Favorite foods?

Helitorian

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Dec 15, 2011
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Nebraska
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RIP Constantine: Jenday Conure
I'm interested in what you all feed your parrot and what kind of foods they prefer. I'm looking to pick out a whole new selection of fruits and veggies next time I buy Con's fresh breakfast foods. Thanks!
 

roxynoodle

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Dec 1, 2011
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I'd say my Nanday is the least picky bird in the world. If she sees me eat it, it's good enough. But her favorite foods are spaghetti with tomato sauce, lima beans and popcorn. Of course I don't want to give her a lot of popcorn, but boy does she scream for it.

She actually starts screeching in the evening when it's time for her veggies. I make her a variety with carrots, broccoli, peas, corn, beans and sometimes other things as well.

As for fruit, my vet advises tropical fruits like mango and kiwi are the best for them. So I don't feed a lot of apples or grapes. She does really like oranges and bananas as well. And during the summer I have raspberries and mulberries here that she loves. And of course, strawberries.

The only things she doesn't really like are chicken and green beans.

But, my BC would not eat anything that was orange...ever! Of course orange veggies are very good for them for the vitamin A. She just had to get that from her pellets (and or course she wouldn't eat the orange pellets), or I had to trick her. I would make birdy bread and mix in baby food carrots or sweet potatos.
 

Sylver

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Nov 3, 2011
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Perth, Australia
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Sun Conure named Halo.
Halo is very picky so far. He really enjoys his Tropico Mix, which is dried apricot, banana, peanuts and walnuts, chickpeas and a bunch of other goodies on top of his pellets.

He doesn't like strawberries for some reason, but demolishes apples and I've only this week managed to get him enjoying grapes. Next up is mango or chillies or something else that I enjoy eating as much :D

He seems to love the smell of the shoddy instant Mee Goreng stuff too and always comes over to get some, but that's unhealthy enough for me, let alone him so I give him some fruit to keep him busy.
 

nofearengineer

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Sep 8, 2010
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Parrots
Gandalf - CAG (1997-2010) R.I.P. my baby boy.
Bitty - CAG (2 yrs old? and working on spoiling her rotten)
Bitty's favorite foods are bananas and "nuts," both of which she requests by name. Nuts consists of almonds, pecans, brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pepitos, a few sunflower seeds, etc. Everything but peanuts.

She also loves cornbread (with a little red palm oil), broccoli, peas, corn, carrots, grapes, scrambled eggs, and chicken.

She enjoyed some whole wheat french toast with me this morning (she didn't get any butter or syrup of course...I had plenty ;)).
 

Spiritbird

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For both yourself and your bird I think the best thing is to buy what is in season. Like now the pomegranate and winter squashes, nuts, sweet potato and more. Just take a look around the fresh foods in the store. I try to buy organic.
 
Last edited:

IcyWolf

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Jul 5, 2011
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Etters, Pa
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~Alexandrine Parakeet~2 Red Lored Amazons~Blue Fronted Amazon~Black capped conure~4 Green Cheeks~4 Parrotlets~2 lineolated parakeets~9 American budgies~9 English budgies~ And lots of babies :)
Anything they see us eating :) Lol, although they really seem to like whole serano peppers(it's like a treat and a toy all in one), apples, mashed potatoes, corn and tomato. I even gave them a little bit of my vegan stuffing from christmas and they tore it up :) And she doesn't get it often but ziggy goes nuts when she sees me eating a tofurky sandwich and will act like a complete nutcase until I give her a bite and she always goes straight for the tofurky slices. :) I always get a kick out of watching a bird eat mock bird meat lol.
 

Tauredheil

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Sep 20, 2011
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Indiana
Parrots
Green Cheek Conure
My GCCs new favorite is butternut squash. She loves hard boiled eggs, apples, pears, tangerines and pineapple. Not a fan of greens, but will eat them if nothing else is available that she prefers more.
 
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Helitorian

Helitorian

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RIP Constantine: Jenday Conure
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I just brought home some farm fresh eggs and plan on boiling one for him tomorrow and pick up a squash. I'll browse the peppers as well and pick out a bell and a hot one. A bag of oranges will probably end up in my cart too. It'll be good for the both of us :)

I found out he doesn't like mango but he ate a small piece of dried Philippine mango the other day. It was pretty sticky and I had to help him clean his beak off lol
 

Paulajoy

New member
Dec 14, 2011
4
0
Hi friends..........

