Dehydrating chop: The easiest way to store and serve fresh foods!

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
I know that some people struggle to get enough fresh foods in their birds diet. It is time consuming to prep it every morning/evening, making large batches requires a large portion of the freezer for long term storage and no matter how well you make it, defrosted chop is just never quite as nice as fresh.

I am fortunate I do have the ability to get fresh in Kiwi's bowl every day, but I also like to supplement with chop to keep the variety of foods wide. Here is how I prep and store chop:

Step 1: Choose a WIDE variety of either fruit or veg (I personally do not like to mix them). My last batch included a bell pepper, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, corn, tomatoes, sweet potato, jalapeños, zucchini, carrots + lemon and lime juice as a natural preservative so veggies can be dehydrated raw and without chemicals.
DSC_8280_zps3nrhfrmm.jpg


Step 2: I run my veggies or fruit through the Omega juicer with the blank disk in (it basically just grinds them up). I find using the juicer to be faster for large quantities, but a food processor works just as well for the task. Then I mix it all up in a huge bowl (I believe this is a 6 quart bowl).
DSC_8281_zpsormnjuef.jpg


Step 3: I spread the veggies onto silicone sheets on the dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 110 degrees (which preserves the enzymatic activity of the living, fresh foods) for about 18 hours (may be more or less depending on where you live, humidity ext..). Then I break up the dried mix and store in an airtight jar.
DSC_8425_zpscxeycqhf.jpg

(Can you believe ALL those veggies dehydrated down to THIS???)

To serve: You can serve the dehydrated veggies 2 ways. Dried, which will not spoil if left in the cage all day OR you can re-hydrate them by soaking a small amount in water or juice for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately and pull from cage after about an hour or two if you soak them.
 

Allee

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2013
16,852
Media
2
212
Texas
Parrots
U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
Thank you, April! As Wendy said, this is a wonderful idea for a thread.
 

Blancaej

New member
Apr 5, 2013
2,329
5
Middlebury, VT
Parrots
CAG Quincy - BD 3/27/00. Gotcha 6/00 ~ GW Macaw Savannah - BD 6/21/93. Gotcha 4/13 ~ B&G Macaw Coqui - BD 9/3/03. Gotcha 10/13 ~ Blue Crown Conure Sidney - BD Unknown Approx 5 Years Old. Gotcha 6/15/
Wow, that is great! I have considered getting a food dehydrator for my fids. Thanks for sharing! :D
 

Terry57

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Nov 6, 2013
47,515
Media
47
Albums
13
38,729
Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Parrots
Hawkhead(Darwin),YCA(Dexter),VE (Ekko),OWA(Slater),BHP(Talli),DYH(Calypso),RLA(Kimera),Alex(Xander)CBC(Phoe),IRN (Kodee,Luna,Stevie),WCP (Pisces),CAG(Justice)GCC (Jax), GSC2(Charley)
Thank you so much for this thread, April! I have also thought about getting one, but had no idea what to do with it after that!
 

Ann333

New member
Jan 8, 2015
1,119
0
New Mexico
Parrots
--PUMPKIN - male YS GCC. Hatched Halloween Day 2014. Came home Jan. 4, 2015. Started talking in July '15!

-BUTTERNUT- female TYS GCC Hatched in late Jan. 2016 and came home March 14, 2016
Wow very helpful thanks!
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Glad everyone is finding this helpful:)

Just a couple additional things to keep in mind:

1. As mentioned, I do fruit and veg chops separately. The reason being, when dehydrating veggies tend to come out quite "crisp" whereas fruit, being high in sugar and pectin, comes out "chewy-er". Fruit chop also requires the extra step (after fully dehydrated) of pulsing through the food chopper into tiny, tiny pieces (kind of the size of a "crumble" topping) so it will rehydrate well (if you plan to re-hydrate).

2. If you are getting a dehydrator, be sure to consider whether the less expensive stacking kind or the more expensive pull out tray kind will be better for your needs. If you only plan to use the dehydrator every once in a while, the stacking kind work fine, but if you're using it weekly or even more often (like I do) invest in the pull out tray kind. MUCH easier for frequent use!
 

deque

Member
Aug 7, 2014
112
4
Miami, Florida
Parrots
Bala- B&G, Capri- Greenwing, Cata- Catalina, Ruby- Military, Abbey- B&G
Thank you so much for this post. I LOVE this! It's so warm here in Florida and my kids are in an outdoor during the day.

Question: apx. how long does it take to dehydrate a tray?
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Awesome! You are making your own pellets!
Which dehydrator Do you have?

Actually, I have been working on how to make pellets;) I tried the pasta extruder on my Omega, but that didn't work so well. Now I have another idea I'm going to try soon. I'll be sure to share IF it works (I have actually been working on the pellet project for several months now:52: It's not as if pellet manufactures give away their secrets so I have to figure it out myself;))

I have a Raw Rutes dehydrator. Kinda pricey, but made in the US and all stainless steel. It will last forever! Plus, it's got a timer and removable trays and racks so it's super easy to clean. I love it!
Raw Cubed 8 Tray Eating RED Dehydrator by Raw Rutes | Raw Rutes
They have a few smaller ones too:
Dehydrating ? Raw Rutes

I used to have a Nesco dehydrator I gave away to a forum member. I use my dehydrator for a lot more than bird food, but if thats all you'd use it for, this one would work and is really affordable!
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Nesco-Snackmaster-Food-Dehydrator-FD-75A/dp/B0090WOCN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437850142&sr=8-1&keywords=nesco+food+dehydrator]Amazon.com: Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator FD-75A: Kitchen & Dining[/ame]
 
Last edited:
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Thank you so much for this post. I LOVE this! It's so warm here in Florida and my kids are in an outdoor during the day.

