The Circus Diet
(Called the Circus Diet because those parrots lucky enough to have experienced this cavalcade of flavors, textures and colors describe it is as "more exciting than going to the circus")
Due to
the large number of ingredients, it is advisable to
make a quantity that can be broken down into
daily portions and frozen until needed. Add the
pellet portion after thawing and warming. If the
pellets are added to the mix too long before
serving, they will be too soft.
Sprouted Sunflower
Seeds
Soak five cups whole
sunflower seeds for twenty four hours. Rinse three
times and soak for additional twenty four hours.
Rinse three times and let drain for a few minutes.
Cook in microwave for approximately 1 minute to
kill any excessive amounts of bacteria that may
have grown on the seeds surface during the
process. The cooking time will vary depending on
the wattage of your microwave. Cook long enough
to create some steam to kill the bacteria, but not
so long that you cook the seeds. It is not critical to
cook, only a precaution. Seeds start growing in 48
hours but will not be opening up. Our goal is to
start the process of converting the fat to
carbohydrate. Actually sprouting the seed will take
a day or two longer and requires too much
attention to make sure bacteria levels do not get
out of control. It is our opinion that the potential
bacteria risk outweighs the extra benefit gained
from a four day sprouting program.
Bean, Rice, Corn
Crock-pot Mix
Mix equal amounts
of ingredients together. Substitutes can be made
for any item with similar items. Put bean, rice,
corn mix along with an equal volume of water into
crock-pot. Allow mix to absorb water overnight
and then cook on high for ~ three to four
hours.
½ c dry navy beans
½ c dry great northern beans
½ c dry pinto beans
½ c dry black beans
½ c dry lima beans
½ c dry green split peas
1 c brown rice
1 c soybeans
1 c dry whole corn
1 c dry cracked corn
Fruits and Vegetables
Dice a variety of fruits and root
vegetables into small bean size pieces to make 5
cups.
Combine all soft food ingredients, including seeds. Separate into smaller portions for freezing if the food will not to be consumed in 48 hours. Ice cube trays are a convenient method of storage. One or two cubes a day will be plenty for most parrots.
Serving
Warm mixed portion in microwave prior to
serving. Add equal portions of any good quality
extruded parrot pellet to the wet portion just prior
to serving. All of the pieces of food in this type of
mixture will have small amounts of all of the other
items on their surface. Since the parrot is unable
to remove the residue he will become used to
eating all of the items in the mix. If there is any
food left at the end of the day reduce the serving
the next day until you determine the correct
amount to feed. At least 90% of the food should
be consumed each day.
Treats
We
feed the main meal in the morning and offer treats
in the evening.
Parrots, like amazons, that tend to store fat and have a lower metabolism receive a teaspoon of fruit. Other birds receive nuts or seeds.
Smaller parrots like parakeets conures and quakers get about 6 sunflower seeds. Greys, gofiins, small macaws and others this size get two to three almonds.
Larger cockatoos get three almonds and macaws get three almonds and three brazil nuts.
You may substitute all of these nuts and seeds with other similar nuts and seeds.
