal. Avoid any that are salted, flavored, or roasted, as these can be harmful to birds.
4. Can sunflower seeds cause behavioral issues in cockatiels?
In some cases, yes. If sunflower seeds become the bird’s primary food or are used excessively, they can lead to picky eating habits or food aggression. Rotating treats and offering a variety of healthy options can help prevent this.
5. How many sunflower seeds can a cockatiel have per day?
A few seeds—roughly 5 to 10 depending on your bird’s size and activity level—can be offered as part of a healthy, diverse diet. Always consult with an avian vet for personalized dietary guidance.
Final Thoughts On The Best Sunflower Seeds For Cockatiels
Wagner’s 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed – Best Overall
Wagner’s 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed is selected as Best Overall for its high oil content and thin shells, making it a favorite among a wide variety of wild birds. It’s a reliable, nutrient-rich choice that attracts everything from cardinals to chickadees.
Kaytee Striped Sunflower Wild Bird Food – Best Price
Kaytee Striped Sunflower Wild Bird Food offers great value by providing quality bird food at an economical price point. It’s an excellent budget-friendly option that still delivers a hearty snack for backyard visitors.
Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds – Premium Option
Schoen Farms Striped Sunflower Seeds earn the Premium Option spot due to their farm-fresh quality and larger seed size, which appeals to bigger birds like jays and woodpeckers. The seeds are clean, natural, and packaged with care for maximum freshness.
Finding the right sunflower seeds for your cockatiel ensures they get the nutrition they need while keeping them happy and healthy. From nutrient-rich blends like Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Cockatiel to no-mess options like Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips, there’s something for every bird and every owner’s preference.
Consider your cockatiel’s dietary needs, the seed type, and packaging quality when making your choice. Whether you opt for Schoen Farms’ purity or Wagner’s high-energy black oil seeds, the right product will fuel your feathered friend with essential nutrients and energy.
With so many excellent options available, you can confidently pick a product that supports your cockatiel’s well-being while adding variety to their diet. A little research goes a long way in keeping your bird thriving and satisfied.
