Growing Herbs for Finches

[Rox]

I often buy fresh herbs for the birds and they absolutely love it. Especially my CB's and star finches.

I've been toying with the idea of growing herbs in pots and giving it to the birds free range to eat as they want and then just swop the pots out as needed. I know many people do this with grasses or bird seed but I'm curious to see if anyone feeds fresh, growing herbs? If yes, please share which herbs you grow and if you have found it worthwhile.

The birds do have access to dried herbs 24/7, which they all eat. But I'm forever looking for new idea's for their diet and nothing seems to beat fresh food if the birds have a choice

[debbie276]

Sounds like a nice idea. Be prepared for them to destroy the plants you put in so you'll have to figure a way to rotate plants in and out. It might be better to grow the herbs and just offer them fresh pieces rather then the whole plant. Fresh has got to be better then died
Very interesting experiment, do keep us posted on what you decide and how it works out.

[Rox]

Thanks Debbie, I also think fresh is better than dried. I went to the nursery yesterday and bought some herbs and hanging pots. I think I might just hang the pot's on the outside of the aviary, for the leaves to grow through the fencing. I just need my little herb plants to grow some more now

[Zebrafincher]

Hi, what sort of herbs are good for birds? I have two finches and a canary. I give them green leafy vegetables, but hadn't heard about herbs!

thanks


Zebrafincher
Proud owner of:
“Kevin the King”, groutchy canary – 12 years
Beaky the Zebbie – 6 months
Merlin “Merl” the Starfinch – 2 years

[debbie276]

I think I might just hang the pot's on the outside of the aviary, for the leaves to grow through the fencing.

Great idea, then they can't get to the main plant. It should be interesting to see which they devour and which they pick at.

[debbie276]

Hi, what sort of herbs are good for birds? I have two finches and a canary. I give them green leafy vegetables, but hadn't heard about herbs!

thanks

There are lots of people that feed their birds the herb salad so I would probably start with those.
http://www.twinbeaksaviary.com/herbsalad.html

[Rox]

I bought 2 types of thyme, sage and origanum to start off with, as I know my birds eat these. I'm also going to get dill, as they love this.

I will see how it goes and report back once the herbs have grown some more and been subjected to the birds. I'm also curious to see which they will prefer with free choice.

Here is an interesting site to read. I know it's more parrot based but it gives you an idea of what fresh herbs and veggies are good for birds.

http://www.holisticbirds.com/