Anyone interested in healthy foods and healthy living knows about the benefits of herbs. Herbs can be used to treat many ailments, improve over all health and even enhance fertility. This is true of humans and our pet birds.
Herbs are most effective when used to maintain health and conditioning. While they can be used to treat illness their medicinal properties are limited and may not work in place of real medications. However if herbs are given on a limited yet fairly continual basis your birds will learn to sift through and eat those herbs that their bodies need.
The best way to give herbs to your birds is in their dry state and served on shallow dish. This will allow them to sift through the herbs and eat only those they feel compelled to eat. It's never good to over feed or force feed herbs to your birds. Always allow them to decide which herbs they need and when they need them.
Some of the more popular and helpful herbs can be found in the Herbal Salad, which is now available here! There are 22 different herbs in the salad:
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Astragalus | immune system stimulator, aids digestion, energy, kidneys
| Barberry | C, antiseptic, respiratory, antibacterial, blood purifier, liver function
| Chickweed | C, B6, B12, D, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, stomach, respiratory
| Dandelion | liver, kidneys, stomach, vitamins, rich in potassium, iron, calcium
| Echinacea | antibiotic, antiviral, strengthens immunity, vitamins & proteins
| Elderberry | respiratory, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, stimulates appetite
| Garlic | antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, fertility, immune system, heart
| Kelp | iodine, thyroid, stimulant, emollient, protects mucous membranes
| Lavender | stimulant, digestion, essential oils, relieves stress, metabolism
| Licorice | expectorant, liver detoxifier, anti-inflammatory, delicious flavor
| Marshmallow | heals wounds, calcium, A, diuretic, demulcent, tonic
| Milk thistle | liver repair, heart, lungs, circulation, expels intestinal worms
| Oatstraw | rich in calcium, magnesium, yeast infections, antiseptic, thyroid
| Olive leaf | chronic skin problems, allergies, improves the will to live in sick birds
| Pau d' arco | antibacterial, blood cleanser, fights infections, liver, candida
| Plantain | kidneys, bladder, appetite, diarrhea, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
| Red clover | relaxant, antibiotic, inflammations, biotin, minerals, B's, A, C
| Spirulina | fertility, growth, immune system, stress reducer, color, protein
| Thyme | antibacterial, kills and expels worms, fights diarrhea
| Valerian | feather plucking, aggressiveness, pain relief, nervous conditions
| Wormwood | liver, aids digestion, encourages appetite, kills & expels worms
| Yarrow | blood purifier, liver function, virus & fungal inhibitor, tonic
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Can I mix your herbs in with my egg food?
I don't advise mixing Herb Salad in with egg food soak seed or anything moist. Because of the medicinal properties of the herbs, your bird should be able to choose which herb it wants and the quantity it desires to eat.
Will I have to grind up your herbs for my smaller birds?
No, the herbs are already in small pieces or powdered form.
Can I feed Herb Salad to my parrot?
Certainly! All species of birds will enjoy the benefits from the Herb Salad!
Are the herbs in the Herb Salad mixed in equal parts?
No, quantities are varied according to diet requirements and popularity.
It looks like my birds are *playing* with some of the herbs?!
They're extracting nutrients by *mouthing* or *playing* with certain herbs, especially the larger pieces.
Can my birds eat too much herbs and get sick?
No, your bird knows best what it needs and how much.
I don't know if I can afford another food supplement!
This is not another expensive food additive, rather a deterrent to illness and an encouragement to wellness. I think of the herb dishes more like my birds' little medicine cabinet. Contents for what ails you when you don't feel good!
What kind of birds will eat your herbs?
Everything from finches to Hookbills and softbills!
When and how much should I give my birds?
Herb Salad should be available to your birds at all times. Serve it in a large, shallow dish so that your birds may *pick* around in it.
Is Herb Salad the only supplement I need to give my birds besides cuttlebone or Oyster Shell?
Don't stop using any supplements you are already using. If your bird's diet is deficient in any areas, Herb Salad can help correct this but it is not a stand-alone supplement.
How long can I keep my herbs before they're too old to feed to my birds?
Because they are in dried form, as long as you keep them dry and free of dust and debris, they will last as long as it takes for your birds to consume it.
What differences in my birds will I notice after feeding Herb Salad?
"The feedback I have received are more active birds, better feather condition and color, better appetite and of course, healthier birds! Since offering my flock my herb mix, I've had a dramatic reduction in deaths, illnesses, *mystery* fluffed birds, nervousness and feather/skin problems. The positive aspect has been that my birds are able to correct minor health issues before they get severe enough for me to notice. I rarely medicate. They are beautifully colored." Cathy J. DeHaan – Herb Salad manufacturer
My birds need to *fatten up*! Will this help?
There are a couple of herbs in my mix that stimulate appetite. And, it stands to reason that a bird that feels well will eat better!
Will my birds really eat licorice?!
Yes, they will! In addition to its medicinal properties, licorice has a flavor that birds find appealing. It also helps to give some of the more bitter tasting herbs a better taste.
I'm confused... Should I treat my sick birds with your herbs instead of medicines?
No! Always seek veterinary care for sick bird. Usually, by the time you notice your bird's not feeling well, it's been sick for a while. The Herb Salad allows the bird to combat an illness before any signs are apparent to the bird keeper. Herb Salad will not cure disease, but it can aid in recovery and help to repair any deficiencies or damage done by the illness or the medications.
Some of these herbs aren't indigenous to the country that my birds come from. Will they still eat it?
Yes!
How should I store unused Herb Salad?
You need to keep Herb Salad dry and away from moisture.
What is the shelf life of the Herb Salad?
2 years before the herbs start to lose potency.
Article © Myra Markley 2004
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