Over the years I have used many unique items I have discovered, and Tobacco stems ranks up there as on of the best discoveries. Its well known to pigeon breeders who use them in the nest of pigeons as a natural repellant for mites and insects. So I tried them years ago in my finch nest and sure enough they keep the nest boxes completely free of any type of insect, ants, and ofcourse mites as well, These are the midrib of tobacco leaves. The tobacoo industry removed the soft part of the leaf for cigars etc. but does not use the midbrib of the leaf. Waste not want not the pigeon industry utilizes these "stems" and they work very well
I am offering one pound of TOBACCO STEMS shipped in a flat rate envelop by priority mail for the price of $11.50 The photo below show exactly what a pound looks like and its A LOT OF STEMS. Shown next to a standard pair of scissors so you can see the size of the "stems" they are about 12 inches long and I cut them up in to smaller pieces and put them in the bottom of my finch and dove nest boxes below the nesting material.
Over the years many have asked about our bird seed mixtures and what we feed at the farm. The diets and mixtures below are what I believe to be among the best choices I could offer the birds that I keep. In the past I have not sold such mixes but I get enough request from bird keeps to buy small quantities that I have decided to offer them on line for those who would like to try them. For the most part you can buy these ingredients and mix them yourself. I realize that not all of the seeds or brands are available throughout the country so thats why I offer them in small quantities. Shipping is so expensive and I do not have easy access to UPS or FED-EX so my only shipping method is that of the postal service.
I have used many varieties of commercial egg food over the years and am currently useing Protein 25, VERY sweet smelling, all birds just love it. It comes dry and can be feed as is or moistened. I give it right out of the package to my goulds and societies with no other additions. For my birds in large flights I often mix addtional freshly boiled eggs with it. Its easy to use, last for ever if kept sealed and all finches absolutely love it. The aroma will make you salivate it smells so good.