Herbs?

[Feathers First Aviary]

I have been hearing a lot of people that feed herbs to their birds, especially budgies. Cilantro is one I hear mentioned a lot. It just occurred to me that I have packs of heirloom cilantro, basil and sage just sitting around with my other seeds for next years garden. I have a feeling the sage is a no no but what about the cilantro and basil? I was thinking about planting a bunch of it in different bowls/pots with organic potting soil and then putting the bowls in their cages when it gets to be a few inches tall, I also thought if I zip tied quarter inch square mesh over the pots that the plants could grow through the mesh, keeping the birds away from the soil. Has anyone here done this before? Is there anything I should worry about like them possibly eating too much? I wasn't sure if there's anything in any of these herbs that could cause any potential problems if too much is eaten? I would love to be able to give them live growing plants to forage through and munch on if possible, I bet they would love it! I just want to make sure it's safe before I start planting twenty pots of herbs lol.

[Debra]

I have no first hand experience with this, but I do know some people in Australia who attach a seedling pot thingy under the bottom of the cage (usually outside aviaries) and grow herbs that way. The birds can get the growing plants but not the soil -- much like you are talking about. I'm thinking the birds won't overdose themselves with the greens but will enjoy having their choice of live plants. I see no problem with what you are thinking about doing.

[Feathers First Aviary]

I was also thinking that they wouldn't eat more than is good for them but then again our one amazon would eat his weight in cheese if we let him and that sure as heck isn't healthy! I wonder why so many people do it in outdoor aviaries but not indoor? It seems like it would be great natural enrichment for our birds. and honestly if the soil is organic would it really hurt them if they wanted to dig around in it? I don't really want dirty birds but if it makes them happy and it's safe, so be it :)

Maybe Steve will have some input on this subject, he's from australia and has many of the same birds as us, I'd really like to get some first hand experience, if I get some good feed back I may start some pots today :)

[Debra]

I think the dangers with the soil is that you have to water the plants and therefore bacteria and mold are capable of growing. Even with organic soil. Remember they will likely be pooping in/on the planter.

[Feathers First Aviary]

Yes I was talking with another budgie breeder earlier about this and that's when we came up with the mesh idea in case of mold spores. I will say though, I grew a pot of cilantro over the summer, in the house, and it never got moldy, it did really well until i forgot to water it for a couple days and it all died, luckily thats never happened with an animal!! That's exactly why i forgot to water it though, i was so busy with the birds and the outside garden I sort of forgot about the poor cilantro! maybe if it's in the cages I will remember to water it lol

[spiritbird]

A few years ago I attended one of Phoenix Landings many seminars on this same subject. They actually gave away planters full of herbs grown indoors for the birds. What a wonderful prize they were ! You can grow indoors in the winter with no problems and harvest throughout the cold months. Then if you have space continue the growth outdoors. Great Ideas!!

[Blancaej]

Parsley is the only herb I've tried on the Linnies so far. I will have to try more!

[spiritbird]

Try not to feed to much parsley as it is heavy in oxalates.

[Blancaej]

Good to know Dianne. I gave them very little. They like Kale better! My vet told me to start out with parsley. Then again, he is not an avian vet. Good grief!

I would like to try more herbs. What would you suggest?

[Feathers First Aviary]

Try not to feed to much parsley as it is heavy in oxalates.

Same with spinach, ok here and there but not too much and not all the time :)

[Blancaej]

Thanks Sara!

[Mare]

When I'm in the organic produce section of our market, I keep eye-balling the small plastic containers of wheat grass growing that they have for sale. People buy it to juice but I've been wondering if it might be good for birds to nibble on, has anyone tried this?

[Turquoise]

I know this thread is kinda' old, but I am going over things I have missed reading and posting in. I went & dug my "The Healthy Bird Cookbook" by Robin Deutsch out and looked for info on herbs. I didn't find anything about what herbs are best to sprout or feed, nor did I find anything so far (I scanned it over rather quickly) that told what herbs were big no-nos.

I did find a paragraph that tells about freshly sprouted seeds. It says they are good for birds, *OK, we determined that already* and can be grown yourself or bought from the grocery store. This book says alfalfa, beans, and mixtures with radish & clover are good. And to answer your question Mare, this book says freshly sprouted wheat grass is a real treat for birds. :)

I am considering adding much of the information found in this book and the recipes which are many on here as a reference for new ideas to keep our birds happy & eating healthy. Maybe a few each week I'm off and if anyone else has favorite recipes they can share with everyone as well. I have to admit I have not actually used any of the actual recipes in this book, but I have gotten ideas of different things to add to breads I've cooked for my flock.

[Blancaej]

That's a great idea De!

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[Feathers First Aviary]

we have that book as well. I'm still wanting to do this, unfortunately finding good organic soil this time of year is a pain in the butt! I guess most people don't buy garden supplies when it's 6*F outside...

[Grey]

As long as the herbs are from organic seed and have not been treated with systemic pesticides or fungicides you'll be fine. you can cover the dirt with a layer of gravel too. I use Twin Beaks Herb Salad for all my guys and they love it. Many herbs have beneficial effects for the birds, though some are potentially hazardous. Research well before offering and good luck.