How many almonds and Peanuts are too much for a CAG?

[Vampiric_Conure]

SO yeah. The title says it all. Yvons, my CAG, gets a few peanuts and shelled almonds in his treat box at night before bed. He loooooves his peanuts, even more than his almonds... as long as they're still in shell. I offer him human-grade, roasted peanuts as a treat only.

Any recommendations for a nut or seed that he can get a lot of that isn't high in fats? TIA!!

 

[Wingle]

Hey! Great question. Honestly, there's no truly low-fat nut or seed—they're all fatty by nature. Since your bird loves the work of in-shell treats, here are better options to rotate in:

• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Lower fat than peanuts, high in zinc.
• Unsweetened Cereal Puffs (like Cheerios): A fun, low-fat, crunchy alternative for bulk in a treat box.
• Shelled Walnut Pieces: Still fatty, but rich in Omega-3s, so a healthier occasional fat source than peanuts.
• Hope this helps.
  

 

[Corkscr.ew]

I think it might be best to feed peanuts every other day or less. I've always stayed away from peanuts because of the aspergillosis risk. Almonds are fine as a daily treat though, from what I've researched. You might try feeding them during training sessions though, rather than just giving him a box.

 

[nkrbkr]

I also stay away from peanuts. You could try almonds in the shell though. I’ve always chopped nuts into very small pieces to give as rewards for training. I very very rarely give a full nut in one sitting. I notice it in Ava’s demeanor and behavior (and it’s not in a good way) almost immediately if I do. Another thing I’ve found that Ava likes is safflower seeds, so I’ve been using those for training lately instead of nuts.

 

[rheashard2]

If you find one let me know. Nuts and seeds are naturally high in fat. They are seeds meant to nourish seedlings. I ration them for Nameliss. By the way she'd love you. She is allowed maybe two or three peanuts every couple of months. I'm wasn't a peanut fan before I had a CAG. She loves them. If they're not in the house she can't have any. In season pecans in a shell 2-3 every other day till gone. Otherwise half a shelled pecan every other day for treats. Almonds depending on what I am cooking, baking before they come in the house. A couple a few times a week on non pecan days . Almonds are taboo because I am addicted to them. It's like one or two for Nameliss and a cup or more for me. Unfortunately for me Nameliss knows I keep nuts in the chest freezer. So she'll get on it searching for a way in. Eventually she'll beak bang it like knock knock and say come here. I have to go and open get the nut of her choice. Somewhere here someone did a discussion about nuts. It included things like high in zinc, better for the Omega fats. I was reading past posts. Don't know where it was or title.
Sounds like Yvon is settled in. Glad to see that.

 

[GivemeSeedsorgivemeFlesh]

In this vein, how much popcorn is too much popcorn? Somebody has no self restraint whatsoever...

 

[rheashard2]

Neither do the two of us!!! I am addicted to popcorn. I have varietes of them and a couple of pounds in house at all times. I limit my popcorn to one very large bowel about every 10 days or longer. Nameliss gets her chop bowl full when I do. It's just just over a half cup. Air popped or microwaved, no oil. Her's is plain except for added crushed dried peppers; red, habanero and the like. How wish I could get a video of her when she hears that sound of popping corn. Her anxiety that she won't get her share. When we share, mine is like hers, no butter, flavored salts. Like everything else moderation and avoiding additives is key. If I had to ban popcorn both of us would be severely depressed. I think me more than her!

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Thank you everyone for your replies! I'm gonna have to get something better, and cut down on the peanuts. Don't tell Yvons, tho

 

[rheashard2]

Don't stop suddenly. Yvon won't understand. True for any pet as it'd be a break in his routine. Decrease the number, then alternate days and space the days further apart. Everyone one has a different routine for treats. If he's in the habit of a before bedtime treat find a substitute. Pets, especially parrots are resistant to change in routine.