Fresh fruits and veggies

[psittac]

When I first got my bird 5 years ago I looked into everything and knew exactly what not to get my bird and what was good for her.

Now all I remember is avoid anything that grows on the ground and only buy US produce.

I'm going to get back to properly taking care of my bird and need advice again.

Before I would slice up large amounts of a variety of fruits and freeze them in icecube trays. I want to do that again.

I don't think I've ever given her veggies but that's probably healthier then fruits.

What should I know to make sure I do this right?

 

[ZoeS]

Avoid what grows on the ground? Why... Squash grows on the ground... Leafy greens.... Carrots... Local produce is better, but if all you can find is non local, that's fine too. Frozen is fine.

Don't forget that most things we know as vegetables are actually fruit.

Don't worry too too much about it. Get a high quality pellet, and then pick a veg and fruit or two a day (can be what you are eating, assuming it is safe for birds) to go with it. I'll do frozen vegetable mixes if I'm lazy. Mostly, they eat what I eat when I'm home. Pellets when I'm not.

So yeah... If you are getting as local as possible, washing first, and ensuring its bird safe, and a good variety, you're good!

 

[psittac]

On another forum back when I got her they told me not to give them something like strawberries because they can grow mold. I don't know just what I was told.

I think I will get a bag of frozen veggies and a bag of frozen fruit for starters, it sounds easier and safer since most things should die if frozen.

 

[MonicaMc]

I mentioned in another thread that I recently made a new batch of mash. I probably can't recall all the ingredients, but I'll try!

It had....

Barley
Buckwheat
Millet
Oat Groats
Quinoa
Red Quinoa
Mung Beans
French Lentils
Orange Lentils

(cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for seasoning in the grains)

Kale
Broccoli
Carrots
Zucchini
Pumpkin
Jalapeno Peppers
Cilantro
Small Sweet Bell Peppers (red and orange/yellow)
Blueberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Pomegranate



Think that's everything or near everything I used! LOL If I knew where a coffee grinder was, I would add in crushed flax seed to the mix or at least sprinkle it on top of the food before I feed it to them.

Also have some supplements to mix in with it, but that's only for my bourke parakeet.



I would also add in sprouted seeds, if I could get the dang seeds to sprout! Not sure if the seeds have gone bad or if it's something in the environment causing them to spoil. Never had that issue before....


Anyway, this might help!

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

 

[psittac]

cool thank you. I will focus on getting her some healthier foods here soon

I even forgot how much she loves jalapenos, gonna get some of those tomorrow for sure!

 

[ZoeS]

If you are concerned about fruit/veg, wash them in a very mild bleach solution, rinse well, and let them dry before you start cutting. Freezing will kill some bacteria and mold however freezers are not that cold, so don't rely just on that.

Strawberries are fine, that's weird advice that I've never heard before. My birds eat lots of berries. If you heat up some frozen berries with yogurt, eat it, and share it with your bird. They'll love it.