The *respectful* GMO discussion thread

[faeryphoebe1]

Oh... And if you want proof of certain things...
My brother feeds his chickens all organic natural food.
The eggs are PHENOMENAL.

he also raised guineas at one point. But once you eat an organic natural fed chicken you will never buy a normal grocery store chicken again.

Coincidence?

Diet is one factor, so is lack of antibiotics, hormones and stressful/unnatural living conditions commercial chickens suffer before slaughter. THAT is a WHOLE other topic though:54:

OH YEAH, the treatment of chickens by big corporations is one soap box you don't want to get me on cause I ain't coming back down!!! BackyardChickens forum member here! But then considering this is a bird forum I'm guessing we would all be up on that box!

It's atrocious, isn't it? Poor babies. Chickens are so sweet and cute, too.

I grew up on a farm and we always had chickens. ♡♡♡chickens

Has anyone seen the YouTube video, "Have you hugged your chicken today"? It's the one where a little blonde boy is hugging his chicken.

 

[Hawk]

I'm almost ashamed to admit it - I, too, don't know enough about it..... But I want to learn, and therefore truly appreciate this thread.

I wonder if any of you know if "White Nose Syndrom" (the disease bats have been heavily afflicted with, and so many were wiped out by it) could have anything to do with GMOs, especially because bats' primary diet is bugs...

I have considered that myself Wendy. There are gmo foods that are designed so that when the bug eats the plant their stomach's explode! I wouldn't be surprised if this is effecting bats and other bug eating creatures. I know I raise an eyebrow when I hear of all the stomach and bowel related issues more and more human's and pets are experiencing. How can they not think about what that same thing does to our intestines?

Your right about that Labell, My uncle was plant manager at the purina company which is just across town from Kellogg's and Post cereals.
I got to tour that plant back in the 80's. They used to make bird food as well. I don't think they do now, least I have not been there since. Anyway,
the process that is used to "wash" the food and additives they use I would question.

In full pure strength some of it would kill you on the spot.
It's like pool chlorine...pure strength of that would burn a hole right thru you, yet small amounts are put in pools. Same principle here at those food plants. Not to mention the barrels of yellow dyes, red dyes and that that is used in it. There's warning labels on the barrels stating pure form is unsafe for consumption...really???? why use it then?

My wife and I have a huge garden, maybe half to 3/4 acre in size. Plus on opposite side of yard my wife has her herb and grain garden. We also have several different types of fruit trees. My birds eat very well and is fresh and organic.

People laugh that I have a pantry that has a 5 tier shelf for all the bird fixings (grains) and have a seperate refrigerator just for all the bird food and that.

I know not everyone has the pleasure of this set up, and let alone a yard to grow your own. But careful research and analysis of products bought for your birds is the key to safe and healthy diets.

I buy a lot of grains and that from health store and market seperately in winter months. It can be expensive, but it goes along ways if used and stored properly. But having a safe and healthy diet for birds surely out weighs the cost and heart ache of having a sick bird.

Very good post here !!!

 

[labell]

Now, I'm not a "prepper" type or anything like that, more someone who feels if the information is out there on certain subjects, I should go ahead and inform myself. I have a pretty good BS filter though (aliens run the government? I think NOT). My family refers to me as a "tree hugger", "earth muffin", "bark licker" and I'm sure call me a conspiracy nut behind my back (except my mom, I think she just agrees to disagree). I guess I've grown a pretty thick skin about such terminology personally. It's not constructive, but it usually reflects more on the person saying it than it does me.

Back to the topic of GMO's for parrots though I like that this has been kept pretty civil so far despite opposing viewpoints. Anyone care to possibly do some joint research to compile a list of GMO/non-GMO pellet brands/varieties as a reference for members (since so many use them)?

While this research and list would be great in theory I think it would be difficult to get companies to tell you if they use gmo or not. Aside from listing what pellets are organic and which are not I don't know how much further this could go. They don't have to say for human consumption so I highly doubt they would volunteer that information as it applies to our parrots.

I have bought all that I know of that are organic pellets to sample and try and I can tell you my least favorite is TOPS it smells and looks like rabbit food and the beaks unanimously went in the air when I offered that stinky stuff!

 

[RavensGryf]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

 

[Christinenc2000]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

From what I have been reading Organic is the only way to be sure its free of it

 

[Kiwibird]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

The scary part is, there is no way for a consumer to make an informed decision. There is no labeling on GMO foods, but there is organic (which is not GMO) and many brands now label their products as non-GMO because they are proud of that fact (look for this label on packaged foods that contain soy, wheat and corn):

This may also help (list of GMO products to avoid):
Top 10 Worst GMO Foods for Your GMO Foods List | Natural Society

 

[Christinenc2000]

Here is what I found.

