iron etc questions

[nopEda]

I was feeding spinach but it wilts too fast and the birds seem to like romaine lettuce better. But I've heard spinach has a good bit of iron. Is iron in some liquid vitamins that anyone can recommend? Someone also said spinach is high in vitamin A, so it shouldn't be fed if the birds are getting vitamin supplements because they could get too much. Is that a real concern?

[ac12]

I read that too much spinach can interfeer or block calcium absorption by the bird. So don't give them too much spinach.

[managermania]

This is just my opinion from what I have learned in this short time.

In the beginning I was so worried about what I was feeding my finches so they had the preoper nutrients. I was also having fun feeding them lots of new foods. I have found that the following diet has given me very healthy and happy birds thus far:
- a good finch seed mix
- fresh egg mix food (daily)
- fresh greens (twice a week)- I prefer Endive (http://www.juicing-for-health.com/endive-nutrition.html)
- millet (couple times a week maybe)
- clean water
- and the regular medicine regimen

Again, I am by no means a pro but this has worked good for me.

[nopEda]

I read that too much spinach can interfeer or block calcium absorption by the bird. So don't give them too much spinach.

I checked out spinach at the site Chase mentioned and found this:

"There are warnings of spinach having oxalic acid, and that its consumption should be limited. The presence of oxalic acid in food is said to prevent absorption of calcium and iron.

The truth be told here: In its raw form, the oxalic acid is ORGANIC and is abundant in enzymes. Not only is the organic form beneficial, it is also essential for the physiological functions of the body.

Only when spinach is cooked and processed, however, that the oxalic acid turns INORGANIC and become harmful. Therefore, limit your consumption of cooked or processed spinach."

http://is.gd/kJIlcZ

[nopEda]

- a good finch seed mix
- fresh egg mix food (daily)
- fresh greens (twice a week)- I prefer Endive (http://www.juicing-for-health.com/endive-nutrition.html)
- millet (couple times a week maybe)
- clean water
- and the regular medicine regimen

What type medicine? What about vitamins?

Thanks for the tip about endive. I did some more checking around and compared several types of greens, and endive looks like the best, with romaine lettuce being lamest. I compared some protein sources too. Take a look and see if you want:

http://is.gd/RAEtcz broccoli
http://is.gd/L4mbwl spinach
http://is.gd/71crOY endive
http://is.gd/nvkJPw romaine lettuce
http://is.gd/Xjbbe9 sunflower hearts
http://is.gd/35jA8Z peanut butter, low fat, smooth
http://is.gd/i92uaY boiled egg
http://is.gd/zZbwjT meal worms

[debbie276]

Thought you might like this link from the Finch Information Center for Nutrients and their sources:
http://www.finchinfo.com/diet/nutrients_and_sources.php