Here is a sweet treat to make and give to your bird. Popcorn balls are easy and fun, roll them small to use in foraging toys. Even mixing seeds in creates a unique foraging opportunity because your bird will have to pick them out!
Ingredients
8 cups popped popcorn = 1/4 cup unpopped kernels
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp cold water
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup mini marshmallows
butter or shortening for hands
*nuts, dried fruit, pellets, seed…
Directions
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the corn syrup, cold water, sugar and marshmallows.
2. Stir until the mixture is combined and syrupy. Carefully pour the hot mixture into a large bowl containing the popcorn, stirring to coat each piece. Chopped nuts, dried fruit, and even their seed mix or pellets can be added.
3. Lightly coat hands with vegetable shortening or butter and quickly shape the coated popcorn into 1″-2″ balls.
4. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
TIP! For popping plain popcorn, pour the ¼ cup of kernels into a brown paper bag and fold the open end up a few times and tape closed. Place the folded side up, and place into your microwave. Set it for about 3-4 minutes; time will vary by microwave, so listen for 3-5 second intervals between popping. It is better to undercook it than to burn it. Even if there are unpopped kernels in the bag, don’t worry, the birds can eat those too! (Make sure to pick them out though if you want some popcorn balls for yourself).