Squash Seeds / Winter Q's

[katie_fleming]

Hey guys

Couple of random questions...are squash seeds safe to eat? (Like pumpkin seeds, roasted in the oven)

Also, is black pepper ok? My mom knows I made Jasper cayenne pepper pumpkin seeds but she made some with black pepper for him when we visit at Xmas. I wasn't sure about that one...I think not but please let me know. (If not, can we just wash them off/re-bake?)

And with Winter fast approaching I have some general questions. In the Summer I tried to get Jasper out on the balcony every day (there's no sun though in the evening on that side) and to the park here and there in his birdie bag.

What does he need more of, now that he's inside 100% of the time? Not sure why I didn't think of this last year, but doesn't hurt to start now.

Thanks!

 

[Taw5106]

My Ekkie and Amazon are inside 100% of the time by a window. I open the blind during sunlight hours even though it doesn't hit them directly. They love it. I purposely do not put them in the sunlight because I'm in south Texas and it gets over 110 degrees Fahrenheit quickly, that's HOT!!

When I heat up or make food for my parrots I do not add any type of seasoning like salt, pepper, or garlic. My Fids will eat any food without seasonings.

If you can, make some rice (preferably brown), add some vegs like corn, carrot, and bell peppers. I had to put on a performance like it was so delicious to get my stubborn Fids to eat. Once they did they were in love and pigged out, lol.

 

[katie_fleming]

I could put Jasper's shower perch by the window maybe, but it's so rare now that we have sun, and it's only in the morning when I'm getting ready for work :/

Perfect, I'll ask my mom to remove the black pepper. I told her plain is ok too, I've only added cayenne pepper once as a treat.

Yes, he eats all of the above in his normal day-to-day food, she just wanted to get him a treat ready for when we visit hehe

Thanks

 

[Aquila]

I usually do a little cinnamon with squash or pumpkin pulp or seeds, not all the time but they really seem to enjoy it!

I also occasionally do hot pepper seeds/flakes mixed in which is also usually a hit. You could cut up a jalapeno or other hot pepper to go with it too!

 

[plumsmum2005]

Unfortunately birds cannot gain any benefit from sitting inside by a window. UVA/B will need to be supplied by full spectrum lighting about 18" to 2 feet above the cage. Use only in daylight hours only.
Chillis/hot peppers and seeds are great to use with birds.

 

[Anansi]

Unfortunately birds cannot gain any benefit from sitting inside by a window. UVA/B will need to be supplied by full spectrum lighting about 18" to 2 feet above the cage. Use only in daylight hours only.
Chillis/hot peppers and seeds are great to use with birds.

True. The beneficial aspects of sunlight that would provide your bird with Vitamin D unfortunately never make it through that pane of glass. The rays need to be direct and unfiltered.

There is some debate as to whether or not full spectrum lighting does the job, but I honestly have no idea either way. I just get them out for some sun as often as I can when it's warm enough to do so.

 

[plumsmum2005]

@Anansi Very true and agree totally with your comments. Full spectrum lighting is better than nothing, Plum is on guard the whole time outside so do not bother anymore but you cannot beat the real thing for sure.

 

[katie_fleming]

Appreciate your replies, thanks