KE
Weaned Todd
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 32
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Post by KE on Mar 29, 2005 11:36:13 GMT -7
Both of my birds, a Gray and a Sun Conure, love peanuts in the shell. Baby the Sun, only liked crunching the shell the first few months. but has now discovered the nut. Sammy seemed to have NO IDEA what they were when we first got him last mont (he was/is 1 1/2) but now he loves them. They are great for putting into the food puzzles that they both love.
I read that I shouldn't give them the nuts in the shells because aspergillas is too common. I usually get the nuts from the bird store (what's up with that if it's not safe).
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Post by Jane on Mar 29, 2005 12:12:27 GMT -7
Peanuts in their shells are a particular risk factor for aspergillus, which causes aspergillosis, because of the way they grow, and subsequently if they are not stored correctly. Even human grade peanuts can be affected. It is a risk factor not an absolute certainty each time but I, like many people, do not feed them and in fact almonds are better, especially for greys, as they contain calcium.
Jane
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KE
Weaned Todd
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 32
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Post by KE on Mar 29, 2005 12:30:20 GMT -7
Thank you Jane ... I am so sorry to deprive them of a favored treat. But better deprivation than illness.
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JDGuy
Baby Bird
Who said that
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 24
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Post by JDGuy on Mar 29, 2005 21:06:19 GMT -7
I understand about the peanuts, but being I am so new to this. I know that this may sound stupid but how hard is it for a young Grey to open an almond? I want to find something I can use for a treat to help with training him. I have heard about the almonds calcium content and just how hard is it to make sure that they are getting enough calicum? I also understand that the Grey has a problem with absorption of calcium.
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Post by Jane on Mar 30, 2005 0:31:24 GMT -7
I think it depends on the almond. There are some varieties which seem to have a softer shell and they can get into these but there are others which they can't. I know Mitzi can get into them sometimes, but it usually takes quite a while.
Calcium absorption can be a problem with greys and there are also some foods, spinach for example, which inhibit it because the oxalates bind with the calcium. Broccoli, kale, peas, almonds, cooked black and pinto beans, spinach in limited amounts, tofu, and small amounts of hard cheese are good sources. Sunflower seeds also contain calcium but are high in fat so should be limited.
Jane
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Post by Sammy's Slave on Apr 2, 2005 17:46:06 GMT -7
It seems that some of the almonds that come in the packages that I get from the market are harder than others. Sammy usually lets me know which ones are too much of a challenge and tosses them to the floor. I will pick them up and give them a bit of a squeeze with a nut cracker which gives Sammy a good start in tearing the shell apart. I think he likes ripping the shells at least as much or more than eating the nut. He LOVES pistachios, but I have not found any that are not salted. I only give him a few each day and eat most of them myself. They are VERY addictive!!  |
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