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Sneaky Nutrition by Micki Coatsworth By now most of you have read the excellent articles from previous newsletters, titled "My Bird Won't Eat That" and "My Bird Won't Eat That Either." These articles go into detail about why some birds are reluctant to change their diets and describes things you can do to promote better eating habits. I say, when all else fails, get sneaky! You can get extra nutrition into your bird while you outlast him in the "My Bird Won't Eat That" saga. Most birds enjoy eating with their flock (family) and like to see that you are all eating the same thing. Next time you're having pasta, give some to your birds with pureed squash or carrots on top for "sauce." I like to use jars of organic baby food (available at most grocery stores) to save time and waste. If your bird thinks cooked corn is the only vegetable in the world, again, try a little "sauce" on top of the corn. Just a little -- remember we are being sneaky. If your parrot appears to not eat the formulated (pellet) diet that you are offering… the sneaky route is to offer smaller bird sized pellets with the usual food mix you are giving. Try grinding pellets into a powder and sprinkle it on top. When your bird picks up the sunflower seed, or whatever, some of the dreaded pellet dust will find it's sneaky way into his body. If your bird does not enjoy a formulated diet but does like warm moist food, warm a dish of baby food and pellets in the microwave for a few seconds. Then let it sit until cool enough and try offering as soft pellets or mush together as a soft warm paste. You may also soak pellets in juice and then hand feed them as you would to a baby bird. Make a special high Vitamin A bowl to serve your birds their favorite cooked foods. Bake squash or sweet potato halves until still quite firm. Once they have cooked and cooled you can use this for a bowl to serve your bird. Your bird may get so carried away eating his favorite foods he will eat part of his "bowl." This also works with a fresh mango if you cut it in half and make a hollow for their favorite foods. Some other "sneaky" things to do: Does your bird shy away from high Vitamin veggies? Give him a mixture of ˝ carrot and ˝ apple juice for his morning or evening drink. Just be sure to remove and replace it with fresh water after an hour. My birds all seem to enjoy drinking this treat from a cup that I offer them as they are playing on their play trees or gyms. "Finger food" works well with children and might work with your bird. Fill the hollow in a celery stalk with a mixture of a little peanut butter (organic is best), a few ground pellets and some dehydrated veggies and fruits. The sneaky thing with this is that even if they do not eat much they will need to clean off their feet taking in some nutrients along the way. Try mashing some pellets and sprinkle them over soft moist fruit like a banana. You may also mash a few pellets adding a bit of pureed sweet potato and a drop or two of Skin Formula 3V Caps Liquid (available at Parrot Island and quality avian veterinarians) and then mix this into an egg before scrambling it. Many birds love scrambled eggs. This is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and oil for good skin and feather condition. Make birdie cookies. Crush some dehydrated "Just Veggies" or some flakes or granules from our Parrot Island Mix. Add some ground pellets (for the flour), a bit of Skin Formula 3V Caps Liquid (for the oil) a few dehydrated pieces of fruit and hulled sunflower seeds. Add an egg to hold it all together. If too dry, add a little juice. Bake just like small "people cookies." Offer to your bird as treats. I have not listed any particular amounts of ingredients. This is just to get you started on your way to creative food offerings. Remember that the goal of "sneaky nutrition" is to provide ways to increase your bird's intake of nutrients, while working on the actual conversion to a healthier diet. Your bird does not need to ingest massive quantities of these things to reap the benefits. Keep in mind that having your bird eat a one-inch square piece of squash is the equivalent of you eating an amount about the size of a basketball. Additional Diet articles:
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