Advice

[3greys2love]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they have made a "complete" muffin or mash that could be served to your greys along with their diet of roudybush pellets that would be healthy. Reason being is that we will be going out of town for 3 weeks and my two grown sons will be staying at our home taking care of the birds while we are gone. As much as I am sure they would and will feed fresh veggies and fruits, I want to absolutely make sure that the birds are getting everything they need in their diets while we are gone. I would feel so much better if I could make a birdie muffin with say veggies, whole grains, etc., etc., or a mash that could be given easily by my sons in the morning before they leave for work. I feel it would be easier for them too. I worry about the fresh broccoli, kale, and other veggies and fruits going bad and my sons not noticing. I have always been so ANAL about freshness and know how long fresh food keeps in the refrigerator. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I have made bird muffins containing mixed veggies, pureed butternut squash, brown rice, various types of organic baby food, egg, whole wheat flour and a bit of scraped cuttlebone for extra calcium. Does something like that seem OK? I have never left them that long and am a nervous wreck! My sons will do well as far as giving them the attention and time out they need...

[Greywings]

Here is my recipe I make for the local Exotic Bird sanctuary on weekends, it freezes well and you can make it as a loaf or muffins. I start with a can of Coconut juice (fresh works), soak some pelleted food of your choice 1/4 to 1/2 cup, Quinona about 1/4 cup, grind up some flax seeds and add, then add eggs (no shell)cornmeal (organic)1 cup, chop up broccoli, bell pepper (any color) kale,carrots, sweet potato, apple or apple sauce unsweetened,shredded unsweetened coconut, pine nuts, chopped walnuts, pistacios (unsalted) and or almonds, then I add either mango or papaya chopped up some ginger, cinnamon and red pepper for flavor. Use what ever fresh organic fruits and veggies are available in your area. Chop small and it will be lumpy and thick you can add some yogurt to thin it enough to pour into pan or muffin tins. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes if in a thick pan it will take longer if in tiny muffin pans it might take less time. Very complete nutrition and a lot of fun to make I use Pomegranate and cranberries when available. You could even add a little shredded cheese for flavor.

 

Post edited by: Greywings, at: 2009/12/22 16:02<br><br>Post edited by: Greywings, at: 2009/12/22 16:47

[JillyBeanz]

Mmm - never mind our birdies Jill - I'd have a shot of those!!! Thanks for sharing that recipe - this is something even I could make

[katana600]

While we feed our birds for their health over a fifty plus life span and it is the little things over the long haul that contribute to robust health, I understand your concern about no fresh veggies for three weeks. I think you are right not to leave them in the cage when you are not there to take them back out again within a couple of hours. Your dedication is admirable. The creative idea to use the birdie bread and the recipe provided sound perfect. Another thought would be to use some dried veggies. Our pets do not mark time the same way you and I would. Rest assured that the three weeks will feel a lot longer to you than to them. Be happy and upbeat and tell them you are leaving and they will have that happy emotion and smile to sustain them while you are gone.

[3greys2love]

Thanks for the great recipe Greywings! I will make some of those! Katana600, you've just reassured me that it'll be ok! I thank you for that...I have been a nervous wreck about leaving them. You are right, it's what they eat for a long period of time that affects their health and well being. I was going to post a question about the dried veggies and fruits. I was going to ask if they are as healthy as fresh because mine do like the mix I buy at the bird store although it's $7 a pound and I'm not sure what goes into it. I just give them their mix as a treat. I was thinking of buying a dehydrator and drying my own fruits and veggies...What do you think? Then I would know that there isn't any "sulfuric whatever" or sugar in my own mix I would make

[Luvparrots]

Thanks for the recipe Greywings. It sounds like this would be great for the fids.