Corgis eating birdseed?

[corgi rose]

Both my corgis (ages 2 and 6) love the small yellow birdseed (millet) that falls out of the birdfeeder on the ground and they head over there everytime they go outside. (The birds aren't even that afraid of them anymore--I think they've decided they're huge squirrels! ) And I've noticed some days the dogs poo is full of seeds. I plan to ask my vet about this, but has anyone else experienced this and is there a problem with it diet-wise? Could they pick up West Nile virus or bird flu from the bird droppings that must be on the ground with the seed? They don't seem to be gaining weight, probably because it passes right through them and they've stayed regular.

[glencorgi]

This subject was recently discussed on ShowCardi and as I had a feeder in the backyard which drew a corgi congregation to scarf up spilled seed, it was timely for me. A few risks were noted, such as moldly seed (the birds wouldn't be eating the seed in that case) which could pose a health risk. Loose stools were another that was mentioned. Primary source of information was a gentleman from Canada who works in the wildlife field and with his background, knowledge and experience, he is someone to whom credible expertise can be granted. I was concerned, like you, about bird flu or giardia and such, but no mention of that being a risk was given.

We moved that particular feeder. Checking with your vet will also be a good idea.

Debbie

[Louwants]

I never thought about the possible effect birdseed could have on dogs. Duncan is like a two year old kid, if it'll fit in his mouth, he'll eat it. So, I try and watch him like a hawk. But, when feeding the birds in the winter, if any do fall on the ground as I'm filling the feeders, he'll scarf that up. In the summer, I move the feeders to a different area that is fenced in, so he can't get any birdseed there.

Same with the koi food.....the first time I was feeding the fish, he was whining thinking I had a treat for him. I put a few in my hand and showed him it wasn't anything for him to eat, and yep...you guessed it...he scarfed it right down. He even has his sister, Chloe expecting a couple of pieces of koi food each time a I feed the fish.

[corgi rose]

k--thanks. I'll let you know what my vet says.

[disraeli]

HA! I just arrived at my mom's house last night and she recently acquired two cockatiel and a lovebird. Rhys was so scared of them last night, he tried to stay in the opposite end of the house! Poor guy! (They didn't bother Andy in the slightest)

Until - he discovered all the yummy birdseed under their cage - yum, yum! Like a smorgasbord! My mom's dogs used to eat spilled seed from a now-deceased cockatiel all the time.

As far as outside birds go, I don't know. I could see where droppings and mold might be a problem.