Healthy Homemade Bird Treats for a Parrot's Summer Bash!

Yoster Homesters. With the summer sun beaming down upon us, it's time to prepare some delicious homemade treats that will leave your feathered friends squawking with joy. Parrots deserve a little culinary excitement in their lives, and what better way to do that than with homemade treats? Let's discover some mouth-watering summer delights for your parrots.

Farmers Market Finds for the Win!
First things first, head on over to your local Farmers Market for some fresh, organic produce. Your parrots are discerning eaters, and they deserve the best! Remember, just like us, they are sensitive to additives and preservatives, so stick to the good stuff.
Now, let's talk about keeping your feathered friends cool. Summer can be a scorcher, and our parrots need refreshing treats to beat the heat. But remember, remove any uneaten fresh offerings promptly to prevent bacterial growth. 

Fruity Fantasia
Fresh fruits are a hit during the summer, and your parrot will love them. Think grapes, bananas, apples (minus the seeds), pears, pomegranates, summer berries, watermelon, cherries (pitless, please), peaches (no seeds), and apricots (no seeds). But wait, there's more! Mangoes, papayas, kiwis, and small amounts of citrus also make parrot taste buds tingle. Just skip the canned fruits, and whatever you do, never serve avocado—it's got a toxic side that's a no-no for our parrots.
But remember, moderation is key. Keep fruit servings to about 10% of your parrot's daily diet. If you want to keep the fruity fun going throughout the year, consider freeze-drying or dehydrating fruits for a longer-lasting treat.

Veggies Galore
Now, let's not forget about veggies. They're low in sugar and high in nutrients, just what your parrot needs. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are a top choice, followed by spring cabbage, cucumbers, corn-on-the-cob (the kernels are so fun to forage), peppers, carrots, broccoli, and artichokes. Mix and match for a colourful veggie smorgasbord!

Training Treats for Smarty-Pants Parrots
If you're in the mood for some avian academia, you'll need the right treats to motivate your parrot's intellectual pursuits. Remember, every parrot has their preferences, so find out what tickles their fancy before you start.

Start by giving your bird their favourite treat as a reward for good behaviour. Use small pieces of food when teaching new tricks. Avoid toxic foods like avocados, chocolate, coffee, tea, and anything high in salt, sugar, or fat. After all, you wouldn't catch a wild parrot munching on mac 'n' cheese or pizza in the jungle!

Five Summer Bird Treats to Whip Up Today

Now that you've got the basics covered, let's add a few more treats to your parrot's summer menu:

1. Frozen Puree Pops
Beat the heat with frozen fruit puree pops. Blend oat or almond milk with fresh or frozen fruit, adding a little water if needed. Pour the mixture into ice pop moulds and freeze overnight. Your parrot will thank you for these homemade popsicles on a hot day!

2. Kale Spring Rolls
Give your parrot a taste of fine dining with Kale Spring Rolls:

• A mix of unsalted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
• A handful of unsweetened shredded coconut
• A drizzle of honey (optional)

1. Start by selecting a variety of unsalted nuts. Avoid any nuts with added salt or flavourings, as they can be harmful to your parrot.
2. Lightly roast the nuts in the oven at a low temperature around 120°C for about 10-15 minutes. This enhances their flavour and aroma but be careful not to overdo it.
3. Once the nuts have cooled, chop them into small, parrot-sized pieces. You can use a food processor for this, but be cautious not to make them too fine.
4. Mix the chopped nuts with some unsweetened shredded coconut. Parrots tend to love the texture and flavour combination.
5. If you'd like to add a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a tiny amount of honey over the mixture. Remember that honey should be used sparingly and is optional.
6. Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or squares. You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes if you're feeling creative.
7. Allow the treats to set in the refrigerator for a few hours until they become firm.
8. Offer these nutty delights to your parrot as an occasional indulgence. They'll provide healthy fats and a burst of energy for your feathered friend.
   
   

5. Parrot-Friendly Fruit Kabobs
Turn snack time into a colourful and interactive experience with Parrot-Friendly Fruit Kabobs. These delightful skewers are not only tasty but also engaging for your parrot. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients:

• A variety of parrot-safe fruits (e.g., grapes, apple chunks, banana slices, and strawberries)
• Fruit skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the fruits. Remove any seeds or pits and cut them into parrot-sized pieces.
2. Take fruit skewers and thread the fruit pieces onto them, creating colourful combinations.
3. Be mindful of the size of the fruit chunks to prevent choking hazards. Smaller pieces are generally safer.
4. You can get creative with the order and arrangement of the fruits on the skewers. The more vibrant and enticing, the better!
5. Present the fruit kabobs to your parrot as a stimulating and nutritious treat. These skewers encourage foraging behaviour and provide a burst of vitamins and antioxidants.

So, there you have it, your parrots are in for a summer treat extravaganza. Whip up these homemade goodies, watch your parrot squawk with delight, and enjoy a sunny season of feathery fun. Happy parrot parenting!