Do you use supplements?

[Sally]

I'm looking for different ways to feed my birds. I now use a basic finch seed mix and supplement vitamins and minerals. The seed mix is not expensive, but adding in the supplements, etc., can get pricey. I do give the birds mashed egg, spray millet, and veggies, so wonder if the additional vitamin supplements are even necessary. I was wondering what other people are doing.

A Gouldian breeder recently told me she supplies calcium by buying oyster shell grit (for chickens) at the feed store and grinding it into a powder with something like a coffee grinder. I tried this with my birds, offered it in egg cups in each cage, and they went nuts for it.

Any other hints out there for feeding well without breaking the bank?

[EmilyHurd]

I think all that you are currently doing sounds good. You can try switching to the pellets, which I'm currently doing b/c the pellets are a lot healthier for them than seed.

[Sally]

Thanks, Emily. From what I'm reading, there are vitamins and minerals built into the pellets. Though pellets seem expensive at first, if I don't have to purchase all these extra supplements, it would probably balance out. Plus I feel like a master chemist preparing their food sometimes!

I also do mealworms for those that like them--CBs! Except now, when I'm resting all of them, they get less protein, i.e. egg mix, mealworms.

I'm assuming the pellets would work fine in the vacation seed hoppers.

[plantsandbirds]

You do sound like you have a great feeding plan.

I give my finches free choice of Twin Beaks Herb Salad. If you google the name you will find places that sell it. Twin Beaks sells it off of their website too. They will send you a sample if you request it.

My birds love the stuff. I provide it in a shallow, stable feeder on the floor of the cage and they peck at it whenever they want, pickout out the herb that they would like.

I have healthy, nice looking birds and I hope it is helping them. If it does anything it makes ME feel good by feeding it to them!