FINCHforum

Thank you for the warning about oyster shells. I don't have a grinder. I think I'll just use a sifter and feed the finer pieces only.

WOW! I'm still just trying to get over the 500 birds thing! lol


I have two finches. Count em.. TWO! .. I was told to feed them
oyster shells because that's what shaft tails like, and charcoal.
They also get egg mix with the shells in. Then of course their
regular seed and fruit and veggies.
How important is it to add the rest of those ingredients or is what
I'm feeding them ample? I adore my birds and want to keep them healthy, and thought I was doing great until I read your mixture!!
Does everyone buy all those ingredients for their finches?
This is all still all new to me!! Every time I read in here I learn something new!

Sandra, we are not all as industrious and tireless as Candace; she definitely goes the extra mile!

However, there are many wholesome mineral mixes already made out there (I use Abba's) that the birds will enjoy and find nutritionally valuable too, so don't be hard on yourself if you don't do all the things Candace does. She's an Energizer Bunny if you ask me!

My energizer bunny is running low..... I need a nap

LOL...good to know.. Anna, thanks
I'll look for that Abba next time I'm at the Aviary, hopefully he
carries it.
Candace time to recharge, it sounds like you've earned it..sweet dreams

Looks like the birds will have to give me a food processor as a birthday gift so I can have fun making this for them. I was kidding about the first part. Since I have egg shells, oyster shells, and cuttlebones already in mind, I can try to find sea salt at a local store. If I can find anything else Petsmart sells mineral-wise, I'll get those since my new job has started to make me some lovely money. Charcoal...I remembered I used to buy a box of mineral grits that had pieces of them...my birds always went for those first. I don't want to jump start too quickly into doing online shopping right away. Hmmm...

Candace, just wanted to tell you that I recently made a batch of your mineral mix recipe (minus the sea salts) and what a huge success! All of my birds were all over it, even the fussy eaters! Thanks for posting this... it's quickly become a favorite for my birds!

Just a quick question, after looking all over the place online, I found the perfect food processor, and then Mum decided to only tell me then that we already had one!!! Would a Sunbeam multiprocessor do the job for the shells and cuttlebone?

This is still a favorite for all my birds. The moment I replenish their cups, they are all over this amazing mix. That, and this mixture is just really beautiful. I love all the hues of colors and the charcoal to me, is reminiscent of black diamonds in the sand. Plus, I think the birds look and feel fabulous with access to this really thoughtful mixture. Recommended for all newbies who have the resources.

Hey guys just looking for a quality grinder that will grind all of the above ingredients no problem. I currently use a mortar and pessel which can be time consuming and messy.

Thanks

try a coffee grinder, it works great. Try to find one with the cup that is removable.

I second the coffee grinder. Coffee grinders are inexpensive and work great. For me, grinding the oyster shells is the loudest and most scary, but once I get past the oyster shells, everything else is a breeze. The only things I omit from this original recipe is the sea salt and occasionally the kelp (depending on whether or not I have it on hand). It's really fun and convenient. When I make this mixture, I consider it sort of like an art project.

I 3rd the coffe grinder I actually received an older model from my mother-in-law, it is a custom grind hamilton beach....I know that it is probably a more expensive model, but it even gives me the option of choosing the size of pieces I want and stops grinding on its own once it reaches the size I chose.

lovemyfinch wrote: It even gives me the option of choosing the size of pieces I want and stops grinding on its own once it reaches the size I chose.

That is AWESOME! I wish mine did that as well.

Just found this awesome post - wondering if the recipe has changed at all? And of course, thanks for sharing. re: storage - I do not think anything has to be refrigerated. Does it need to be stored away from light?