Nutritional Psittacine Diet (Mash Diet)

Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., C.N.C.

Do it yourself! Preparing a fresh diet, consisting of wholesome ingredients, need not require a tremendous amount of time and preparation. In fact, with the "mash" diet, preparation is done in advance at your convenience. This method of feeding eliminates the daily slicing and dicing of fruits and vegetables. I make up ten days worth for nearly twenty pair of birds; which takes about one and a half hours to complete. (Less time for fewer birds.) Then, serving is as simple as scooping out the correct amount for each bird or pair.

Have you ever wondered how much of what you were serving your birds was actually eaten? How many times have you found most of their food thrown about, picked at, and wasted on the ground or at the bottom of their cages? We all know birds don't have good manners at meal time and you never really know if they are getting all of the nutrients necessary for proper health. Well, the mash diet should help alleviate any doubts as all ingredients are minced through a food processor with the idea being that your birds cannot select only a few favorite items, but will receive a wide range of nutrients with every beakful.

To begin, all ingredients are placed through the food processor briefly (with the exception of certain foods eaten readily) and then scooped into a 20-quart stainless steel pot for mixing. Note: Remember to always place cover over the pot in between adding an ingredient to prevent oxidation from exposure to air. The mash is then placed in airtight containers and stored in the freezer, but must be removed to the refrigerator for thawing well in advance (30 to 36 hours for a five-cup container). Scheduled feeding times are at 8:00 am (mash) and 2:00 PM (seed mixture), simulating the natural eating patterns of birds in the wild. The 8:00 am feeding provides them with enough to fill their crops throughout the morning hours. Although each pair is treated individually, about 1/2 cup per pair is the average (for medium-sized parrots).

As you learn how much each bird or pair will eat in each time period the amount can be adjusted so that none is wasted. Any uneaten mash should be discarded after four to six hours to prevent spoilage, which if eaten, could cause a bacterial infection. Special care should be taken in this matter, particularly in the warmer months. These frequent feeding times will also allow you the opportunity to observe your birds often, which is very important in keeping you closely in tune to their overall health. Feeding times may vary and are adjusted to your schedule; these are guidelines only.

MASH INGREDIENTS: (for twenty pair) - Revised Formula (see Original Formula)

Frozen organic vegetables - (corn, green beans, carrots, peas) 12 lb.

Fresh organic vegetables - 1 lb. parsley, 5 large tomatoes, 3 chayote, 3 medium sweet potatoes or yams, 4 medium white potatoes (fed raw, skins included).

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Note: There are 3 ways to serve beans/grains (my suggestions are as follows):

1.soaked for 24 hours in the fridge

2.cooked for 10 minutes, then simmered 20 minutes

3.sprouted (no more than 1/4 inch)

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Grains - (1/2 cup each, added to beans and soak for 24 hours) wheat berry, pearl barley, triticale or rye berry, brown rice

Organic greens - (fresh grown) comfrey and/or mustard greens. Comfrey, (an herb) which provides vitamin A, B-complex, C, & E; one of the few plants known to contain vitamin B-12, normally found only in animal protein foods. Up to 33% protein is contained in the leaves and it is high in minerals. Mustard greens are high in vitamins A, B, C, calcium and iron. Frilly-leafed and broad leafed are available. (About 1 dozen large leaves are used)

Organic Fruit - 5 large bananas, 5 large apples, 1 1/2 lbs. of grapes fed whole, (1/4 cup strawberries or cranberries seasonally)

Seeds - (1/4 cup each) pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, both provide calcium along with zinc, which aids in fertility. Sesame seeds also provide an additional source of 8 "essential" amino acids, which cannot be manufactured by a parrot's body.

Nutritional supplements - 1/4 cup powdered kelp (contains iodine, therefore helps to prevent thyroid disorders, such as goiter), 1/4 cup blue green algae or alfalfa powder (aids in digestion, strengthens immune system, and is nutrient-dense).

MASH INGREDIENTS: (for twenty pair) - Original Formula (see Revised Formula)

Frozen organic vegetables - (corn, green beans, carrots, peas) 12 lb.

Fresh organic vegetables - 1 lb. parsley, 5 large tomatoes, 3 chayote (fed raw), 3 medium sweet potatoes or yams, 4 medium white potatoes (fed lightly steamed, skins included).

Bean mix - (1/2 cup each of the following beans and peas) black-eyed peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, adzuki beans, green and yellow split peas, garbanzo beans, black beans, soy beans, mung beans. (Rinse and drain well, soak in cold water 6 to 8 hours in refrigerator. After soaking they are boiled for 10 minutes, simmer for 20 minutes, using only enough water so that none is left after cooking, to preserve valuable vitamins).

