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Herbs and spices benefits for your parrots...

clawnz

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Alfalfa Leaf helps assimilate protein, calcium and other nutrients. Contains chlorophyll. Richest land source of trace minerals. Very rich supply of Beta Carotene, Vitamins K and D. High in Calcium and contains Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium and eight essential enzymes. It is also high in fructo-oligosaccarides which fertilize healthy bacteria in the gut and neutralize bad bacteria overgrowth such as Candida.


Can anybody give any information on where they are ok as sprouts, if one can get hold of viable seeds.
 

AviMom

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I have given my birds flax seed, alfalfa, cinnamon and a few others on the list, but where can you buy these ? Do you get the jars in the spice isle in the grocery store, like garlic powder? Not trying to be thick, but not all cinnamon is real cinnamon for example , how do you know it's safe for your birds??
 

HarriettWulf

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Thanks for useful information. I have also used a few herbs for cuts and birds stress also. My cutie loves to eat chickweed, ginger and green pepper.
 

FlyingMacaws

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So I use this company for all of my spice needs. Though I grow quite a few of my own this company is amazing. They will grind your spices for you if you want them too. They are not overly expensive and based out of Seattle. Amazing customer service. You can call right to the shop if want to speak to a store employee.
Seattle's Premier Spice, Herb & Tea Shop : World Spice Merchants
 

clarousel

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Not sure if I'll get a response on this thread but I'll give it a shot!

Does anyone here offer dried dandelion leaves (or similar) to their birds? If yes, do you just offer it as it is?
 

Aoi♡

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Ah okay so fresh is fine too. I miss fresh dandelions! We don't get them here sadly.
Are you in the US?
If so they have fresh organic dandelion leaves in huge bundles.

I have them refigerated and they lasted me for 4 weeks without going bad.

For the dried leaves you can use it for tea put boiling water over it wait for 5-10 mins add cool water to cool it off then serve to your budgie.
 

clarousel

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Are you in the US?
If so they have fresh organic dandelion leaves in huge bundles.

I have them refigerated and they lasted me for 4 weeks without going bad.

For the dried leaves you can use it for tea put boiling water over it wait for 5-10 mins add cool water to cool it off then serve to your budgie.
I'm in Singapore so I don't think we can get them fresh cause of the climate. I've only seen dried leaves/stems.

Trying to get my hands on some seeds so I can give a shot at growing it in the garden!
 

fashionfobie

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This is an Ekkie source, but is is comprehensive on edible flowers.


I recently planted some nasturtiums for my parrots.

IMG_20200708_112318.jpg
 

Destiny.

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I have been using Cinnamom powder, Cayenne powder, Hot Pepper Flakes and Ginger powder in my birds food for years and below are a list of herbs and spices that you can add to your birds food to help with their health...
Alfalfa Leaf helps assimilate protein, calcium and other nutrients. Contains chlorophyll. Richest land source of trace minerals. Very rich supply of Beta Carotene, Vitamins K and D. High in Calcium and contains Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium and eight essential enzymes. It is also high in fructo-oligosaccarides which fertilize healthy bacteria in the gut and neutralize bad bacteria overgrowth such as Candida.

Parsley is used as a preventive herb. High in Vitamin B and Potassium. It is said to contain a substance in which cancer cells cannot multiply. Rich in iron, chlorophyll and Vitamins A and C. Contains sodium, copper, thiamin and riboflavin, silicon, sulfur, calcium and cobalt.
Flaxseed supplies the body with essential fatty acids. Not only are flaxseeds richer in these fatty acids than fish oil, but they also taste much better. Flaxseed also promotes strong nails, bones and healthy skin.
Bee Pollen contains 35% Protein, 55% Carbohydrate, 2% Fatty Acids, 3% Minerals and Vitamins. High in B-Complex Vitamins A, C, D and E. Also contains Lecithin, Beta Carotene and Selenium. It is rich in vitamins and contains almost all known minerals, trace elements, enzymes and amino acids. It contains the essence of every plant from which bees collect pollen in combination with digestive enzymes from the bees. This combination of elements make bee pollen an excellent source of antioxidants. Bee pollen is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and stimulates immunological responses.
Chickweed contains Vitamins A, C and some B, Flavonoids, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. It is used for skin problems, to treat blood disorders, gout and arthritis.
Dandelion Leaf benefits liver function. Contains nutritive salts, protein, and is a rich source of Vitamin A. Also high in Vitamins B, C and E. Rich in Potassium, Calcium and sodium. Contains some Phosphorus and Iron as well as Nickel, Cobalt, Tin and Copper.
Red Clover Blossoms and Leaf contain Vitamins A, C, B-Complex, calcium, Chromium, Iron and Magnesium. Ed Clover has also been used effectively as a blood purifier and antibiotic.
Red Raspberry Leaf contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, and B. It is very high in available Calcium.
Rose Hips is abundant in Vitamin C and helps combat stress.
Milk Thistle Seeds supports the liver's ability to maintain normal liver function. Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones. Milk thistle is also an antioxidant that is more potent than Vitamins C and E.
Barley Grass is rich in Beta Carotene, B Vitamins and Vitamin C, the minerals Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Chlorophyll, 8 essential amino acids and enzymes, including antioxidant and superoxide dismutase. In total, it contains 92 minerals and 22 vitamins.
Dill Weed is high in Calcium and soothing to digestion.
Dulse is rich in Protein. It contains 22% more than chickpeas, almonds or whole sesame seeds. Very high in Vitamins B6 and B12. Relatively low in sodium and high in Potassium. Rich in trace minerals.
Garlic Powder fights bacteria like an antibiotic. Garlic's sulfur compounds, in addition to Selenium and Vitamins A and C containing compounds, make it a potent antioxidant, protecting cell membranes and DNA from damage and disease. Garlic directly attacks bacteria and viruses and stimulates the bodies natural defenses against foreign invaders.
Ginger Powder is an absolute favorite taste of parrots. It is an excellent herb for the respiratory system as well as an effective cleansing agent for the digestive system. It contains Protein, Vitamins A, C and B Complex, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium.
Wheat grass contains to many nutrients to mention them all. It is especially high in Fiber, Protein, Chlorophyll, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin B Complex, C, E and K, most minerals and contains 18 Amino Acids. High in Fructo-Oligosaccharides.
Astragalus Powder is an immunomodulator. It contains Glycosides, Polysaccharides, Choline, Betaine, Rumatakenin, and Beta-Sitosterol. It activates the immune system, thus enhancing the body's natural ability to fight disease and protecting the body against a number of toxins.
Chili Flakes is a digestive aid. This flake acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and aids in controlling pain.
Cinnamon is a favorite taste of parrots. It is a digestive aid and recent studies have shown it may help to eliminate E. Coli in food.
Turmeric Root has five times more antioxidant power than Vitamin E. Contains curcumin and many other phytochemicals. Makes foods more digestible and possesses anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and protects the liver by detoxification and scavenging free radicals. It also breaks down fats.
Taken from: http://www.aviannaturals.com/herbmix.html

