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For
nearly a decade, our babies have been raised on Scenic Hand
Weaning Pellets. They are weaned to the same diet we feed our
adult birds: Harrison's pellets, fresh food and home grown sprouts.
We also use Goldenfeast blends. The vast majority of aviculturists
and avian veterinarians agree that the pet bird's staple diet
should be a high quality pellet, supplemented with a variety
of fresh foods. In the wild, parrots eat a wide range
of foods. We need to simulate that experience, as best we can..
We recommend Goldenfeast mixes because they are a convenient
and healthful way to help busy bird owners provide their pets
with variety. They
are wonderful dehydrated mixes of fruits, vegetables -- a plethora
of ingredients.
Our
diet includes a mash of fresh food. We put the ingredients
through a food processor, so the birds aren't able to eat
the parts they prefer and throw away the rest. We also feed
birdie bread, made with home grown wheat grass, lemon verbena,
peppermint and (every bird's favorite) hot peppers. Our birds
also love "Birdie Bites", which are made here in Michigan,
by a very dear friend of ours. Please visit her web site at
Itty
Bitty Birdie Bites.
My
baby feeding story: Many years ago, I began using "Scenic
Hand Weaning Pellets", which were developed by Phoebe Greene
Linden, as part of her "abundance weaning" process.
They are little hot dog shaped gizmos, which are soaked in
warm water and fed, literally, "by hand". There are
no syringes or other equipment involved.
When I first started using hand weaning pellets,
experienced breeders stridently warned me not to do it. They
were concerned that impacted crop would result. Even my avian
vet was skeptical.
I became confident (albeit secretively) because
of the gradual process by which I began using them. I first
used Scenic Hand Weaning Pellets as I thought they were intended
to be used -- as a transition food between formula and dry
pellets. With each subsequent clutch of babies, I moved the
transition back, earlier and earlier. As I did so, I noticed
that the babies became increasingly gentle.
Eventually,
I stopped using the syringes and formula altogether. The
fact that I was able to leave the babies with their natural
parents for longer and longer periods of time made a tremendous
difference. I have come to believe that extended time with
the natural parents and siblings is essential to the physical
and emotional well being of parrots. We don't even own an
incubator. We never plan to own one. Our parent birds are
keeping their babies longer and longer and our babies are
becoming more and more well adjusted with each passing year.
Although I did this for years, I was called "irresponsible"
often enough, that I became reluctant to "admit" it
to other breeders.
Finally,
I attended a conference, where Phoebe Greene Linden was a
guest speaker. When I explained my experience to her, she
laughed heartily and said, "I had the same problem, even with
my vet. Take some of the pellets to your vet's office and
show him how they work."
I heaved a great sigh of relief and did as she suggested.
Now, other breeders actually ask me about the hand weaning
pellets, rather than looking at me sternly and shaking their
heads in disapproval.
I've become an outspoken proponent of the process I
used to use in secret.
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