Need a Training Treat

[tjc]

I’m been absent for awhile, but have spent a week reading post and catching up. Boo is my 13 year old male Quaker, who is out of control, but what Quaker isn’t from time to time. I’m at a loss finding a healthy treat to use for training purposes. I hesitate to use sunflower seeds because of fatty liver disease. He doesn’t like almonds or any nut. He doesn’t even like Cheerios, not that they are healthy. Ideas please??

 

[sunnysmom]

I actually think it's fine to use sunflower seeds for training if that's what he likes. I think sunflower seeds get a bad rep because often if given a choice, birds will just eat sunflower seeds. But they actually have nutritional value. Little Feathered Buddies Health & Nutrition - Seeds, Nuts, Grains And they're actually lower in fat than most nuts. I think Cheerios are actually worse for birds because of their high iron content. Does he like nutriberries? Or maybe a bit of apple? Some popcorn?

 

[AutumnRain]

You can also break sunflower seeds into several pieces so he isn't having as much of them during training sessions. Another treat option could be millet.

 

[Lady Jane]

Have you tried a pine nut out of the shell? Some birds adore them.

7 unique nutrition facts and health benefits of Pine nuts

 

[Yoshi&Raphi]

Have you tried Millet? That usually seems to be a favourite with birds. Or popcorn?

 

[EkkieLu]

Unsalted pistachios work great around here!

 

[Galadriel]

Ours will do just about anything for raw pumpkin seeds.

 

[tjc]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. After thinking about it, I think I’ll sprout some sunflower seeds and try that. Interestingly, he stopped eating millet when his buddy passed. My little budgie and him had millet every night.
Tammy & Boo

 

[Shezbug]

Capsicum or chilli seeds could work if he likes them

 

[Hjarta5]

If you dont mind the mess, I have used Pomegranate seeds as treats