Dear all-
I'm curious about what others may use as alternative sources of protein. Egg is a staple, and live food is also excellent, but each has its disadvantages. Egg can spoil, especially in hot and humid environments. Live food can be difficult to offer inside one's home, or may be expensive/time-consuming to acquire/produce. Has anyone explored alternative sources of protein besides traditional egg-food and live foods?
Tks
Matt
sources of protein
- elepaio4
- Hatchling
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- Sally
- Mod Extraordinaire
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- Location: DFW, Texas
Re: sources of protein
For me, one of the best alternative sources of protein is freeze-dried bloodworms. You can find them in the fish food department of a pet store. They run about 60-66% protein, and most of my birds love them. They are very lightweight, so they will blow all over the bottom of the cage. I mix them with my homemade eggfood to weigh them down. They could also be mixed with dry commercial eggfood. Others use freeze-dried mealworms.
- Sunbay
- Amateur Architect
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Re: sources of protein
I also use frozen fruit flies. Order the live "Flies Only", and when they arrive, put right into freezer. Tap them right out into a dish or plate.
They love them! Especially the African species.
The Cordons will practically land on your hands putting them in.

Lauren
They love them! Especially the African species.
The Cordons will practically land on your hands putting them in.

Lauren
- Martie
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Re: sources of protein
Soya Musca http://www.skipios.com/Soya_Musca_Analysis.html is a very good one. I use this in my egg food - 61.60% protein.
Martie
Mill Creek Aviary
Erythrura (Chloebia) Gouldiae (Gouldians)
Lonchura striata domestica (Societies)
Taeniopygia bichenovii (Owls)
Serinus mozambicus (Green Singers)
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Mill Creek Aviary
Erythrura (Chloebia) Gouldiae (Gouldians)
Lonchura striata domestica (Societies)
Taeniopygia bichenovii (Owls)
Serinus mozambicus (Green Singers)
Lonchura punctulata (Spice)
Poephila acuticauda (Shafttails)
Split Plastic Leg Bands
http://sites.google.com/site/finchlegbands/