As some of you know I have a live planter in my aviary with growing plants. I have it outside at the moment to allow it to air and get natural light.
Some on other platforms have raised concerns about mold, they literally said "this can be fun for other bird species but is not recomended for parrots". I have always been very careful to keep the soil aerated, clear of debris and I water sparingly. I also add ACV to the water to help prevent mold. I plan on experimenting with Grapefruit seed extract, a known edible antimicrobial.
My birds are all ground foraging species, lovebirds, budgies and chickens. I'm going to preface this next statement with this. I understand that "the wild" is not an ideal place, it is a place where birds struggle to survive. BUT I want to replicate a natural area where they can have access to live, edible plants.
I know people out there have outdoor aviarys with live plants. How do you all handle live plants in soil around your parrots. I'm looking for ideas to make my current practice safer.
Some on other platforms have raised concerns about mold, they literally said "this can be fun for other bird species but is not recomended for parrots". I have always been very careful to keep the soil aerated, clear of debris and I water sparingly. I also add ACV to the water to help prevent mold. I plan on experimenting with Grapefruit seed extract, a known edible antimicrobial.
My birds are all ground foraging species, lovebirds, budgies and chickens. I'm going to preface this next statement with this. I understand that "the wild" is not an ideal place, it is a place where birds struggle to survive. BUT I want to replicate a natural area where they can have access to live, edible plants.
I know people out there have outdoor aviarys with live plants. How do you all handle live plants in soil around your parrots. I'm looking for ideas to make my current practice safer.