Healthy (?) Treat

[David S]

I don't know what got into me, but I had the idea that Tango might like a "healthy" seed-like treat, but not quite seeds. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if what I mixed up is any better than the seed mixes you can buy anywhere. Anyway, I went to Earth Fare, the local organic grocery and bought 1/4 lb of each of the following:

Spelt berries
Short grain brown rice
Quinoa
Pumpkin seeds - raw
Rolled oats
Pearled barley
Oat groats

2 oz. of each of the following:

Pine nuts
Unhulled sesame seeds
Sunflower seeds
Sliced almonds
Walnut pieces

I mixed all of this together with some dried currants and other mixed dried fruit (all unsulphered). Did I create something equally as bad as a "regular" seed mix? Is this any better?

TIA for any feedback!

[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by djs1958

I don't know what got into me, but I had the idea that Tango might like a "healthy" seed-like treat, but not quite seeds. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if what I mixed up is any better than the seed mixes you can buy anywhere. Anyway, I went to Earth Fare, the local organic grocery and bought 1/4 lb of each of the following:

Spelt berries
Short grain brown rice
Quinoa
Pumpkin seeds - raw
Rolled oats
Pearled barley
Oat groats

2 oz. of each of the following:

Pine nuts
Unhulled sesame seeds
Sunflower seeds
Sliced almonds
Walnut pieces

I mixed all of this together with some dried currants and other mixed dried fruit (all unsulphered). Did I create something equally as bad as a "regular" seed mix? Is this any better?

TIA for any feedback!

It's much better than your average premixed mix...usually has cheap filler seeds in it and definitely not organic!! Don't worry, anything homemade like that is ok. Just go easy on the nuts and sunflower seeds so no gaining of weight. Check your birds weight regularly to monitor.
Good birdy mom you are,
Linda & HRC~
P.S. You didn't mention what kind of bird you have....so you really might want to cook the grains as some birds can't/won't eat them, I know my bird won't.

[Skyebirdsmom]

Hey neighbor :icon_smil I live on the Outer Banks, Nags Head area~
Linda & HRC~

[David S]

P.S. You didn't mention what kind of bird you have....so you really might want to cook the grains as some birds can't/won't eat them, I know my bird won't.[/quote]

Well, duh.... can't believe I left that "minor" detail out. Tango is a B&G. Any, Howdy neighbor (sort of... same state, anyway LOL)

[The Outlaw]

Actually, its a great mix! Excellent in fact. However, if you decide to do this weekly, buy small batches and keep it fresh. Its always tempting to buy lots, but when its organic, that's a mistake.

THE OUTLAW

[David S]

Thank you so much! I really thought I might have screwed up.

Re: keeping it fresh.... I have obviously made a huge batch (for only one Macaw).... will freezing it help preserve freshness or should I find some new birdy friends????

[The Outlaw]

Dave:

Its funny you should have asked those 2 questions. As you were posting here, I was privately mailing you and suggesting that you freeze the remainder and get a few more birds! (LMAO).

THE OUTLAW

[David S]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Dave:

Its funny you should have asked those 2 questions. As you were posting here, I was privately mailing you and suggesting that you freeze the remainder and get a few more birds! (LMAO).

THE OUTLAW

Well, speaking of a few more birds..... (clears throat).... there's a CAG at the bird store. He's been there for over a year because he has a crooked neck and head....... actually, he's picked up the name Crooked Head... calls him/herself that LOL. Anyway, Crook hates about everyone but he's been warming up to me for several months now. I really never gave serious consideration to getting him because of the dust..... always understood that dusty birds and Macaws don't mix..... BUT.... maybe I could keep him in another room away from Tango. Would that, along with a good air filter work?

djs1958 <----- can't believe he's actually considering another fid :aiwebs_01

[The Outlaw]

Dave:

Actually, I never had greys for years because I too worried about the macaws here. However, its really about how you manage their space. The TAGs aren't really at all dusty and the CAGs, if showered often, aren't difficult to maintain either. I have one of both. I run 2 air cleaners in their spaces. One in the livingroom (both greys are there) and another just off of my birdroom.

I vacuum a LOT. In fact, at least 2 times a day. Not because of the greys, but because my macaws are messy and make dust from shredding paper. I do shower my birds frequently, something that only makes them healthier I might add.

If you really love this bird and it finds you interesting, then by all means go get him. If you are only feeling sorry for it, then please pass. Its more important to place a bird in a permanent home than to rescue it from a petstore. I no longer allow myself the luxury of even going into any petstore. Its too painful to see the "detainees".

Greys are complicated creatures, so be prepared for an adventure!

THE OUTLAW

[David S]

Went to The Birdzone today to help the Easter Bunny pick out a toy for Tango, and Crooked was GONE :icon_cry: Seems that someone came in last Sunday and really connected with Crook..... so now he has a home.... GOOD FOR CROOK!!!!!!! :eusa_clap but sad for Dave :icon_cry: I really loved that little guy. I hope and :eusa_pray his new parronts give him everything his crooked little head desires and deserves!!