One-half teaspoon of cod liver oil is mixed with twelve pounds of seed. For the breeding season, the same seed mix is used but the oil is increased to two teaspoons to twelve pounds. Since the budgerigars have some cod liver oil in their feed all year round, no extreme change is ever encountered before the breeding season. The seed and oil is mixed daily, but Mr. Binks does not hesitate to use the oil treated seed on the next day. He does advise caution.
Oil can become rancid.
This would take four or five days in a hot climate. The water is further fortified with a vitamin B12 preparation, daily when breeding, every other day otherwise. Mr. Binks contends that a lack of B-12 is the major cause of dead in shell. Gerald Binks was questioned concerning the addition of anti- biotics to the feed and water on a continuing basis. He explained that even though such practice has given good results in other branches of livestock, it is forbidden to the breeder of exhibition budgerigars.