• Also, just because something says "organic," it does not mean that it doesn't contain GMOs. In fact, it can still contain up to 30% GMOs, so be sure the label says 100% organic.
• The U.S. and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something 100% organic if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed.

 

[Hawk]

Now, I'm not a "prepper" type or anything like that, more someone who feels if the information is out there on certain subjects, I should go ahead and inform myself. I have a pretty good BS filter though (aliens run the government? I think NOT). My family refers to me as a "tree hugger", "earth muffin", "bark licker" and I'm sure call me a conspiracy nut behind my back (except my mom, I think she just agrees to disagree). I guess I've grown a pretty thick skin about such terminology personally. It's not constructive, but it usually reflects more on the person saying it than it does me.

Back to the topic of GMO's for parrots though I like that this has been kept pretty civil so far despite opposing viewpoints. Anyone care to possibly do some joint research to compile a list of GMO/non-GMO pellet brands/varieties as a reference for members (since so many use them)?

While this research and list would be great in theory I think it would be difficult to get companies to tell you if they use gmo or not. Aside from listing what pellets are organic and which are not I don't know how much further this could go. They don't have to say for human consumption so I highly doubt they would volunteer that information as it applies to our parrots.

I have bought all that I know of that are organic pellets to sample and try and I can tell you my least favorite is TOPS it smells and looks like rabbit food and the beaks unanimously went in the air when I offered that stinky stuff!

You know I came across some research a while back while looking into a consumers report about chemicals in pet foods. The shocking story is they ( The FDA) stated that companies do not have to disclose every single factor in the product... it's voluntary. I would stick to those that do disclose..then how does one know if they are disclosing everything?

My wife and I had concerns with this. We make our own dog treats and are even considering making our own bird pellets from scratch. Why not, I don't trust anyone of those companies that much. I've to tried some of the pellets only to have the birds totally refuse it. So, alternatives are in order now.

 

[Hawk]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

The scary part is, there is no way for a consumer to make an informed decision. There is no labeling on GMO foods, but there is organic (which is not GMO) and many brands now label their products as non-GMO because they are proud of that fact (look for this label on packaged foods that contain soy, wheat and corn):

This may also help (list of GMO products to avoid):
Top 10 Worst GMO Foods for Your GMO Foods List | Natural Society

Who actually verifies it that's what I'd like to know. There was an investigation and was on the news not long back about companies using organic labels when the product was not actually organic....it was just a way to make more money and get in on the piece of the money pie.

The FDA stated that companies did NOT have to disclose every item and are lightening up on label restrictions, making it harder for consumers to really know what's actually in it. That's a bit troubling to me.

 

[labell]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

The best course of action I have found with this type of health issue is to do an elimination diet. Take out the most common offenders such as dairy, gluten, soy, wheat and corn including high fructose corn syrup.

On this you are going to be eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies (meats if you eat them though I would stay with chicken or fish). Really look at any processed or prepared foods because there are a zillion different names for corn, soy and wheat. If you get anything like that go for ones that clearly say no gluten to be safe.

There are some fairly decent breads made with spelt and quinoa is a great choice for warm, fill you up food plus you can add things to it to make it savory or sweet. I recently found pasta made out of quinoa and it is really wonderful! Eat some raw unsalted almonds or nuts just not peanuts for another fill you up snack. Stay with the clean diet for at least 4 to 6 weeks then start slowly one item at a time adding back the ones you have eliminated and watch how your body responds.

 

[labell]

Believe me farmers who are "certified organic" have to really jump through hoops to get that label. They are monitored with what they can add to the soil, how they rotate their crops and pay out the nose to be certified. They are closely watched because frankly the big industrial farmers would love to push them out of business. I am friends with a certified organic small farmer in TN near where my sister lives and the paperwork and hoops that he is made to jump are ridiculous.

 

[RavensGryf]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

The best course of action I have found with this type of health issue is to do an elimination diet. Take out the most common offenders such as dairy, gluten, soy, wheat and corn including high fructose corn syrup.

On this you are going to be eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies (meats if you eat them though I would stay with chicken or fish). Really look at any processed or prepared foods because there are a zillion different names for corn, soy and wheat. If you get anything like that go for ones that clearly say no gluten to be safe.

