Frequently asked questions about the Herb Salad
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What kind of birds will eat your herbs?
Everybody, from the tiniest finches to the largest parrots! Dove, quail, pigeon, even softbills eat Herb Salad™.
Will my bird like Herb Salad?
Birds instinctively know medicinal plants are a necessary part of their natural diet. Your bird's initial reaction to Herb Salad can vary, depending on the individual bird and the circumstances. The majority of birds immediately try Herb Salad and begin consuming it on a regular basis. In some cases, your bird may ignore it until a health matter, e.g. vitamin deficiency, stress, injury, illness, etc. compels him to seek relief. Time may be needed for your bird to *learn* to eat Herb Salad, especially finicky eaters resistant to new foods. Don't remove it right away if it goes untouched. Keep it dry and clean, and leave it in his cage. It is the rare bird that doesn't eventually discover what makes him feel stronger, healthier and happy.
When do my birds need Herb Salad?
Herb Salad should be available to your bird at all times. The benefit of regular access to the healthy bird is in permitting them the opportunity to address health issues, vitamin deficiencies and illness before the onset of the changed behavior or eating patterns that alert us to a health concern. The merits of early prevention can be crucial for breeding hens and babies, as well as the smaller and more delicate species. Stressed and recovering birds also profit from the constant availability to Herb Salad with its many function-specific herbs.
How do I feed Herb Salad to my birds?
The fundamental principal behind Herb Salad, and what it affords your bird over food and water additives, is in the way it gives your bird the power to choice. This is best accomplished by feeding Herb Salad in its own container. Desirable, are shallow dishes that allow easy access to the entire supply, rather than just surface contents. A shallower container will also help eliminate waste brought on by digging birds searching for individual herbs. To help acclimate the fussy eater, Herb Salad may be added to their seed. We do not recommend adding it to soft or cooked diets.
Can I mix your herbs in with my egg food?
We don’t advise mixing Herb Salad™ in with egg food, soak seed or anything moist. Because of the medicinal properties of the herbs, your birds should be able to choose which herb it wants and the quantity it desires to eat.
When and how much should I give my birds?
Herb Salad™ should be available to your birds at all times. It is best served in its own shallow dish so that your birds may *pick* around in it.
My bird loves your herbs--though he’s very selective.
Herb Salad™ is working as it should with a selective bird; he’s selecting the herb(s) he needs to address a particular need, e.g. deficiency, ailment, emotional. We recommend you add to his daily supply, mixing it in with the existing, so that he keeps getting what it is that he’s seeking.
I was wondering if the herbs have been known to heal (or help) a Gould that has been ill for a month or two. Is it recommended to feed the herbs to a seriously ill Gouldian that has been difficult to diagnose?
It’s been reported to me many times, as well as seeing it in my own aviary, that Herb Salad™cured an ill bird when medication couldn’t. There are several different reasons that make this possible… The bird’s illness hasn’t been correctly diagnosed, so proper medication isn’t provided. The bird may be suffering multiple illnesses and the meds are only addressing part of the problem. Or, it could be that the medicines themselves are causing additional problems, side effects. Replenish Herb Salad™ often so that your bird doesn’t run out of the particular herb(s) he needs. Keep trying to find the right medication.
Is Herb Salad™ the only supplement I need to give my birds besides cuttlebone?
Don’t stop using any supplements you are already using. If your bird’s diet is deficient in any areas, the Herb Salad™ will help correct this.
Will I have to grind up your herbs for my smaller birds?
No. This would make it very difficult for your bird to pick out certain herbs. Also, birds generally don’t prefer powdered mixes. Can I feed Herb Salad™ to my parrot? Certainly! All species of birds will enjoy the benefits of the Herb Salad™!
How long do these herbs stay fresh and how do I store them.
These herbs have a shelf life of up to 2 years if kept dry and free of dust and debris. Refrigeration and freezing are not necessary.
What differences in my birds will I notice after feeding them Herb Salad™?
More active birds, better feather condition and color, better appetite, and increased breeding productivity are just some of the improvements from feed Herb Salad™. After we began feeding medicinal herbs to our birds, we had a dramatic reduction in deaths, illnesses, *mystery* fluffed birds, nervousness and feather/skin problems. The positive aspect has been that our birds are able to correct minor health issues before they get severe and we are able to notice a difference in their behavior. We rarely medicate. They are beautifully colored.
My birds need to *fatten up*! Will this help?
There are herbs in our 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 quite ill. The Herb Salad™ allows your bird to combat illnesses before the apparent signs that allert 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
Will my bird like Herb Salad™?
