Dandelion Greens

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Tue May 05, 2009 1:05 pm

Just picked some Dandelions yesterday to give to my Owls....they are checking them out but not eating them just yet.

Also gave some to my Senegal parrot and he is terrified of one little dandelion blossom...lol. I set it on his rope perch outside of his cage and he sat in the cage doorway and hollered at me till I took it away. Got the same reaction when I gave him a pice of timothy hay....go figure!

Am searching for some chickweed.

Does anybody know if you can give finches
Creeping Charlie? We have tons of that here!

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Tue May 05, 2009 11:29 pm

What exactly are dandelion greens?

Can i just pick some dandelions from outside and maybe wash them and throw them in my cage? Will zebs, stars or goldbreasts eat them?

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Wed May 06, 2009 12:14 am

Yes, common Dandelion weeds (Taraxacum officinale). I would definitely wash them and make sure you get them where they weren't sprayed or fertilized with a Weed and Feed. Some cut them up into tiny pieces and offer them in a separate bowl.

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Wed May 06, 2009 3:58 am

I posted this some time back...
After picking dandelions by hand and before washing I inadvertantly wiped my eyes...After less than a minute I was in extreme pain and nearly blind...I staggered to a neighbours house but no one was in...I heard a voice say.."Are you ok mate?" It was a passing window cleaner.He phoned an ambulance and I was rushed to the eye hospital.
The pain was excrutiating and it was several hours before I could see properly again.The eye surgeon said it was the dandelion sap that was highly toxic.I think back to the dozens of times I've picked leaves for rabbits etc. and never had a problem.
The pain was severe and going almost blind when on your own is frightening.

The white sap in many plants is dangerous and Mother Natures way of protecting the plant against insect attack.

WASH YOUR HANDS STRAIGHT AWAY AND BE WARY OF THE SAP ON YOUR HANDS.

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Wed May 06, 2009 1:49 pm

Thanks pooh. I will make sure to be cautious.

As for the greens... is that the stem ant the leaves? What about the yellow part (flower). Can you be specific about what part of the dandelion I can feed the finches. I am going to have to do some more research on this tonight but any info up front is always good.

Thanks!

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Wed May 06, 2009 2:04 pm

Birds love all the plant but will avoid the stalks with their white liquid.