There are some fairly decent breads made with spelt and quinoa is a great choice for warm, fill you up food plus you can add things to it to make it savory or sweet. I recently found pasta made out of quinoa and it is really wonderful! Eat some raw unsalted almonds or nuts just not peanuts for another fill you up snack. Stay with the clean diet for at least 4 to 6 weeks then start slowly one item at a time adding back the ones you have eliminated and watch how your body responds.

Having been into the fitness lifestyle since I was a teen, as I got older, I had learned the importance of a "good" diet as well. In more recent years, I had bouts of trying (a lot of the time :54 to stay away from processed foods (sickening how EVERYTHING has sugar added even if not HFCS), I would eat 'just enough' carbs (whole grain) but not overboard as is very easy to do, lots of veggies...
BUT I was finding that my digestive system is extremely intolerant to many vegetables (only maybe in the past 4-5 years), so have to only eat the ones that agree with me now. Even many grain products will give me digestive distress! What the heck?! It is so hard for me to eat anything anymore without taking a ton of enzyme pills, etc.

Interesting thing is that, like I say, I have not always had these problems... I really should see a GI specialist. I HAVE done elimination of foods to see what the worst culprits were, and sadly that leaves my choices more narrow than I'd like nowdays. So NOW... I am wondering if I am just getting to much GMO or chemicals that are now affecting me... Perhaps?

Ps.. I know this thread is about the birds . I need to find a whole foods market somewhere again. Since we moved (only 30 miles away), there are none of that type of store in this particular area I was so shocked to find out .

 

[labell]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

The best course of action I have found with this type of health issue is to do an elimination diet. Take out the most common offenders such as dairy, gluten, soy, wheat and corn including high fructose corn syrup.

On this you are going to be eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies (meats if you eat them though I would stay with chicken or fish). Really look at any processed or prepared foods because there are a zillion different names for corn, soy and wheat. If you get anything like that go for ones that clearly say no gluten to be safe.

There are some fairly decent breads made with spelt and quinoa is a great choice for warm, fill you up food plus you can add things to it to make it savory or sweet. I recently found pasta made out of quinoa and it is really wonderful! Eat some raw unsalted almonds or nuts just not peanuts for another fill you up snack. Stay with the clean diet for at least 4 to 6 weeks then start slowly one item at a time adding back the ones you have eliminated and watch how your body responds.

Having been into the fitness lifestyle since I was a teen, as I got older, I had learned the importance of a "good" diet as well. In more recent years, I had bouts of trying (a lot of the time :54 to stay away from processed foods (sickening how EVERYTHING has sugar added even if not HFCS), I would eat 'just enough' carbs (whole grain) but not overboard as is very easy to do, lots of veggies...
BUT I was finding that my digestive system is extremely intolerant to many vegetables (only maybe in the past 4-5 years), so have to only eat the ones that agree with me now. Even many grain products will give me digestive distress! What the heck?! It is so hard for me to eat anything anymore without taking a ton of enzyme pills, etc.

Interesting thing is that, like I say, I have not always had these problems... I really should see a GI specialist. I HAVE done elimination of foods to see what the worst culprits were, and sadly that leaves my choices more narrow than I'd like nowdays. So NOW... I am wondering if I am just getting to much GMO or chemicals that are now affecting me... Perhaps?

Ps.. I know this thread is about the birds . I need to find a whole foods market somewhere again. Since we moved (only 30 miles away), there are none of that type of store in this particular area I was so shocked to find out .

Yes many times it is an overload of chemicals and the body needs a complete detox and overhaul to begin working properly again.

 

[henpecked]

I rarely eat out, i don't buy processed foods.I make everything from mayonnaise to yogurt,ceral, sausage, bread, spices, you name it. For meat i eat fish i catch, chickens,turkeys i raise, !/2 a cow i help grow, lots of deer,wild pigs, game birds etc. I do buy pork but i'm working to change that. I can/ freeze tons and raise much of my (and the parrots) veggies and fruit. GMOs worry me. feeding pellets worries me. "Variety is best" has always been my motto. Too much of anything is bad. IMO people and parrots can handle a lot of things if only in moderation.

 

[Hawk]

Stupid (maybe I should say ignorant) question here...

At the grocery store... How do I know what is GMO and what is not? Now I really want to look a little further into my digestive issues and see if there might be a connection?

From what I have been reading Organic is the only way to be sure its free of it

I found a few stores close by me that actually has an Ilse of organic seeds
for growing garden and posts a informative pamplet on GMO's. Certifying that all the seeds there are GMO free.