Question: apx. how long does it take to dehydrate a tray?

You dehydrate more than a tray at a time, but it usually takes between 18-20 hours at 110 degrees. You could dehydrate at a higher heat, quicker but you loose nutritional value.
 

Solo

New member
Feb 24, 2015
294
0
Wichita,KS
Parrots
Shamrock Macaw
Convection ovens can also be used as a dehydrator. This is a great thread, I may need to try this with a bit of chop. Phoebe isn't taking to the chop I made, but I'm having to thaw it.
 

Doublete

New member
Mar 15, 2015
1,242
0
Maryland
Parrots
"Loki" turquoise GCC 1/4/15 hatch date-- "Chiqui" amazon 9/2010 hatch date---- "Banner" green parrotlet hatchdate 11/22/16

RIP "pineapple" lovebird
This looks like a great variety option...
I just went to amazon and found a dehydrator that looks ok for my purposes... (Only bird food lol)...
I wonder if Chiqui will eat it as a dehydrated salad type option? It looks like it's very finely done in your pictures. (Like an herb salad I guess?)
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #14
Convection ovens can also be used as a dehydrator. This is a great thread, I may need to try this with a bit of chop. Phoebe isn't taking to the chop I made, but I'm having to thaw it.

My convection oven only goes down to 150 degrees, but I have heard you can dehydrate in them too.
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #15
This looks like a great variety option...
I just went to amazon and found a dehydrator that looks ok for my purposes... (Only bird food lol)...
I wonder if Chiqui will eat it as a dehydrated salad type option? It looks like it's very finely done in your pictures. (Like an herb salad I guess?)

My juicer has a blank insert that basically turns it into a grinder. It's similar to the consistency of ground meat when it comes out. You can also use a food processor, but you'd have to do in small batches to ensure even consistency (which is very important when dehydrating). Cutting THAT much chop that fine by hand would probably be....tedious to say the least:eek:

And for dehydrating chop or sliced fruit/veg, the 'regular' dehydrators do just fine:) I just use mine for bigger things like pizza crusts and veggie burgers, so I need the different "style". As for eating it, Kiwi will eat it dry and re-hydrated, though I usually serve re-hydrated. He really seems to like this batch, it has some of his favorite veg in it, broccoli, beets, tomatoes;)
 
Last edited:

Newbsi

New member
Jul 18, 2015
533
0
Saratoga Springs NY
Parrots
Gollum - Senegal
Hatch Day- 5/8/15 &

Dobby- Indian Ringneck
Hatch Day- 7/16/15
Convection ovens can also be used as a dehydrator. This is a great thread, I may need to try this with a bit of chop. Phoebe isn't taking to the chop I made, but I'm having to thaw it.

our oven has a convection setting. This can be used in place of the dehydrator?
 

Solo

New member
Feb 24, 2015
294
0
Wichita,KS
Parrots
Shamrock Macaw
Convection ovens can also be used as a dehydrator. This is a great thread, I may need to try this with a bit of chop. Phoebe isn't taking to the chop I made, but I'm having to thaw it.

our oven has a convection setting. This can be used in place of the dehydrator?
I haven't tried dehydrating in mine, but there are quite a few blogs on doing in. Since convection ovens have a fan that circulates for even heating they also work to help preserve the enzymes while baking at very low temperatures. Some people will prop the door open with a wooden spoon for even better air flow and results. Different convections have different temperature ranges, but most will allow you to set a low enough temperature. Will try with mine in the next month or so and let you know how it goes.
 
OP
Kiwibird

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #19
Convection ovens can also be used as a dehydrator. This is a great thread, I may need to try this with a bit of chop. Phoebe isn't taking to the chop I made, but I'm having to thaw it.

our oven has a convection setting. This can be used in place of the dehydrator?
I haven't tried dehydrating in mine, but there are quite a few blogs on doing in. Since convection ovens have a fan that circulates for even heating they also work to help preserve the enzymes while baking at very low temperatures. Some people will prop the door open with a wooden spoon for even better air flow and results. Different convections have different temperature ranges, but most will allow you to set a low enough temperature. Will try with mine in the next month or so and let you know how it goes.

Ours is a HUGE countertop model for restaurants. It only goes down to 150 on the temperature gauge, but I just tried and you can turn the heat off and have the convection fan run. Not sure how to regulate temps under 150 though, but I never realized it was possible. However, with the times necessary to dehydrate, is a convection oven designed to run for 18-20 hours straight?
 

Solo

New member
Feb 24, 2015
294
0
Wichita,KS
Parrots
Shamrock Macaw
I would imagine it would be fine. Tons of people dehydrate fruits and veggies in convections below 150. My oven is not time regulated, so I can run it as long as I want. I would probably dehydrate one ingredient at a time so that they would reach they optimal dehydration for that specific ingredient.
 

Most Reactions

Top