FINCHforum

I seen kelp and spirulina flakes in the aquarium section at petsmart it doesnt say you can use it for birds,i had bought mealworms in the reptile section which says its ok for birds,does anyone know if the flakes are ok for birds,thanks tom.

I really do not know about the flakes. I use powdered kelp. Hopefully someone else will have suggestions for you soon.

I use the flakes. It's similar to coarsely ground pepper.

Me too...but I have a few birds showing bald patches and I'm trying to source a liquid kelp to add to water...it's a problem to get the little devils to take it in sufficient quantities otherwise.

does it help if it is added to their eggfood?

I have added it to the eggfood before, but they didn't like it in there.
Mine will eat up the powdered kelp. I am constantly replacing that and charcoal.

I have finger cups with the kelp an inch away from the water source. Seems like they need water to consume it.

Mine eat the powdered kelp I have it by the water they eat it A lot at times other times not so much but it seems that all of them eat it

I buy dried kombu seaweed from the oriental food store for soups etc. would this be ok for finches? I know my societies are fussy little things but if they could be converted....

Are you talking about the dried seaweed that enlarges in size when you add it to hot water? The type that is in miso soup? If so, it might be too large and hard for birds. You can purchase kelp at any health food store.

yep, thats the stuff. I was thinking about soaking it and offering it to my chooks too.
Do you think fried herbs would be food for birds or is fresh better?
What herbs are suitable?

Fried herbs, I'm sure was a typo, I hope!
There is a product called Herb Salad. It's used as a way for birds to self medicate. There are dozens of dried herbs mixed together. Many herbs have medicinal properties....

Milk thistle -liver repair, heart, lungs, circulation, worms
Oatstraw- calcium, magnesium, yeast infections, thyroid
Echinacea- antibiotic, antiviral, immunity, vitamins, proteins
Thyme- antibacterial, kills & expels worms, diarrhea
Pau d'arco- blood cleanser, fights infections, liver, candida
Plantain- kidneys, appetite, diarrhea, anti-inflammatory
Dandelion- stomach, vitamins, potassium, calcium, kidneys
Marshmallow- wounds, calcium, diuretic, demulcent, tonic
Red clover- relaxant, antibiotic, inflammations, minerals
Chickweed- C, B, D, Anti-inflammatory, stomach, respiratory
Garlic- antifungal, antioxidant, fertility, heart
Olive leaf- feather problems, improves the will to live
Kelp- iodine, thyroid, stimulant, mucous membranes
Elderberry- respiratory, anti-inflammatory, blood, appetite
Barberry- antiseptic, respiratory, blood purifier, liver
Licorice- expectorant, liver, anti-inflammatory, flavor
Yarrow blood, liver, virus & fungal inhibitor, tonic
Astragalus- immune system, digestion, energy, kidneys
Lavender- digestion, essential oils, stress, metabolism
Wormwood- liver, aids digestion, appetite stimulant, worms
Spirulina- fertility, growth, stress, color, protein
Wheatgrass- circulation, amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll

Some folks do grow their own herbs and place the small potted plants in their aviary. Since I don't have an aviary, I just use the dried stuff.
It's good for all birds, hookbills included.

I'm obviously not a paid endorser for the Herb Salad, but I do have a lot of it for my birds. If anyone is interested in trying it, I can mail you a sample of it. Just let me know.

I'm not paid for endorsing Herb Salad either but all my finches LOVE it!!

I would be interested in trying it as an additon to placing the potted herbs in the aviary.
could you let me know the info details on the packet so I can try and find something similar here