11/26/09 Thanksgiving Quick Tip

Thanksgiving leftovers make yummy snacks for our bird companions.  Just pay attention to any "hidden" ingredients.  Squash is very healthy for your bird - minus the butter and sugar.  Steamed or baked squash or pumpkin, sprinkled with cinnamon is a tasty treat.  So are small amounts of turkey, for those with higher protein requirements - the barer the better.  Steamed fall vegetables are great, too - kale, chard, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans.  And don't forget to share those in-shell nuts that are in season!

11/13/09 Weekly Tip

Buying organic on a budget.

Trader Joe's-has frozen organic mixed veggies, 16 o.z for $1.69, also check produce section. Great prices on shelled nuts, but mostly non-organic.

Whole Foods-Organic sprouting legumes in bulk for $1.99/ lb. Right now, they are selling non-organic in-shell mixed nuts for $ .99/ lb!

Woodman's-Organic greens- 1# container for $4.99, also organic produce hit or miss, but sometimes have great special deals.

10/27/09 Weekly Tip
Halloween Quick Tip:

Roast some unsalted pumpkin seeds for the birdies to enjoy, too.

Cook up some pumpkin, sprinkled with a little cinnamon, for both of you.

For the adventurous birds: Let them help excavate the pumpkin with you. Carve several birdie-sized holes into it. Attach it securely in the cage so it won't roll on top of them. Maybe even stick a few treats or toys in there for them. Make sure to give them a good bath afterwards!

10/22/09 Weekly Tip
2 quick snack ideas:

  • Organic Brown Rice Cakes
  • Plain Organic Yogurt (Stonyfield Farm's has Vitamin D3 in it)

5 new foods to try with your birds:

  • Coconut Oil- Buy only organic extra-virgin, made from fresh coconuts.  Spread it on gluten-free or birdie bread or cook an egg in it
  • Goji berries- use in birdie breads, or give them to your birds dried
  • Edible flowers from your garden- Make sure they are organic!  Add to a salad & share with your birds
  • Tea-  decaffeinated black, green or white.  See Dr. Karen Becker’s tea guidelines on the TASC website  http://www.tasc-chicago.org/04web/upspeak.htm
  • Molucca Nuts- see  http://indonesian-parrot-project.org/ to order

8/17/09 Weekly Tip

5 quick ways to keep your bird areas clean:

  1. Keep a container of baby wipes in every bird area in your home. They’re perfect for quick clean-ups on floors, clothing, toys and play perches.
  2. Keep an unscented swiffer duster in the bird room for dusting dander off of cage skirts and cage tops.
  3. Keep a dedicated broom, dust pan, and trash bin in your bird room.  Throw a handful of trash bags in the bottom of the can before you put in a new liner.  This way, you always have new bags when you need them.
  4. Keep all cleaning supplies in a closed bin right near your birds.  Include any scrapers, scrubbers, sponges, cloths, cleaners such as Dr. Bronner’s, and pliers & scissors for toys.  Fill the bin with water and soap when cleaning.
  5. Layer a week’s worth of paper in the bottom cage trays.  Each day, just remove another layer - fold it like a 'present' to keep solid waste from spilling out back into the bottom.