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Note: There are 3 ways to serve beans/grains (my suggestions are as follows):

1.soaked for 24 hours in the fridge

2.cooked for 10 minutes, then simmered 20 minutes

3.sprouted (no more than 1/4 inch)

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Grains - (1/2 cup each, added to beans, soak, and boil) wheat berry, pearl barley, triticale, brown rice

Organic Fruit - 5 large bananas, 5 large apples, 1 1/2 lbs. of grapes fed whole, (1/4 cup strawberries or cranberries seasonally)

Mash Formula Breakdown -- 10 days worth!
Ingredients	For 1 Medium sized parrot	For 10 Pair	For 20 Pair
Frozen Organic Vegetables	1/3 pound	6 pounds	12 pounds
Fresh Organic Vegetables
parsley	1/2 ounce	1/2 pound	1 pound
large tomatoes	1/8 large tomato	2.5	5
chayote	1/2 ounce	1.5	3
medium sweet potatoes/yams	3/4 ounce	1.3	3
medium white potatoes	3/4 ounce	2	4
Bean Mix
black-eyed peas	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
pinto beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
kidney beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
adzuki beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
green split peas	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
yellow split peas	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
garbanzo beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
black beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
soy beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
mung beans	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
Grains
wheat berry	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
pearl barley	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
triticale	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
brown rice	1/2 teaspoon	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
Organic Greens
comfrey and/or mustard greens	1/3 large leaf	6 large leaves	12 large leaves
Organic Fruit
large bananas	1/8 banana	2 1/2	5
large apples	1/8 apple	2 1/2	5
whole grapes	1/2 ounce	3/4 pound	1.5 pounds
strawberries or cranberries seasonally	1/4 teaspoon	2 tablespoons	1/4 cup
Seeds
pumpkin seeds	1/4 teaspoon	2 tablespoons	1/4 cup
sesame seeds	1/4 teaspoon	2 tablespoons	1/4 cup
Nutritional Supplements
powdered kelp	1/4 teaspoon	2 tablespoons	1/4 cup
blue green algae or alfalfa powder	1/4 teaspoon	2 tablespoons	1/4 cup

This recipe and others are available in Dr. Alicia's Book - "A Guide To A Naturally Healthy Bird"

The recipe above can be used as a guide for a healthy diet. You may substitute an item for another equivalent food item; for instance, if a particular one is seasonally unavailable. Examples: Collard or dandelion greens in place of comfrey or zucchini in place of chayote. In addition to the mash diet, orange chunks, celery sticks, and almonds are served regularly as well. Also, occasionally served is mashed hard-boiled egg with shell included (boiled 20 minutes), whole grain wheat bread, and a natural cornbread, which are always eagerly consumed.

Supplements: An aged garlic extract can be sprinkled over the mash daily for its benefits in aiding digestion, stimulating the immune system, and keeping your birds resistant to infection and disease. I use apple cider vinegar (ACV) over the mash using a plastic squirt bottle; 1/2 tsp. for medium to large size birds, 1/4 tsp. for smaller species. ACV is an immunity enhancer; its natural antibiotic action protects your birds from infections. It is rich in enzymes, potassium, and other important minerals, and aids in digestion and the assimilation of food. An organic non-distilled brand is recommended.

The high phosphorus to calcium ratio in most foods requires an increase in calcium through a quality supplement. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus, should be 2.5:1, including D3. Extra calcium is provided daily by the use of a calcium magnesium liquid, while other species receive it regularly with frequency depending upon age, activity level, and breeding cycles. Juvenile birds (under 1 year) and pairs which are aging or less active receive it more often, as are birds prior to and during egg laying, and while raising young. Remember that birds under stress (which includes extreme heat or cold) need additional calcium, as well as an increase in all essential nutrients.

The seeds, nuts, and grains, which are offered in the afternoon, make-up about 30% of their diet. Most seeds are beneficial, but you must be sure they come from a quality source. We purchase our seeds at a health food market. Ideally, some can be grown in your own environment, if space permits.

Here is the basis of our raw organic seed mixture:

80% hulled millet

5% hulled sunflower

5% shelled peanuts (a legume)

5% rolled oats

5% buckwheat (a fruit)

The most important nutritive elements of seeds are the B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and E, unsaturated fatty acids, protein, phosphorous, and calcium. For example, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are high in protein, plus all of the above vitamins as well as magnesium, zinc, iodine, and potassium. The value of seeds, nuts, and grains along with beans and peas are unsurpassed, especially in the sprouted form. Sprouting seeds will increase their total vitamin content and may be added to the morning mash.

Seeds also have a positive effect on birds by supplying quick energy, beak stimulation, and are certainly healthful in rationed amounts. Over indulgence of seed, especially fatty seed, such as sunflower, peanut, etc. may crowd out other essential foods from the diet and can therefore result in nutritional deficiency as well as obesity.

Your seed mix should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, and in air-tight containers to prevent rancidity caused by oxidation. Some protection from rancidity will be provided by vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant, and present in varying amounts in oil-bearing foods. No more than six weeks worth should be purchased in advance.