Beets

[skthurley]

Can Parrotlets eat beets?

I recently bought a huge bag of beets and was curious as to whether i can shred some up for Jack.

[chapala]

Yes, they can have them raw or cooked. Just remember when you see red poops, it's because of the beets!
Reta

[skthurley]

Awesome! Thanks Reta!

[raiven]

Keepimg with the B theme...is it ok to add raw string green beans in with Sadie's chopped fresh mix? She has had thm cooked in the past but not raw.

[chapala]

You could see if Sadie likes them. Our bigger birds open them up and take the beans out, discarding the rest of the green bean.
Reta

[skthurley]

So I tossed some beets in Jack's mash today.... he is barely touching it.. he's nibbling, but not gorging like he usually does. I guess no beets for Jack. lol


Edit:Ok I take that back. LOL! I just checked his bowl.... he's eaten it all... it seems his hunger got the best of him. lol!

[chapala]

With new foods it's often best to mince finely and mix it with something familiar. Most parrots are highly suspicious of anything new in their bowls. Glad Jack liked the beets though!
Reta

[skthurley]

Typically that's what I do... and did with the beets, but usually his mash is green... this time it was red..... and he was suspicious of the colour.... but luckily he gobbled it all down once he realized it was safe to eat... I'm just glad to be offering him new foods and typically he's eaten everything.... Perhaps younger birds are more likely to accept new foods?

[chapala]

What's ideal is a breeder who exposes birds before and after weaning to a variety of foods. Still, it's quite possible to change the diet of birds who have eaten nothing but seed - just takes time and patience!