Variety for His Diet

[goalerjones]

I am the companion of a Hahns macaw. The biggest challenge I have is keeping his fresh food diet interesting. I see the regions his species hails from (although he is from a Missouri farm), Brazil, Venezuala, Guyana, and I know that while I would love to, giving him fruits from those regions would be expensive at best, impossible to obtain at worst.

Owning one bird lends itself wonderfully for time spent, but is not cost effective when trying to purchase more exotic fruits for him since they wind up going bad or getting freezer burned.

Currently I give him thawed frozen varieties like blueberries, apples, mango (when its not too expensive), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas and corn. I use Zupreen Natural pellets and a small hookbill mix (almonds, walnuts, safflower seeds, dried peas and corn, and fortified pellets). I also give him, when we eat them, baked chicken, baked salmon, rice, potato and mixed greens.

I need fresh food gathering help, and food prep ideas so my mornings arent so crazy, and Hahnzel enjoys his fresh foods more. Thanks in advance.

Thought I should list the rotation as well. Every other day I rotate straight pellets and the small hookbill mix. Broccoli/cauliflower/carrot mix day one. Corn, peas, string bean, carrot mix day two. Blueberries/apples, or mangos (if I have them) day three. Then I repeat days one thru three.

 

[SandyBee]

It sounds like you have a great base line.
Other things I include in my amazons and african brown head for fresh foods are
raspberries, cherries, pears, melons , squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, grapes, apples.
I buy in season or frozen. I often make batches of mixed products and freeze.
I know they eat so little relatively, I know I eat better know so the food I buy doesn't go to waste.