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Lafeber’s Senior Bird Nutri-berries

Whether purchasing, adopting, or if you already have an older bird, Lafeber’s new Senior Bird Nutri-berries are formulated with them in mind.

Lafeber’s defines a Senior Bird as one who has reached half of its expected lifespan. Some complications that come with age include arthritis, inflammation, and some dietary deficiencies.

These nutriberries include herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, and ginger; iron-rich and antioxidant-containing fruits; and pellets. They also have added glucosamine to combat osteoarthritis, and chondroitin to ease joint paint and swelling. Senior Bird Nutri-berries can be fed as the primary diet, or in addition to an existing diet.

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Pin Feathers

“What are those spikey things all over his head?” – A very common question from bird owners. These ‘spikey’ feathers are known as pin feathers. Usually noticed on baby birds, or during molting, they are new feathers growing in. Pin feathers have a blood supply when they are new, making them very sensitive. As the feather grows out, the blood recedes and the shaft is hollow. When the feather is formed and ready, the sheath is dry and flaky, and removed by the bird as it preens. Some birds are very fastidious preeners and won’t have many. Others may have quite a few if they cannot reach them, or lack another bird to help out. They are normally seen around the face, the back of the neck, and on the tail feathers.

Some birds love when their owner helps them, but others may not want to be pet at this time and may give a warning nip. Leftover sheaths can produce dandruff flakes, or break down into the all too familiar bird dust. You can help open these feathers up by using your index or middle finger nail against your thumb, and scratching very lightly. They are attached to the skin, so avoid pulling or rotating the pin feather! If your bird is not enjoying it, don’t force the activity or worry, the pin feathers will eventually open on their own.

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Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are one of the most popular and widely recognized seeds in all bird mixes, from wild bird and dove, to cockatiel and large hookbill. Many birds love these seeds- probably due to their high fat content and satisfying cracking sounds when opening them. Although relished by birds, it is important to feed them in moderation so it is not their primary food source. Benefits include high fiber, vitamin B, protein, and magnesium.

There are two main types of sunflower seeds:

  • Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These sunflower seeds are small, and have all-black shells. Usually found in wild bird mixes, and small bird mixes, they are easy to open. They do have a higher oil content than the other varieties. Many cockatiels, parrotlets, and lovebirds enjoy them as they are an easy size.

  • Striped Sunflower Seeds: These sunflower seeds can come in a variety of sizes, from small and slender, to large and round grey-stripe sunflower seeds. Sometimes included in cockatiel mixes, they are primarily used in large parrot mixes, or sold for wild birds.

    • Sunflower seeds can be fed either raw or roasted- just make sure they are not salted.

    Pre-hulled sunflower seed chips are also a great treat to use for training as they are small and quick to eat.

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    Edible Apple Ornaments

    Decorate your parrot’s cage for the holidays with the edible apple ornaments!

    Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups flour (white or wheat)
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 apple (grated)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup water

    • Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°
    2. Wash the apple and grate it into strands.
    3. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined into dough.
    4. Prepare a flat surface and sprinkle with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the dough to 1/8″ thickness.
    5. Use cookie cutters, a biscuit cutter, or just a knife to cut into squares / shapes. Press firmly.
    ***Optional – If you want to hang these, use a straw to punch out a circle in the top or middle of the cookie before baking! Sisal or thin leather strips work well for hanging them. (These are meant to hang in the cage or playstands, not on the Christmas tree.)
    6. Move cookies onto a foil-covered baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, turn the oven OFF and allow cookies to rest in the hot oven for an additional 20 minutes. They will harden as they cool.