Questions about chop variety ! :)

[Kerry.S]

Hi again! I’m curious about what schedule everyone feeds their birds on. I have 2 cockatiels and because I work at a farm stand they get fresh veggies daily, but i’m big on preventing waste as well. What i’ve been doing is buying a list of veggies for the week, and giving them the same thing daily till it’s finished (usually 5-6 days). I thought their diet was pretty balanced (2 orange veggies, 2 dark greens, 1 cooked bean, 1 grain and usually something extra like broccoli, cauliflower or a pepper. fruit or eggs offered at the end of the week too) but now i’m not so sure! I know you shouldn’t offer sweet things like yam daily, so I don’t, but is feeding the same mix for 5-6 days straight okay? I switch the ingredients weekly which I thought was enough variety, but please let me know if it’s not! I’m struggling between feeding a balanced diet, and not having a fridge full of veggies waiting to go bad (i love veggies too, but they don’t sell cockatiels sized portions so variety = a LOT of veggies!)

 

[Mizzely]

I make large batches of chop and freeze them. Then I add a few fresh pieces at serving. This allows me to have variety but also limit waste.

I also feed sprouted seeds, pellets, and seeds which help round out the diet.

 

[Kerry.S]

I was trying frozen chop for awhile but they weren’t a fan lol Maybe i’ll try what you said and mix some frozen with fresh to see how they like it! I do also feed pellets and some nuts plus a little seed mix as a treat, maybe I should’ve mentioned that I haven’t tried sprouting seeds myself but definitely something I need to try!!

Thank you for your advice

 

[Mizzely]

One thing I've found helps with frozen is to set it on paper towel while it's in the fridge. It helps draw out the excess moisture.

I've also had luck with mixing in freeze dried veggies and small pastas like chickpea or lentil orzo.

And of course, start with veggies that aren't as wet when they thaw. I do a lot of root veggies in the freezer, then add stuff like peppers and squash. I basically keep aside a little of what we're eating as a family that night aside to add to their bowl the next day

 

[Kerry.S]

One thing I've found helps with frozen is to set it on paper towel while it's in the fridge. It helps draw out the excess moisture.

I've also had luck with mixing in freeze dried veggies and small pastas like chickpea or lentil orzo.

And of course, start with veggies that aren't as wet when they thaw. I do a lot of root veggies in the freezer, then add stuff like peppers and squash. I basically keep aside a little of what we're eating as a family that night aside to add to their bowl the next day

My first batch of frozen chop was mushy so i’ll definitely try freezing root veggies instead! They LOVE freeze dried veggies as well so i’ll definitely buy some to mix in too (used to do this but it’s expensive! ) They’ve never had orzo or chickpea so i’ll see how they like it, I assume you cook the pasta? I’ve never given them pasta so i’m not sure

 

[Mizzely]

My first batch of frozen chop was mushy so i’ll definitely try freezing root veggies instead! They LOVE freeze dried veggies as well so i’ll definitely buy some to mix in too (used to do this but it’s expensive! ) They’ve never had orzo or chickpea so i’ll see how they like it, I assume you cook the pasta? I’ve never given them pasta so i’m not sure

No, if I am using it to soak up extra moisture, I do not cook it. I toss it in raw to absorb the extra juices I don't do regular pasta, just the stuff that is made with alternative sources like lentils or chickpeas because those have more nutrients.

 

[Kerry.S]

No, if I am using it to soak up extra moisture, I do not cook it. I toss it in raw to absorb the extra juices I don't do regular pasta, just the stuff that is made with alternative sources like lentils or chickpeas because those have more nutrients.

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Oh smart! I’ll definitely pick some up, and thank you so much for your help. You’ve been so helpful !!

 

[Mizzely]

You're very welcome!