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Cereal Granola Bars

A crunchy & chewy blend of seeds and treats for parrots. Pre-cut it into convenient sizes and use for a quick meal when you are in a hurry!

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup seed mix
  • 1/2 cup healthy cereal (Cheerios, Wheat chex, Corn Flakes…)
  • 1/4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp water

    • Directions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 325′ F. Lightly grease a 9 x 9 (or smaller) pan.

    2. In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: oats, seeds, cereal, peanuts, flour, baking soda, and brown sugar. Mix well, then add the oil, honey, and water.

    3. Scoop mixture into the pan and use a sheet of waxed paper to press down into a uniform layer about 3/4 inch thick. Use aluminum foil to build a barrier- but the mixture should not spread.

    4. Bake for about 15 minutes. Let cool, and cut into meal-sized squares.

    5. You can feed them warm, or store them in your refrigerator or freezer and use when needed. To re-heat, thaw them out, or place in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds. Make sure to check for hot spots when re-heating.

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    Parrotlets

    Parrotlets are one of the smallest parrots available in captivity. Their tiny size and huge personalities make them popular pets. The most common species of parrotlet is the Pacific Parrotlet which is native to Ecuador and Peru. Although their normal coloration is green, there are color mutations that produce yellow, blue, and white birds. The average lifespan is between 15 and 20 years with proper health, diet, and exercise.

    Parrotlets love nests and things to hide or climb into. Tents are popular for cages, but when they are out they may love snuggling up under your hair, in your sleeve, or under the collar of your shirt! Nests can make parrotlets territorial, so if aggression starts to appear, it is best to remove items that they can hide in. Sometimes they are cage territorial as well so it is helpful to encourage your bird to “share” space early on by having your hands inside the cage, and rotating toys and perches regularly.

    Males can easily be distinguished from females by their royal blue rump no matter which coloration they may be. (The exception being albinos.)

    Parrotlets are not known for being good talkers, but with lots of time and repetition it is possible. With time and patience they can also learn tricks, such as laying on their back, fetching small items, simple object or ring toss games, and more.

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    Warning: Halloween Candy

    Candy is everywhere this time of year, and once again we would like to remind bird owners to be cautious and keep it where birds can’t reach it. Chocolate is not only a high calorie and high fat item, but it also contains Theobromine. Theobromine is a compound from the cacao plant from which chocolate is produced. In birds (and other pets like cats and dogs), this compound metabolizes slowly, so a build up can lead to theobromine poisoning.

    If you suspect your bird has eaten chocolate, call an avian vet immediately. Signs of distress may include: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias, dark colored droppings, or death.

    It is best to not feed any overly sugared items or other candies to your birds- it is unnecessary and could cause health problems. Instead, feed them treats specifically for birds, nuts, or fresh fruits and vegetables as a treat.

    The best way to prevent your bird from eating candies and chocolate is to keep it safely out of reach. Even if left on a table, parrots are notorious for their curiosity and can easily tear into a candy bag or wrapper.

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    Roasted Pumpkin Halves

    A super easy and nutritous seasonal treat!

    1. Select a small, round pumpkin- not one of the decorative saucer-shaped pumpkins.

    2. Preheat oven to 350′ F.

    3. Rinse and scrub the outside, and pat dry. Cut the pumpkin in half, and place cut side down in a glass pan or a foil-lined baking pan. Choose something with tall sides as you want to have a 1/4″ of water in the pan while cooking.

    4. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Insides should be soft and tender.

    5. Let cool and cut into chunks appropriately sized for your bird, or give them a half and let them play and eat!