FINCHforum

I'm really lucky right now, I can put almost anything in my cages and my birds with check it out and sometimes even devour it! But there were some things I was wondering about:

Hot Peppers: I heard they are really good for birds, and not nearly as hot for them as they are for us. I was wondering about dried hot peppers or fresh jalapenos and thai red chilies (I have some, that's why)?

Turmeric: I've heard of someone who sprinkled in on their bird's seeds, has anyone tried this?

Garlic (in small amounts): Has anyone feed their finches garlic?

Dried Vegetables: Does anyone know for sure their finches eat dried carrots, coconut, etc.? Has anyone tried making their own?

What else is there? Is there anything else you feed your birds that would be considered strange, but you swear by it?

I sprinkled all 3 (paprika powder, garlic powder, turmeric powder) in little amount about (1/100 parts of tea spoon) on seeds about 5 days ago and found nothing special.

I regularly sprinkling paprika powder for 5 days and I think its working positively.

Afraid I have not tried or given any of my birds the powders or chilli so won't be able to comment on those.

I have my doubts about dried vegetables. I think they probably take twice as long to digest than seed as they first need to hydrate before they can begin to digest and process the nutrients.
I prefer using fresh veg or finely chopped and frozen and then fed to the birds in daily portions. That way they get instant gratification.
I use the soft food and green food as an instant source of food for parents feeding young. They don't need to process them and feed them directly to young i.e. babies get more food in and grow quicker.