I know that with all the wonderful foods everyone will be preparing and eating this Holiday Season, the temptation to spoil our furry and/or feathered loved ones will be intense. There's no shame in treating your pets like one of the family but remember to ALWAYS research what types of foods are acceptable for your pets.
Birds are especially prone to getting sick or worse if fed the wrong things. Due to their high metabolic rates a parrot can literally die from the wrong food items just hours after consuming something their system deems toxic.
I always say, if it is questionable whether or not the item will make your pets sick just don't give it to them.
Below I have included some quick and simple recipes for your birds found at this link http://birds.about.com/od/birdfoodrcipes/Bird_Food_and_Treat_Recipes.htm
Cooking for Your Pet Bird: Banana Strips
From Alyson Burgess,
Your Guide to Pet Bird
If you are in the mood to treat your pet to a tasty and healthy snack, try whipping up a batch of these easy banana strips! These treats are highly recommended by my Sun Conure, Loco, and the simple recipe makes it easy for even the youngest bird owners to join in the fun. Beak Appetite!
INGREDIENTS:
* 1/2 Banana
* 1 Egg (with or without shell)
* 1 cup quick oats
* 1/2 cup wheat flour
* 1/8 cup millet
* 1/2 cup water or unsweetened fruit juice
PREPARATION:
* Blend all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
* Spread the resulting paste onto a clean, microwave safe plate.
* Microwave on high heat for 3 1/2 minutes.
* Remove from microwave and let cool.
* Cut into shapes or strips, and serve!
Leftovers can be refrigerated and stored for up to 3 days.
Cooking for Your Pet Bird: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
From Alyson Burgess,
Your Guide to Pet Birds.
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds are a great source of protein and other vital nutrients. Just remember -- don't toss out those pumpkin "guts" when carving time comes around!
INGREDIENTS:
* Fresh Pumpkin Seeds
* 1 tsp. Vegetable Oil
PREPARATION:
* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
* Cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin and remove all of the seeds and strings. It may help to use a large metal spoon to scrape the inner walls of the pumpkin.
* Seperate the seeds from the stringy bits and pumpkin pulp and place them in a clean bowl.
* Wash the seeds in warm water to remove any pulp that may cling to their shells.
* Grease an alumininum baking sheet with a minimal amount of pure vegetable oil. Please make sure that you DO NOT USE A NON-STICK BAKING SHEET! Place the seeds on the sheet and bake for 30-45 minutes, turning them about every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
* Once the seeds are dry and toasty, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Then serve them to your bird and see if he will perform some tricks for you in return for the tasty treats. You may be in for a big surprise!
*If you would like to enjoy this snack with your bird, set a handful of the raw seeds aside and toss them with salt and your favorite seasonings before baking. NEVER share these seasoned treats with your pet. A bird's tender digestive system cannot handle salty snacks like ours can.
I hope that everyone of you enjoys your Holidays as well as your feathered and furred companions!
