So I have this great observation point from my dining room where I can see everything from courtship behaviors to food preferences - all within just a few inches away. A special pair of Pentax close-up "butterfly binoculars" makes the experience even more intimate.
There is a 5' long treat tray loaded every morning with a prepared nestling food mixed with plenty of eggs and fine ground shells. There are also two veggie trays (in red) about 24" long each. On the opposite wall there's a 4' long planter box with a "spray millet tree" and a selection of bugs and live green food replanted weekly. My birds also have access to an outside planted aviary and 14 different water features all along the way.
So I have a nice veggie garden and my specific question is this;
Does anyone know if the below listed veggies can be safely offered to finches and canaries?
Mine can be cut for the veggie feeder or transplanted to the live planter for a week or so. I haven't seen any of these on the "unsafe to feed" lists so I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this important decision.
beets (as a color enhancer) and beet tops, anytime
radish tops
cilantro
turnip tops
growing Italian oregano plants (I have some nice big plants in pots)
carrot tops
bok choy
strawberries
Swiss chard
I'm mostly interested in the oregano as possibly a healthy herb to offer.
BTY, I also use a few standing Eucalyptus branches as a mite deterrent. They love to play in it, eat it and build nests with the leaves.
Thanks for your input on my veggie question.
Paul
Veggies from the Garden
- Paul's Amazing Birds
- Flirty Bird
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 4:41 pm
- Location: (SF/CA) paul.94949@gmail.com
Veggies from the Garden
Favorite hobby is continuing to improve on a landscaped, weather protected, 500 sq ft mixed aviary with 23 fascinating species. 30 years in the making; currently have
19 different Finch species, 2 types of Doves, plus 23 Button Quail and 30 pair of clear Red Factor Canaries.
19 different Finch species, 2 types of Doves, plus 23 Button Quail and 30 pair of clear Red Factor Canaries.
- Paul's Amazing Birds
- Flirty Bird
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 4:41 pm
- Location: (SF/CA) paul.94949@gmail.com
Re: Veggies from the Garden
That's BTW... 

Favorite hobby is continuing to improve on a landscaped, weather protected, 500 sq ft mixed aviary with 23 fascinating species. 30 years in the making; currently have
19 different Finch species, 2 types of Doves, plus 23 Button Quail and 30 pair of clear Red Factor Canaries.
19 different Finch species, 2 types of Doves, plus 23 Button Quail and 30 pair of clear Red Factor Canaries.
-
- Proven
- Posts: 2112
- Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:57 am
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Re: Veggies from the Garden
Paul, I don't see any reason why you can't offer those veggies. Oregano is also safe. Absolutely love your set up!!
I can picture your canaries being in heaven with the live plants
I can picture your canaries being in heaven with the live plants

Roxanne
Gouldian's, Blue Breasted Cordon Bleu's, Orange-cheeks, Violet-eared, Black-cheeked waxbill's and Peter's Twinspots
Gouldian's, Blue Breasted Cordon Bleu's, Orange-cheeks, Violet-eared, Black-cheeked waxbill's and Peter's Twinspots