5 Types of Grains to Feed Your Pet Birds

As any pet bird owner can attest, birds may be tiny, but their dietary needs are mighty.

Grains are a foundational component in the diets of many bird species—whether wild, domesticated, or companion birds. They provide a dense source of energy, essential nutrients, and dietary fibre. But not all grains are created equal. Understanding the nutritional profile and suitability of various grains helps ensure birds receive a balanced and species-appropriate diet.

Let’s explore five top grains that are not only safe and healthy but also beloved by birds of all feathers.

Read more: What Should I Feed My Bird? A Guide to the Avian Diet

#1 Millet

Millet is a top choice among small bird species, and for good reason.  It’s a small, round grain that comes in a variety of types, such as white, red, and yellow proso millet. This grain is highly palatable, easy to digest, and rich in B-complex vitamins and magnesium. It is especially suitable for finches, budgerigars (budgies), and canaries, supporting their fast metabolism and high activity levels.

One of millet’s key advantages is its ease of digestion. Birds with smaller beaks and less robust digestive systems, like budgies and canaries, thrive on it. Millet is also a great choice for fledglings transitioning to solid food.

Tip: Offer millet sprays for cage birds as a fun, interactive snack. It promotes natural foraging behaviour.

#2 Oats

Whole oats and rolled oats (without added sugar or flavouring) are another excellent grain for many bird species. They’re particularly good for larger birds such as cockatoos, African greys, chickens, and parrots. Rich in fibre, iron, and manganese, oats help regulate digestion and contribute to overall gut health.

While oats are not typically found in standard wild bird seed mixes, they’re an ideal supplemental feed in colder weather when birds need more calories to maintain body temperature. Chickens, for instance, benefit from warm oatmeal in winter as a comfort food that also aids moulting.

Tip: Only plain, unsweetened oats should be used. Flavored or instant varieties may contain additives that are harmful to birds.

#3 Corn

Corn is a staple grain in many bird diets due to its high carbohydrate content. Cracked corn is commonly used in bird feeders and is an excellent energy booster for active or outdoor birds. It's also a popular feed grain in poultry farms and aviaries.

It also contains small amounts of essential fatty acids and protein. However, because of its low lysine content (an essential amino acid), it shouldn’t be the sole grain in a bird’s diet. Too much corn without complementary nutrients can lead to imbalances over time.

Tip: Use cracked corn sparingly in wild bird feeders to avoid attracting pests like raccoons and squirrels.

#4 Sorghum

Sorghum, also known as milo, is a less commonly known but nutritionally valuable grain. It's particularly prevalent in birdseed mixes in drier climates due to its high resilience and affordability. While not every bird species prefers it, larger ground-feeding birds and parrots often enjoy sorghum when blended into seed mixes.

Its inclusion is more common in feed for poultry or game birds, but for pet owners with multi-bird setups or outdoor enclosures, sorghum can offer variety and additional nutritional value.

Tip: Mix sorghum with more palatable grains like millet or oats to encourage acceptance, especially for birds unfamiliar with its taste. For picky eaters, offering it sprouted can enhance its nutritional value and improve digestibility.

#5 Barley

Barley offers birds a chewy, fibre-rich food option that supports gut health. It’s especially suitable for poultry and larger pet birds, like parrots and macaws. Whole or pearled barley can be served cooked and cooled, as raw barley is often too tough for smaller birds to process.

It contains beta-glucans, which are beneficial for immune support and has a modest protein content. Barley is often added to mixed grains for chickens and ducks, where it helps create a balanced diet when combined with corn and soy.

Tip: Soak barley overnight or cook it before feeding to ensure easier digestion.

Feeding Grains Safely and Effectively

While grains offer essential macronutrients, they should be part of a broader feeding strategy that includes seeds, fresh produce, protein sources, and species-specific supplements. Over-reliance on any single grain can result in nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.

Bird owners and aviculturists are encouraged to use high-quality, clean, and mold-free grains. For those seeking a balanced, species-formulated option, products like Mazuri bird food provide complete nutrition tailored to parrots, finches, softbills, and more. These scientifically formulated feeds eliminate the guesswork while ensuring optimal health and feather condition.

In outdoor settings, feeding wild birds a mix of millet, oats, sunflower seeds, and small quantities of cracked corn can attract a wider range of species while supporting their natural feeding behaviours.

Final Peck

Feeding birds is both a science and a gesture of care. Choosing the right grains—millet, oats, corn, sorghum, and barley—helps ensure they receive the nourishment needed for sustained energy, good digestion, and overall well-being. By offering a thoughtful and diverse grain mix, you're supporting your bird’s health, vitality, and joy in flight.