[SIZE=-2]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2][/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]5. Safflower. This white, thin-shelled, conical seed is eaten by many birds and[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]has the reputation for being the favorite food of the northern cardinal. Some[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeder operators claim that safflower seed is not as readily eaten by squirrels[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]and blackbirds (caveat: your results may vary). Feed safflower in any feeder that[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]can accommodate sunflower seed. Avoid feeding safflower on the ground in wet[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]weather; it can quickly become soggy and inedible. You can buy safflower in bulk[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]at seed and feed stores. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]4. Cracked corn. Sparrows, blackbirds, jays, doves, quail, and squirrels are just a[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]few of the creatures you can expect at your feeders if you feed cracked corn.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Depending on where you live you may also get turkeys, deer, elk, moose, and[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]caribou. Fed in moderation, cracked corn will attract almost any feeder species.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Some feeder operators only use this food to lure the squirrels away from the bird[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeders. Squirrels love corn-cracked or otherwise-best of all. Whole corn that is[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]still on the cob is not a good bird food because the kernels are too big and hard[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]for most small birds to digest. Cracked corn is broken up into smaller, more[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]manageable bits. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]3. Mealworms. We fed mealworms to a pair of nesting bluebirds all this past[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]summer. They rewarded us with four healthy broods of young bluebirds. Eighteen[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]fledglings in one summer should land our bluebirds in the Guinness Book of[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]World Records. Most feeder birds, except goldfinches, will eat mealworms if you[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]offer them. Mealworms are available in bait stores, or by mail order. Don't worry,[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]they aren't slimy and gross. In fact, they aren't even worms; they are larval[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]stage of a beetle (Tenebrio molitor), if that makes you feel better. We keep[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]1,000 mealworms in a tub of old-fashioned rolled oats and feed them to the[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]birds in a shallow ceramic dish. The dish has slippery sides so the worms can't[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]crawl out. 2. Fruit. Humans are supposed to eat at least three servings of fruit every day.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Fruit is also an important dietary element for birds, but it can be hard to find in[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]many areas in midwinter. Set out grapes, slices of citrus fruits, apple or banana[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]slices, and even melon rinds, and watch your birds chow down. If you want to[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feed raisins, chop them up and soak them in warm water first to soften them up[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]a bit. Offering fruit to tanagers and orioles is a traditional spring and summer[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeding strategy, but many winter feeder birds will eat fruit, too. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]1. Homemade bird treats. Smear peanut[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]butter on a tree trunk, and poke some peanut bits into it. Melt suet in your[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]microwave, and pour it into an ice-cube tray to harden. Before it solidifies, add[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]peanut bits, raisins, apple bits, or other bird foods. Put the tray in your freezer[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]to harden. Once it does, you've got cubed bird treats. Easy to make and easy to[/SIZE][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]use![/SIZE]


















[SIZE=-2]_____________________________________________[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]Dog Kennels, Chicken Coops, Rabbit Hutches
[/SIZE]
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
Hi friends..........

[SIZE=-2]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]5. Safflower. This white, thin-shelled, conical seed is eaten by many birds and[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]has the reputation for being the favorite food of the northern cardinal. Some[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeder operators claim that safflower seed is not as readily eaten by squirrels[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]and blackbirds (caveat: your results may vary). Feed safflower in any feeder that[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]can accommodate sunflower seed. Avoid feeding safflower on the ground in wet[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]weather; it can quickly become soggy and inedible. You can buy safflower in bulk[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]at seed and feed stores. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]4. Cracked corn. Sparrows, blackbirds, jays, doves, quail, and squirrels are just a[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]few of the creatures you can expect at your feeders if you feed cracked corn.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Depending on where you live you may also get turkeys, deer, elk, moose, and[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]caribou. Fed in moderation, cracked corn will attract almost any feeder species.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Some feeder operators only use this food to lure the squirrels away from the bird[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeders. Squirrels love corn-cracked or otherwise-best of all. Whole corn that is[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]still on the cob is not a good bird food because the kernels are too big and hard[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]for most small birds to digest. Cracked corn is broken up into smaller, more[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]manageable bits. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]3. Mealworms. We fed mealworms to a pair of nesting bluebirds all this past[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]summer. They rewarded us with four healthy broods of young bluebirds. Eighteen[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]fledglings in one summer should land our bluebirds in the Guinness Book of[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]World Records. Most feeder birds, except goldfinches, will eat mealworms if you[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]offer them. Mealworms are available in bait stores, or by mail order. Don't worry,[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]they aren't slimy and gross. In fact, they aren't even worms; they are larval[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]stage of a beetle (Tenebrio molitor), if that makes you feel better. We keep[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]1,000 mealworms in a tub of old-fashioned rolled oats and feed them to the[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]birds in a shallow ceramic dish. The dish has slippery sides so the worms can't[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]crawl out. 2. Fruit. Humans are supposed to eat at least three servings of fruit every day.[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]Fruit is also an important dietary element for birds, but it can be hard to find in[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]many areas in midwinter. Set out grapes, slices of citrus fruits, apple or banana[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]slices, and even melon rinds, and watch your birds chow down. If you want to[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feed raisins, chop them up and soak them in warm water first to soften them up[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]a bit. Offering fruit to tanagers and orioles is a traditional spring and summer[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]feeding strategy, but many winter feeder birds will eat fruit, too. [/SIZE][SIZE=-2]1. Homemade bird treats. Smear peanut[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]butter on a tree trunk, and poke some peanut bits into it. Melt suet in your[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]microwave, and pour it into an ice-cube tray to harden. Before it solidifies, add[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]peanut bits, raisins, apple bits, or other bird foods. Put the tray in your freezer[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]to harden. Once it does, you've got cubed bird treats. Easy to make and easy to[/SIZE][SIZE=-2]use![/SIZE]

If these are not your words, you probably should be quoting the source.
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
I am continuously trying new foods with Max... The latest I've seen him really interested in was canned makrel in brine...

