Can my parrots have the following??

[prtmom]

I have amazons, conures, a cockatoo, a Meyers and a lovebird. I just went and got some bamboo to make them some toys. Can they have it still green? What about the leaves on it?
Also, I throw out their ""used"" seed for the pigeons, yardbirds, etc. Some has sprouted. Can the have the sprouts. I don't really know what is what but assume it's safe since the seed is safe???
Thanks

 

[MollyGreenCheeks]

Green bamboo with leaves is OK for birds but it's not a primary source for nutrition. So you're going to make toys from fresh bamboo? Was that bamboo ever fertilized? Something to think about! I'd recommend not using it unless you know its background.

As for the sprouted seeds, there are some considerations to be taken. Usually sprouted seeds are fantastic for our feathered friends but in your situation you need to think about where did you throw the seeds? Are they sprouting in grass? Is the grass maintained with any pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers, bug sprays, etc? If not then there is still another consideration. The other birds eating the thrown out seeds, are they pooping in the area? You would need to wash the sprouts very, very good. In any case, I'd recommend you sprout some seeds specifically for your birds.

 

[BillsBirds]

I agree with MollyGC. I'd leave the outdoor sprouts to the outdoor birds, and get a sprouter, and grow sprouts indoors, without soil, for your fids. And yourself!

 

[prtmom]

Thank you both very much. I'm OK on the pestacide part- I don't use any in my yard, but wasn't sure about the rest.