FINCHforum

I made my first batch of mineral mix yesterday using most of the ingredients from the Cando mineral mix. My birds all love it! I also put out some herb salad, and they ate it at first, and are now trying to nest in it. Looks like I need to find something smaller to use so they won't try to nest!

That's great! Hope you make out well with it.
I've heard that sometimes birds will carry the herbs into their nest so it's not very surprising they ate sitting in it.
You might want to have the herb mix separate from the mineral mix in a smaller dish.

Since my birds are in cages, I use the D cups, one for mineral mix and one for herb salad. I offer egg food/veggies in small dishes on the floor of the cage.

slwatson debbie
Wondering what is in that 'herb' mix that is so relaxing and enjoyable the birds want to nest in it?

Wondering what is in that 'herb' mix that is so relaxing and enjoyable the birds want to nest in it?

Many herbs repel bugs so that would be my guess.
From their site http://www.twinbeaksaviary.com/herbsalad.html

Red clover leaf & blossom Trifolium pratense
relaxant, antibiotic, inflammations, minerals, potassium, calcium
Echinacea herb Echinacea angustifolia
antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, stimulates immune system, vitamins
Chickweed herb Stellaria media
C, B, D, Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, respiratory
Dandelion root & leaves Taraxacum officinale
stomach, vitamins, potassium, calcium, kidneys, aids digestion
Plantain leaf Plantago major
kidneys, appetite, diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds
Thyme leaf Thymus vulgaris
antibacterial, kills & expels worms, diarrhea
Garlic flakes Allium sativum
antifungal, antioxidant, fertility, heart
Oatstraw tops Avena Sativa
calcium, magnesium, yeast infections, thyroid
Yarrow flower Achillea millefolium
blood, supports liver function, virus & fungal inhibitor, tonic
Licorice root Glycyrrhiza glabra
expectorant, supports liver function, anti-inflammatory, yeast infections
Milk thistle seed Silybum marianum
protects liver health, heart, lungs, circulation, worms
Kelp granules Macrocystis pyrifera
iodine, thyroid, stimulant, mucous membranes
Elder berry & flower Sambucus nigra
respiratory, anti-inflammatory, blood, appetite, improves heart health
Wheatgrass Triticum aestivum
circulation, amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll
Lavender flower Lavandula angustifolia
aids digestion, essential oils, stress, metabolism
Astragalus root astragalus membranaceous
strengthens resistance to disease, digestion, energy, kidneys, stress, diarrhea
Marshmallow root Althaea officinalis
wounds, calcium, diuretic, demulcent, tonic
Spirulina powder Spirulina platensis
fertility, growth, stress, color, protein, antioxidant, improves digestive health
Barberry root Berberis vulgaris
respiratory, blood purifier, detoxifier, supresses Candida overgrowth
Olive leaf Olea europaea
feather problems, immune support, fights infection, anti-parasitic, tranquilizer
Pau d’ arco bark Tabebuia avellanedae
blood cleanser, fights infections, liver, candida, feather/skin problems
Wormwood herb Artemisia absinthium
liver, aids digestion, appetite stimulant, worms

The mineral mix is in a small D cup, so they're eating it and not trying to sit in it. I think that's what I need to get for the herb salad.

Derk-

Maybe they'll share some of those 'herbs' with me! I need to be relaxed

Derk slwatson

I wouldn't be surprised if "medicinal" marijuana is one of the herbs in Herb Salad

Leo519
We are not going to be hearing about you lining a nest are we?

Derk

Oh no, never! LOL
I get high on life

Hello,
Do you think it is good idea to add to zebras' diet grains soaked with vitamins? (they are reportedly are soaked with vitamins)

calcium 0,12 g
phosphorus 0,03 g
B1 - 0,4 mg
B2 - 1,5 mg
B6 - 0,75 mg
B12 - 0,004 mg
K3 - 0,75 mg
C - 10 mg
Biotin - 0,005 mg

I wonder if it is true that grains could be soaked with vitamins, isn't it some "codeword", only marketing?

The seed mix I use (Hagen's Finch VME mix) is supposed to be coated with vitamins. I just have to take their word for it, and I don't know how much does get into the birds, but I like the seed mix anyway.

They are very fond of grains coaked with vitamins, but I am not full of conviction that it is good for them or it is only marketing on ordinary grains and I overpay for it. Sally I thought that the most important is that the birds like it not I

Koko

Yes, my birds like it too!