I just have him out on the kitchen bench, and let him choose for himself...
 

Spiritbird

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Banned
Aug 20, 2009
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That is correct Lene. If we copy and paste any information the copyright laws come into play. Writer please give us the source of your information. It does look like a copy and paste to me.
 

Amber

New member
Jun 1, 2011
408
3
Alex loves ... Nearly everything! Apple, brocoli, peas, corn, beans, carrot, oranges (limited amounts, acidic) watermelon, pasta, cheerios, anything! I don't think he's ever rejected a food. Their are some he likes more then others, but he gives everything a fair go.

But this is good time to pop in and say why we are on the diet thing, to make sure your conure gets plenty of vitamin K. Broccoli, leafy greens like Kale and so on. Conures are prone to bleeding disorders (many internal and not detected) due to a lack of vit K. They don't absorb it as well as other parrots, so they need to ingest more in order to extract the same amount, if that makes sense? Of cause ALL vitamins an minerals are important, but always give them that extra bit of K so they absorb enough! :) The Conure Handbook By Anne C. Watkins (Not sure if this link will work, but you can get it for free on google books here The Conure Handbook - Anne C. Watkins - Google Books) has good info on it all.
 

roxynoodle

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Dec 1, 2011
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Any whole grain cereals without sugar can be a good addition to their diet. And yes, broccoli is one of the healthiest foods for them and us.
 

nofearengineer

New member
Sep 8, 2010
575
1
Parrots
Gandalf - CAG (1997-2010) R.I.P. my baby boy.
Bitty - CAG (2 yrs old? and working on spoiling her rotten)
And yes, broccoli is one of the healthiest foods for them and us.

I can personally vouch that in my quest to feed Bitty a better diet, I am eating tons more vegetables than I used to. Bitty likes to share.
 
OP
Helitorian

Helitorian

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Dec 15, 2011
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Nebraska
Parrots
RIP Constantine: Jenday Conure
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The Conure Handbook By Anne C. Watkins (Not sure if this link will work, but you can get it for free on google books here The Conure Handbook - Anne C. Watkins - Google Books) has good info on it all.

We have this book at the PetsMart that I work at. I read it three times before I got Con. It is a great book and I wish I could recommend it to customers but we no longer carry it :( Actually, I wish we had more conure books in general :rolleyes:
 

roxynoodle

New member
Dec 1, 2011
4,499
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And yes, broccoli is one of the healthiest foods for them and us.

I can personally vouch that in my quest to feed Bitty a better diet, I am eating tons more vegetables than I used to. Bitty likes to share.

Feeding my birds used to be easier because I'd give them some of whatever pile of veggies I made for myself. But, now I have chronic pancreatitis and can no longer tolerate vegetables. I actually get jealous a lot of evenings when I feed them. I also have to admit it isn't that hard to cook for 2 birds, but trying to cook for just a Nanday conure is pretty hard. When my BC passed away I kept making too many veggies. Now that Pete is here it's easier again and he eats the green beans that Rowdy doesn't care for, lol! He still isn't so sure about carrots and broccoli but he's trying them.
 

Amber

New member
Jun 1, 2011
408
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The Conure Handbook By Anne C. Watkins (Not sure if this link will work, but you can get it for free on google books here The Conure Handbook - Anne C. Watkins - Google Books) has good info on it all.

We have this book at the PetsMart that I work at. I read it three times before I got Con. It is a great book and I wish I could recommend it to customers but we no longer carry it :( Actually, I wish we had more conure books in general :rolleyes:

I agree, it's a great one, covers all the bases, but not in a complex way! It was one of the ones I read after buying Alex (All the ones read before were ekkie books, because that's what I planned on getting :D. Oh well.) and it gave me the knowledge I needed to get going and prepare to bring him home. It's a great reference!


I wish they had the whole preview online, but it has the sections that I was thinking about, amongst a bunch of other good ones, so it's still worth a read for anyone interested. But if you manage to get a complete copy, it's a really good read.
 

SunMommy

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Nov 6, 2011
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Michigan
Parrots
Pyro, my new baby sun conure
Pyro has finally started trying new foods for me. He loves mashed sweet pototoes, scrambled eggs, whole grain breads, nuts and dried fruits. I haven't really been able to get him to eat any fresh fruits yet, but it's a work in progress. :)
 

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