Haith’s Condition Seed: Trusted Nutrition for Cage and Aviary Birds
When it comes to caring for cage and aviary birds, every detail matters - clean water, fresh air, space to move, and above all, a nutritious, balanced diet. For generations, professional bird breeders and enthusiasts alike have turned to Haith’s Condition Seed to help their birds look and feel their best.

Whether you keep canaries, hybrids, or British birds, Condition Seed has earned its reputation as a staple food for birds kept in captivity. Designed to improve feather quality, boost vitality, and support health during key life stages such as moulting and breeding, this mix is more than just seed - it’s a proven conditioning aid with a proud heritage. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Haith’s Condition Seed so special, how it fits into a balanced avian diet, and why the No Rapeseed version is becoming a popular choice among experienced keepers.
A Heritage of Trust: The Haith’s Difference
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Founded in 1937, Haith’s has built its reputation on quality, consistency, and care. Our seed mixes are cleaned to an exceptional standard, ensuring no dust, waste or contamination, and packed with only the finest ingredients.
Haith’s pioneered the idea of super-clean seed, recognising that birds kept in cages and aviaries depend entirely on the food provided to them. There’s no room for poor-quality seed or unnecessary fillers in this environment, and that’s why keepers across the UK trust Haith’s Condition Seed to support their birds' needs.
What is Condition Seed?
Condition Seed is a specialist seed mix formulated to support health, vitality and feather quality in cage and aviary birds. It’s especially useful during demanding periods such as:
- The moult – when birds need extra nutrition to grow strong, healthy feathers.
- Breeding season – when pairs and chicks require additional energy and nutrients.
- The colder months – when natural light and warmth are reduced, and a nutritional boost can help birds stay resilient.
This blend is designed to complement the regular seed mix, not replace it. Think of Condition Seed as a supplement - offered a few times per week or daily in smaller amounts, depending on your birds’ specific needs.

What’s in Haith’s Condition Seed?
Haith’s Condition Seed includes a fine, carefully balanced mixture of the following items. These ingredients are cleaned, mixed, and packed under strict quality controls in Haith’s own facility. Each batch is consistent, so you always know what you’re feeding your birds.

Rape (rapeseed)
A traditional ingredient valued for its oil content and conditioning properties (though some keepers now prefer to avoid it—more on this below).



Why Use Condition Seed?
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Improved Feather Quality
Feathers are made from protein, but the body needs oils, minerals and amino acids to grow and maintain them. The seed oils
in Condition Seed contribute to soft, glossy plumage and can reduce the appearance of brittle or ragged feathers. -
Enhanced Vitality
The energy-dense mix offers a useful boost in calories and essential fats, helping birds maintain weight, especially in winter or during breeding. Active birds are more likely to sing, court, and feed well- key indicators of good health.
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Support During Moulting
Moulting is a stressful time for birds, and many become quiet or withdrawn. The nutrients in Condition Seed help birds recover faster and re-grow feathers in top condition, minimising the strain of the moult.
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Ideal for Breeding Birds
Condition Seed supports both parent birds and chicks during the breeding season. It encourages vitality, courtship behaviour and general readiness for nesting. While not a substitute for soft food or egg food, it works well alongside them as part of a varied diet.
The No Rapeseed Version - What’s the Difference?
In recent years, more birdkeepers have been requesting No Rapeseed Condition Seed. While rapeseed is a traditional and nutritious ingredient, it can be left uneaten by some birds, especially if they aren’t used to it. Additionally, some breeders prefer to eliminate oil-rich or
potentially "hot" seeds from their birds’ diet during non-breeding times.
Haith’s developed the No Rapeseed version in response to this growing demand. It offers the same conditioning benefits, with linseed and Niger seed still providing essential oils, but without the rapeseed component. This results in a leaner, cleaner mix that many keepers find more versatile and better accepted by picky feeders.
Some reasons keepers choose the No Rapeseed version:
- Birds tend to eat all the seed, reducing waste.
- Useful for birds that may be prone to putting on weight.
- Preferred by keepers seeking to fine-tune their breeding or show preparation diets.
Both versions are expertly mixed and super-cleaned, so the choice really comes down to your birds' preferences and your feeding strategy.
HAITH'S to HOME
Condition Seed™ for Canaries, Hybrids and British Birds
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HAITH'S to HOME
Condition Seed - No Rape
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How to Feed Haith’s Condition Seed
Feeding Condition Seed is simple, but here are some tips to get the best results:
Introduce gradually
Start by mixing it into your birds’ regular seed blend.
Offer separately
You can also provide it in a small side dish a few times per week.
Observe carefully
Birds may favour it quickly but monitor intake to avoid overfeeding.
Complement with fresh foods
Always offer clean water, cuttlefish bone, and fresh greens or soft food where appropriate.
For breeding birds or those in moult, Condition Seed can be fed daily in small quantities. Outside of these times, a few days a week is usually sufficient.
A Proven Choice for Generations
Haith’s Condition Seed is more than just tradition—it’s scientifically thought-out, ethically produced, and trusted by countless birdkeepers across the UK. Whether you prefer the classic version or the No Rapeseed alternative, you can be confident you’re feeding your birds a
mix that supports their health, happiness, and natural beauty.
Explore the range and see the difference for yourself - because healthy birds are happy birds, and happy birds sing more sweetly.