Dandelions for Ringnecks

[JosephN79]

My wife gave our IRN a dandelion FLOWER today. She says "lizards eat them.". Lol

So...I'm not satisfied with that logic. I looked it up and found d that dandelion GREENS were OK..but nothing came up about the flower itself.

Is it OK for him to eat the flower?

Thank you...

Joe

 

[JerseyWendy]

Yes, Dandelions are indeed quite healthy! Just please always make sure they weren't picked from an area that was sprayed with 'weed killer' and/or other pesticides.

 

[Flboy]

Dandelions! Up in my top 5 foods! Can't grow em down here, I so miss them!!

 

[Puck]

Wow, I can't imagine not being able to grow dandelions. I call them "Lucifer's flower" because they are so pretty but if you let them they will take over your ENTIRE yard!

 

[Lullx]

We get all of the dandelions here in my yard. My dad (and landlord and therefore the grounds keeper for the property haha) never uses weed killer. He likes running them over with his lawn mower.
I'm definitely planning to collect some flowers and greens when they start popping up in several weeks (still too cold. It's SNOWING today!). We also have tulips that grow in our yard every year, which I plan to pick and let my monsters try (just the petals).
I have a list somewhere of flowers that are safe for birds to eat. They're mostly flowers that are used as edible garnishes, like roses and violets. Just be sure they're human grade. Or grow them yourself!
If you'd like, I can find it when I get back on my laptop (currently on my phone) and share it with you

 

[itchyfeet]

My irn loves his dandelions and marigolds More to destroy than to eat...

 

[JosephN79]

Thank you everyone for the responses

She gave him the entire flower of the dandelion. Thats great theyre good for him. Is it to be in moderation, or can he just eat however many? He will eat ANYTHING you put in front of him, he comes to you like a dog that begs lol

I have him, my 2 conures and 2 parakeets. Im the "did you look that up?" police when someone in the house aske if he likes this or that. Im that way with cleaners. I told my stepdaughter no more incense in the house... i get weird looks sometimes like im over protective, but i dont care... if you cant treat them like family and keep them healthy you shouldnt rescue any as far as im concerned.

Jersey: Thanks for the weed killer tip, i dont use any, so thats good!

FLBoy: What are you other Top 5 foods? I like to give them a variety of things to eat . . my conures have a big sweet tooth, I get the yogurt covered mango and sunflower seeds made by KAYTEE. I mix those with the fruity pellets and another conure mix with an assortment of seeds and fruit into one bowl and designate it as their "Treat bowl" and give them that a couple times a day. In their cage is just the regular pellets by Zupreen and water.

LULLX: I would appreciate that list of safe flowers to eat, for my IRN as well as my 2 GCCs! Thank you

Thanks again

Joe

*Ill have to post pics of my birds on here... i havent yet . . .

 

[Lullx]

Here you are!
Edible flowers for parrots
I like this one because it also has pictures of the flowers next to their names and descriptions
This also lists herbs, as well as fruit and veggie flowers (such as zucchini blossoms) that are safe for parrots to eat!

But when in doubt, I'll always advise to just not offer something you're not 100% about.

I'd say that any flower should be fed in moderation. I'd handle them more like a treat. Though the greens of a dandelion are better and can be fed more often.

I have two green cheeks and a cockatiel (who thinks she's a conure) and feed them all sorts of things. I do have budgies as well, but they're incredibly finicky and I haven't had any luck getting them to try new foods ):

Today for breakfast I made the bigger three a frittata with carrot, broccoli and sweet peas. And of course I crushed up the egg shell and threw that in to cook as well.

They're currently eating some steel cut quick oats I cooked with shredded carrot, and some more oranges for dinner. Pellets will come after I'm happy with the amount they've eaten.
I'm trying to cook for them more. It makes me really happy to actually complete the task, and they usually come around to try the food and usually enjoy it.
Once I even made soup for them!
I think they really enjoy the variety and new sensations as well!

 

[JosephN79]

That sounds great

My IRN will eat anything which is why im extra strict with what we feed him and who does.

My GCCs are afraid of some things, literally... so i have to sit it down and let them see its not gonna hurt them... or if I eat some then they get curious and try it out

 

[Kyoto]

What a great post this turned out to be! Can't wait to try flowers out with Kyo once we see some ACTUAL spring weather here in Atlantic Canada (It's -4 tonight and snowing).

 

[SilverSage]

I notice that one of your GCCs is named Kona, have you spent time in Hawaii?

 

[JosephN79]

No... My wife named them Kona and Ino (not jack, needs updated). She's into anime..so its from that. Lol.

My IRL is named Pickle because it was already his name and he's like 9 months old.

Our parakeets are Petey and ... Chicken...

I didn't get to name any of my birds myself!