Feeding
Seeds : We use a mixture of seeds that we buy in bulk in individual bags. Not all grain and fodder stores have prices that we like so when you find someone that gives the service and product that you like. What we do is for a purpose that is goverened by the size of our collection.
Our basic mixture is :
Green Food is given in way of sprouted seed being :
The method we use for sprouting the seeds is a deep soak in 9 litres of water to which has been added an amount of Domestos ( a clorine based disinfectant cleaner)
the soaking process lasts 12 - 14 hours after which it is rinsed 3 times then left in a collender for 1 to 2 days until the shoots are about 1/2 inch long. The Domestos is used to reduce bacteria growing in the seed mix and it also has the effect of disolving part of the seed casing of the Wheat and Mung Beans allowing them to germinate earlier. Hulled oats do not sprout as the dehulling process removes the germ of the seed for this reason we are considering changing to a whole oat with our next purchase.
Other Foods
We still like to give our birds other treats but we are conscious that any changes need to be small servings at first. Silver Beet is relished by most parotts although if they eat to much it can cause an imbalance to they digestive system as is the case with any green food.
Grit is provided we use a product that contains:
Crushed Baked eggshell, Cuttlefish Bone, Limestone and Charcoal they seem to like it .
Perches we prefer natural perches for all birds as the changes in diameter assist in exersizing their feet. We typically use fallen branches and prunings from trees on our our property. Some favourites include Lemon Scented Gum , Hakea Gum, and the best large diameter branches came from a Chillian Willow this wood is very light and a 4-5 inch diameter branch can be supported on the walls of our avairies safely.
1 part Wheat
1 Part Mung Beans
2 parts Hulled Oats
