THE KEY IS VARIETY
by Pam Short
It is known that we learn ways of nature and how nature seems to know what is and
is not good for it. In the wild birds must forage for food and meet their nutritional
needs through a large assortment of food items. Having a variety of animals I
have learned some important nutritional informational,variety is very important. We have
a couple of desert tortoises which like birds have a very specific nutritional
need. Since our tortoises live in the bottom of our aviary, I found that the salad
which I made for them was being eaten by the birds that inhabit that aviary . So I have
since supplemented all my birds diets with this mix and found all seem to enjoy it
as well. There overall appearance and health have both seemed to improve from this
mixture. The following is a guideline that I used when formulating this mixture:
Excellent sources of vitamin A, calcium,and protein include broccoli (stems, leaves,
and heads), parsley, collards, watercress, kale, and mustard greens. Carrots and
banana squash are less valuable sources of vitamin A. Much less nutritious are zucchini
and other summer squashes. Sources of plant protein are alfalfa, bean sprouts and fresh
or frozen peas. Low potency foods include tomatoes and most sweet fruits.
Food to avoid include those high in sodium such as canned vegetables, foods high in
fats such as canned cat or dog food or dairy products. Foods with virtually no merit
include celery, cucumber, watermelon, cabbage, spinach, and of course all kinds of
lettuce.
Dry alfalfa has 4-10 times the nutrient value of an equal weight of fresh alfalfa.
A readily available source of dry alfalfa is in pellet form -- commercial rabbit
chow sold in pet supply stores. (I also have several pet rabbits) Alfalfa pellets
should be softened before using. Place about 1/4 cup of pellets and slightly less than 1/4 cup
of water in a container and soak until mixture is the consistency of slightly damp
bread crumbs, not wet. Mix thoroughly with vegetables.
The following is the recipe I use for all my animals.
Veggie Mix
1 cup rice (before cooking)
1 cup mixed beans (soaked overnight)
1 1/2 cups rabbit,guinea pig pellets
2 cups commercial bird pellets
1 Shredded wheat biscuit
2 lbs. Frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Parsley flakes
2 tablespoons Oyster Shell
1 Grated Yam
1 Grated Zucchini
Cook rice. Mix all ingredients together. You may then put it in small single portion
bags and freeze. Take out as many portions as needed per day.
This is just an example of ingredients to use. I also throw in diferent items from
time to time to extend the variety (various fresh fruits., other fresh vegetables, different cereals, pastas, or any
other nutritional food you might have around) .