Cayenne Pepper:
Cayenne is rich in the vitamins A, C, iron, potassium and calcium. It also contains some B complex, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur. It has an antioxident effect that in very high doses can increase the risk of some cancers but in moderate doses can help to heal other cancers.

Taken from: http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/cayenne0801.htm

:hug8:
Replying 15 years later ;p buuuut....
Sorry for the dumb question, but, isnt garlic toxic to birds? Why would garlic powder be ok?
 

Mizzely

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Replying 15 years later ;p buuuut....
Sorry for the dumb question, but, isnt garlic toxic to birds? Why would garlic powder be ok?
Garlic in small amounts is safe for parrots.

Dogs and cats shouldn't have it because it affects their red blood cells, but even then we are learning that small amounts of garlic can be beneficial.
 

Destiny.

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Garlic in small amounts is safe for parrots.

Dogs and cats shouldn't have it because it affects their red blood cells, but even then we are learning that small amounts of garlic can be beneficial.
Good to know! Thank you :)
 

Monica

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Some people use garlic as a natural flea and tick repellent.... feeding it to their dogs. The recommendation is to use FRESH CRUSHED garlic and mixing it into their food to consume.

Use of garlic in cats is more iffy.


Saying that, garlic is an ingredient in many foods and treats - so people may be feeding it to their animals without realizing it.


Not sure if garlic powder has the same effect as fresh garlic.
 

Shezbug

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Garlic in small amounts is safe for parrots.

Dogs and cats shouldn't have it because it affects their red blood cells, but even then we are learning that small amounts of garlic can be beneficial.
Wow- this is news to me! I’ve always fed garlic to my dogs and cats. My fur pets (ferrets, cats and dogs from over the years) all get/got garlic in small amounts and very regularly and have done for well over 30 years. My dogs in particular have always had it (vet approved) never ever have my dogs (cats too when I had them) had fleas even when our neighbours yards and pets were literally infested- my pets also have never had issues with worms nor any signs of them when checked at vets and I’ll admit I treat for fleas and worms only if needed which is pretty much never, my current dog I believe has been flea and worm treated twice in her 9 year life (not including her initial puppy treatments) after having a visitor with a dog who’s poop I saw worms in :sick:.

I’m assuming I’ll catch grief for this shared information but I also refuse to immunise my dogs yearly (also ok’d by more than one vet) as it’s not actually necessary- they get done every few years.

I also believe many pet foods and treats have garlic in them. Much like all things- the poison is in the dose.
 

Shezbug

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Some people use garlic as a natural flea and tick repellent.... feeding it to their dogs. The recommendation is to use FRESH CRUSHED garlic and mixing it into their food to consume.

Use of garlic in cats is more iffy.


Saying that, garlic is an ingredient in many foods and treats - so people may be feeding it to their animals without realizing it.


Not sure if garlic powder has the same effect as fresh garlic.
Yes dried and powered garlic has the same effects as fresh garlic.
 

Birdie Mama

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Our dog also has some in her homemade foods. Not much but it’s in there. Key to me, being in moderation. Did not know about the powder being the same as fresh though. Thanks for the info
 

Shezbug

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Our dog also has some in her homemade foods. Not much but it’s in there. Key to me, being in moderation. Did not know about the powder being the same as fresh though. Thanks for the info
I don’t believe they’re equal weight for weight but the powder is simply dried and ground down garlic (the sort we buy for my home is the same as we make at home, nothing in it but garlic). Simple way to preserve all herbs and spices is to dry them, dried herbs and spices may need different amounts to get the same potency as fresh so we need to take that into account.
 
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