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cricket
Gold Member
USA
29 Posts |
 Posted - 01/11/2006 : 18:43:11
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Hi everyone!
I was wondering if "Flax seed" and "soy nuts" are safe for macaws to eat?
The reason I am asking is cuz I work in a Dollar Store where everything is $1.00 or less, and today we got in a few organic things, like what I mentioned above. Plus dryed nanas, dryed pineapples, etc.
Just wanna see if these are safe for Ruby. Thanks
KERI
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macawdreams
Forum Admin
610 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2006 : 22:25:51
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Hi Keri,
Flax seed is haled as one of, if not THE most healthy seed on the planet. Unlike other seeds such as sunflower which is very high in fat Flax seed contains "good" fats. It's the
type of Omega 3 fatty acid which is very close to the fatty acid found in Salmon. Flax seed lowers cholesterol and may even reduce blood pressure. It's a VERY healthy seed that can be enjoyed by our flocks and our entire families. Flax can be fed raw or sprouted or even mixed in with some rice. My Eclectus LOVES flax seed.
As for soy beans? I use to feed my birds soy beans both fresh and dried but I have recently come across research that states that the protein in soy beans is NOT healthy for our birds and may even cause beak defects and other problems. Until I can further research this I am removing soy beans from my bird's diet. If any of our members have information regarding soy, I ask that they please share it with the group.
Be very, very careful with dried fruits. Even though they may read "organic" "all natural" doesn't mean they do not contain Sulfur Dioxide. SD is a poisonous gas used to preserve dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Sulfur Dioxide is a BAD chemical and foods containing it should never be fed to our birds. In fact, I don't even purchase any products containing SD for myself or family.
Many dried bird foods contain sulfur dioxide and yet still label the packages as "all natural". This is such a misrepresentation but there is no regulation against it. There is, however, regulation about putting it in human grade foods. Sulfur dioxide must be listed as an ingredient and it's found in a LOT of dried fruit mixes.
I know this is much more information than you needed but I'm glad you raised this topic!!!
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
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MaryG1959
Gold Member
USA
22 Posts |
 Posted - 01/22/2006 : 10:46:19
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Also an additional note about flax seed. You either need to use whole seed or grind the seed freshly yourself as needed. It needs to be freshly ground (if using it ground) to retain its nutrients. Never buy "already ground" flax seed.
Something I do is buy flax seed oil. When I make birdie bread I put a small amt in it, when I "grease" the pan for the birdie bread, I use flax seed oil instead.
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macawdreams
Forum Admin
610 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2006 : 01:31:48
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Mary, I heard the same thing. I started grinding my own in hubby's coffee grinder. :) Hey wasn't using it! LOL.
I have never bought the oil and I'm curious, do you use Flax seed oil in any of your daily cooking? I'm really thinking about trying the oil even for myself. I heard it was great for arthritis, which I have had since I was in my 20's. :) I'm interested in hearing more. Thanks.
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
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Sigmundine
Top Gold Member
USA
71 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2006 : 08:16:19
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Instead of using apple sauce in the sweet pototo mash, I used a handful of flax seeds. It's delicious, even I eat it! The hot sweet pototo mashed in with the seed softens it to perfection, and then I add a little banana. Yummy! The birds think so too. Has a pleasant, subtle crunch.
Marie |
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spddy
Top Gold Member
USA
57 Posts |
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Topic |
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Flax Seed
