Calendula for birds, Parrots, Budgies, Cockatiels plus recipe
Calendula for birds: Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a safe and beneficial herb that can be offered to parrots, budgies, cockatiels, and other birds. It is known for its bright orange or yellow flowers and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Here’s what you need to know about feeding calendula to your birds:
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Calendula
- Vitamins: Calendula is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune health, skin health, and eye health.
- Antioxidants: The herb contains antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Calendula has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing inflammation and soothing skin irritations.
- Digestive Aid: It can help support healthy digestion and may have mild antimicrobial effects.
How to Offer Calendula to Birds
- Fresh or Dried Flowers:
- Fresh Calendula: You can offer fresh calendula flowers to your birds. Make sure they are free from pesticides and chemicals.
- Dried Calendula: Dried calendula flowers can be mixed with your birds’ regular food or used as a treat. They can be found in health food stores or online.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Mix with Food: Sprinkle dried calendula petals over your bird’s food or mix them with their regular seed or pellet diet.
- As a Treat: Offer small pieces of fresh calendula flowers as an occasional treat.
- Herbal Tea: Brew a mild calendula tea (using dried petals) and let it cool. Offer it as a drinking option alongside their regular water.
- Enrichment:
- Foraging: Incorporate calendula flowers into foraging toys or scatter them around the cage to encourage natural foraging behavior and provide mental stimulation.
Calendula for birds Considerations
- Moderation: Calendula should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It should not replace their main food sources.
- Variety: Incorporate calendula as part of a varied diet that includes seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
- Source: Ensure that any calendula you offer is free from pesticides and chemicals, especially if you are harvesting it from your garden.
Conclusion
Calendula is a safe and beneficial herb that can be a healthy addition to the diet of parrots, budgies, and cockatiels. Its vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable supplement to their regular diet. Always ensure that the calendula you offer is free from chemicals and offer it in moderation as part of a diverse and balanced diet.
Calendula Birdie Mix
Here’s a simple recipe incorporating calendula that you can prepare for your parrots, budgies, and cockatiels. This recipe combines calendula with other bird-safe ingredients to create a nutritious and engaging treat.
Ingredients:
- Dried Calendula Petals: 1 tablespoon
- Carrot: 1 small carrot, grated
- Apple: 1/4 apple, chopped (seeds and core removed)
- Spinach: A handful, finely chopped
- Cooked Quinoa: 1/4 cup, cooled
- Blueberries: 1/4 cup, washed and halved
- Chia Seeds: 1 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Calendula Petals: If using dried calendula petals, ensure they are free from pesticides and chemicals. Measure out 1 tablespoon.
- Carrot: Grate the carrot or chop it finely.
- Apple: Core and chop the apple into small, manageable pieces.
- Spinach: Wash and finely chop the spinach leaves.
- Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool completely.
- Blueberries: Wash and halve the blueberries.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dried calendula petals, grated carrot, chopped apple, chopped spinach, cooked quinoa, blueberries, and chia seeds.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve:
- Offer the calendula birdie mix to your birds in their feeding dish or scatter small portions around their cage to encourage foraging behavior.
- Serve fresh and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to maintain freshness and hygiene.
- Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Dried Calendula Petals: Provide vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene for eye health and fiber for digestion.
- Apple: Offers vitamins A and C and fiber for digestive health.
- Spinach: Contains iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
- Quinoa: Adds protein and healthy carbohydrates.
- Blueberries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Chia Seeds: Provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Calendula for birds Considerations:
- Moderation: Ensure this mix is part of a balanced diet and not the sole source of nutrition.
- Variety: Incorporate other bird-safe fruits, vegetables, and seeds to provide a well-rounded diet.
- Observation: When introducing new foods, monitor your birds for any adverse reactions or changes in behavior.
This calendula birdie mix is a flavorful and nutritious treat that can help add variety to your birds’ diet while offering the benefits of calendula. Enjoy watching your feathered friends explore and enjoy this healthy mix!
Calendula for birds further discussion
Calendula is great for birds. The flowers and leaves can be eaten. Calendula officinale should not be mistaken by Marigold. The seed is freely available from your gardening section in grocery and hardware stores. It is sometimes called “poor man’s saffron”. The petals are used as a color substitute for saffron in rice, fish, soup, and poultry dishes and infused to give color to cheese, butter, and cakes.
I bought some calendula plants to give to feed during the winter.
In some parts of the world, Calendula is considered to be a summer annual. In South Africa, however, the summers are too hot and the plants simply wither in the heat. The cooler temps of winter and their resilience to frost make them an ideal option for winter color.
Calendula for birds can be mixed into a chop, offered as foot toys, or even brewed as tea.
I asked on the Facebook group what it is good for and Lynn Andrews responded (thank you):
“Calendula has high antimicrobial properties. The flowers have a high percentage of flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenes, which work together to both ease swelling of inflamed tissue and stave off infection. Calendula also has carotenoids and polysaccharides. This combination helps rebuild skin cells and stabilize mucous membranes. Excellent medicinal plant for birds & humans, alike!”
You might also be interested in:
https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/feeding-parrots-in-winter/
You might also be interested to feed dandelions for your birds as it is listed as a superfood.
https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/is-dandelion-safe-for-birds/
This article is available in the following edition:
We also have a wide range of bird food available at Boegie Store.
Content creator: Petrus A. van Tonder
Please leave a comment to tell us about your experience with Calendula for birds or anything else you would like to share with us.
