Alfalfa powder,,, Reta, question for ya!

[kiwismom]

Reta, I remember you saying you give alfalfa powder to your Cello. How much do you give. Do you have any info on kelp powder and how much to give. I'm sure having a hard time finding alfalfa powder here in central WIS.

[chapala]

I order organic alfalfa powder from Mountain Rose Herbs in California, and keep the excess in the freezer. It's not very expensive. A more expensive way to buy it is to buy alfalfa powder capsules in a health food store.

I give Cello a very small pinch daily in the morning on his fresh mix with sprouts. I'm guessing here since I don't have anything to measure less than 1/4 tsp. - 1/16 of a tsp. maybe. Apparently a "Container Store" has measuring spoons in that size.

The kelp I also buy from Mt. Rose Herbs, and he gets a few grains, a very tiny amount. An amount that would fit on a pencil point, or about 1/10 of 1/4 tsp. is the amount for a medium sized bird. So you can see what a small amount a Parrotlet needs. Kelp provides Iodine, and is important, but also important not to overdo it.

For people feeding fortified foods (pellets, fortified seed mixes), I would not add kelp, but would give the powdered alfalfa with finely chopped vegetables and sprouts.

Also good as green supplements are organic powdered wheat grass or barley grass. Both also are available through Mt. Rose Herbs. I give alflalfa about 4 days a week, though you could give it every day. The other 3 days I alternate with wheat grass or barley grass. If you want to buy just one green supplement, alfalfa is the one, a nutrition powerhouse.
Reta