Tomatos

[SaphyreSkye]

I'm sorry if this was already asked.....
What is the general consensus on feeding your finches tomatoes?

[MiaCarter]

SaphyreSkye

Tomatoes are just fine for finches and other birds. (In moderation, of course. If they're only eating tomatoes or eating excessive amounts, you're going to have a problem. But that's true of any food, I think.)

Personally, my flock isn't hot on them. I've tried normal tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, diced up into tiny bits (which is the only way they'll eat fresh foods.)
A couple would give a nibble here and there, but nothing beyond that. It wasn't popular enough to warrant serving on a regular basis. But every flock is different, so it never hurts to try.

There's a good article here:
http://www.finchinfo.com/diet/safe_toxi ... _foods.php

[SaphyreSkye]

Thank for the input! I will give it a whirl and see how they like them.

[lovezebs]

SaphyreSkye

I have never thought to even try tomatoes. I honestly don't know why (?) Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I recall hearing, that they were not good for birds, but I don't remember why, or where I even heared it...

~Elana~

[SaphyreSkye]

Maybe the acidity. We are playing around with suggested foods now to see what they do and do not like.

[lovezebs]

SaphyreSkye

Not sure what it was.... Although my guys have really taken a liking to orang slices lately, so I can't see it being the acidity.

Can't recall if I ever shared with you the list of my kids' favorite fresh foods. If I have, then forgive my repeating myself.

Kale
Baby Spring mix
Spinach
Broccoli
Broccolini
Red Swiss chard
Beet greens
Carrot greens
Grated carrots
Parsley
Cilantro
Rapini
Corn on the cob
Romaine
Cucumber slices
Red peppers

Apple
Orange slices
Chopped grapes
Banana
Melons
Berries once in a while (strawberries, blueberries etc.)

Any of those above, have been enjoyed by my different species of birds. Of course I rotate things around, but they get a veggie plate every day, and they love it .

* NO AVOCADO (toxic)

~Elana~

[SaphyreSkye]

Wow now that's what I call a Birdie Salad! Thanks for your list. I have one very similar that I go by but there are a few items on yours that is not on mine. Thanks!

[MariusStegmann]

Blimey, every day! It must set you back a bit. It looks like you even tried to make it look nice for the birds. Luckily my birds don't like veggies. Corn on the cob, broccoli and spinach, but that is it. They won't touch carrots.

[lovezebs]

MariusStegmann
Well Marius, there is something to be said about presentation of a meal.

They love their salads.

~Elana~

[MiaCarter]

I made up a printable food list for anyone who needs it!

http://www.petfinchfacts.com/wp-content ... ods-V2.pdf

I think I covered all of the essentials, but if there's anything missing, let me know and I can add.

@lovezebs - your birdie salads do look nice!

[cindy]

Our vet sent me a chart on foods to avoid, one was raw tomatoes due to the acidity... cooked is fine, seems cooking reduces the acidity.

[SaphyreSkye]

Thanks MiaCarter! I have printed it out and posted it on my fridge.

[cindy]

I mentioned above to avoid raw tomatoes but neglected to say what it can do... the acidity can irritate sensitive tissue in the mouth and digestive tract....

Also try this site for some different food ideas... http://www.landofvos.com/articles/kitchenxiii.html

This is also a more extensive list of foods, woods, products that are safe and not safe for birds http://www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/ ... birds.html