Birds instinctively know medicinal plants are a necessary part of their natural diet. Your bird's initial reaction to Herb Salad can vary, depending on the individual bird and the circumstances. The majority of birds immediately try Herb Salad and begin consuming it on a regular basis. In some cases, your bird may ignore it until a health matter, e.g. vitamin deficiency, stress, injury, illness, etc. compels him to seek relief. Time may be needed for your bird to *learn* to eat Herb Salad, especially finicky eaters resistant to new foods. Don't remove it right away if it goes untouched. Keep it dry and clean, and leave it in his cage. It is the rare bird that doesn't eventually discover what makes him feel stronger, healthier and happy.
Are the herbs in your Herb Salad™ mixed in equal parts?
No, quantities are varied according to diet requirements. The selection and proportions of herbs contained in our blend has been carefully chosen based on extensive research and many years of use.
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 supplement nor a medication, rather a deterrent to illness and an encouragement to wellness. I think of the herb dishes like my bird’s little medicine cabinet. Contents for what ails them when they don’t feel good!
When do my birds need Herb Salad?
Herb Salad should be available to your bird at all times. The benefit of regular access to the healthy bird is in permitting them the opportunity to address health issues, vitamin deficiencies and illness before the onset of the changed behavior or eating patterns that alert us to a health concern. The merits of early prevention can be crucial for breeding hens and babies, as well as the smaller and more delicate species. Stressed and recovering birds also profit from the constant availability to Herb Salad with its many function-specific herbs.
How do I feed Herb Salad to my birds?
The fundamental principal behind Herb Salad, and what it affords your bird over food and water additives, is in the way it gives your bird the power to choice. This is best accomplished by feeding Herb Salad in its own container. Desirable, are shallow dishes that allow easy access to the entire supply, rather than just surface contents. A shallower container will also help eliminate waste brought on by digging birds searching for individual herbs. To help acclimate the fussy eater, Herb Salad may be added to their seed. We do not recommend adding it to soft or cooked diets.
Should I use Herb Salad instead of medications and supplements?
We know that captive birds need additional minerals and vitamins that aren't derived from food intake alone. What to supplement and how often, depends on a number of factors such as the quality of their diet, lighting, exercise, etc. We recommend making no changes to your bird's diet initially, rather monitor your birds for any changes. You may determine over time, that less medicating and supplementing is needed. Watch for improvements such as
- Improved beak and feather condition
- Less itching and scratching
- Decreased illness
- Increased appetites
- Increased breeding activity
- Better survival rate of chicks
- Higher energy levels
- A happier bird!
Dedicated bird owners consider the Herb Salad essential to their feeding program, but not as an alternative to veterinary care and recommended medications or in substitution of supplementing proper nutrition with vitamins. Success has depended upon the species of bird, health history and eating habits. We believe however, that whatever your feeding practices are, your bird's diet and welfare will surely be enhanced with the inclusion of Herb Salad.
Can you tell me how you keep your products out of area your birds are in?
If I understand you correctly, you’re concerned that our herbs that may have been exposed to our birds/bird room? Our business is in a totally separate building used exclusively for Herb Salad™. t’s naturally repelling parasites, such as mites.
The Herbs in our Herb Salad:
| Milk thistle | liver repair, heart, lungs, circulation, worms |
| Oatstraw | calcium, magnesium, yeast infections, thyroid |
| Echinacea | antibiotic, antiviral, immunity, vitamins, proteins |
| Thyme | antibacterial, kills & expels worms, diarrhea |
| Pau d'arco | blood cleanser, fights infections, liver, candida |
| Plantain | kidneys, appetite, diarrhea, anti-inflammatory |
| Dandelion | stomach, vitamins, potassium, calcium, kidneys |
| Marshmallow | wounds, calcium, diuretic, demulcent, tonic |
| Red clover | relaxant, antibiotic, inflammations, minerals |
| Chickweed | C, B, D, Anti-inflammatory, stomach, respiratory |
| Garlic | antifungal, antioxidant, fertility, heart |
| Olive leaf | feather problems, improves the will to live |
| Kelp | iodine, thyroid, stimulant, mucous membranes |
| Elderberry | respiratory, anti-inflammatory, blood, appetite |
| Barberry | antiseptic, respiratory, blood purifier, liver |
| Licorice | expectorant, liver, anti-inflammatory, flavor |
| Yarrow | blood, liver, virus & fungal inhibitor, tonic |
| Astragalus | immune system, digestion, energy, kidneys |
| Lavender | digestion, essential oils, stress, metabolism |
| Wormwood | liver, aids digestion, appetite stimulant, worms |
| Spirulina | fertility, growth, stress, color, protein |
| Wheatgrass | circulation, amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll |
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