The Gallery of Articles Page Three

The Gallery of Articles

PAGE THREE

Page Three of The Gallery or Articles series is an expansion of Step Two - Diet that is part of the NINE STEPS TO SUCCESS article that appears in its' entirety elsewhere on this site. There will be more articles on this site that will delve deeper in each of Steps the NINE STEPS to help you succeed in your "quest to raise the best!"

THE HOUSE OF CRESTS 2012 DIET PLAN^Ó

By Donald Perez

It gives me great pleasure to add to my House of Crests 2012 Diet Plan page a well-written article on The Benefits of Feeding Sprouts detailing the reasons why feeding sprouts or more importantly, feeding organic sprouts is important. Learn about her sprouting methods and ordering her organic sprouts by visiting the website of my newest probiotic reseller, Animal Wellness Coach, Leslie Morán. Read on...

Here is the House of Crests 2012 Diet Plan along with the appropriate sources for all products. Please call or e-mail their customer service or sales departments for catalogs of available products and current prices. Please note that while there are probably more recipes and diet plans than there are breeders and fanciers in the world, these are what work and have worked for many years with changes made recently that revolutionized the quality of the canaries in The House of Crests. The successes over the years speak for the success of the diet plan.

Those that have visited The House have always admired the quality of the birds both in health, stamina, vigor, sheen of feather and alertness exhibited in them. Just look at the quality of feather in all the birds in The Gallery of Stars. The Stable of Stars and The Winner’s Gallery to appreciate the richness of color and feather quality. Once fanciers have some of these birds in their own room, they comment on how long-lived they are as well. Please also know that the House of Crests Diet Plan is a constantly-evolving diet and is usually based on the latest new discoveries and research that will improve on previous plans. It's important to make changes as new information is made available. We all win and our birds win and is that not what it's all about in the first place?

THE MAIN CHANGES in my House of Crests Diet Plan are that I've gone totally organic and have stopped using any commercial nestling foods and eggs in my nestling food!! I am now using sprouted Organic Quinoa in place of eggs! Both the dry & sprouted Organic Quinoa, Couscous and organic greens, veggies and fruits are available from Whole Foods Market Stores in the USA and other fine grocery stores who really care about what they sell their customers. The more locally-grown, fresh, organic ingredients you add to your mix, the better!!

Please note that a proper, quality diet must be administered to the adults long before the egg has even started to develop in the hens. This is one of the main steps that will always yield excellent results in your success in your “quest to raise the best!” And this quality diet must be continued year 'round for continued success!

The House of Crests' second major change is that it has stopped using all bottled water. I have begun filtering my own water (Using distilled water or tap water filtered by the Reverse Osmosis Method of filtering water which is touted as being the best but sources state that they both are possibly "too pure" in that they also eliminate valuable minerals and so may not be as good for drinking.), so check out my water filter listed below. It seems that from current research, it has been found that cancer-causing chemicals are leeched from the plastics used in most all plastic bottled water into the water, regardless of the size bottle, and as such are not considered safe to use. Especially when they are transported to the retail establishments in hot overland trucks as the heat is a big problem in changing the molecular structure of the plastic chemicals causing their toxins to leech into the drinking water. Having read some medical articles on the Internet, it's been said that these chemicals are even inappropriate and dangerous for infant bottles as well!

In fact, this week Chicago Becomes First U.S. City to Ban Baby Bottles with BPA! What is BPA one might ask?

Excerpt:

Bisphenol A (BPA), the toxic chemical used to make certain types of plastic infant bottles and other clear, hard plastics more shatter-resistant, has been linked to severe developmental disorders, particularly in newborn children. Over time, BPA seeps into the body and builds up to dangerously high levels, where it can disrupt hormones and increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adults. In many cases, children are exposed to harmful levels of BPA when they are served milk or baby food that is warmed in plastic cups or bottles made with the chemical.

Learn more:

http://www.youhaverights.com/toxic-exposure/bpa/

Filtered water is also used for drinking Yerba Mate & Green tea and cooking here in The House. Regardless of what type of filtered water one uses in the birdroom, suffice it to say, my feeling is that it must be free from chlorine or other bacteria-killing additives or agents as well as possible chemicals leeching from the containers the water comes in.

One great water filtration system is most inexpensive and the filters are very inexpensive (10 cents per gallon and does not waste water during the filtration process is also very easy to hook up to your faucet and placed on the counter. It's called the Aquasana Drinking Water Filtration System.

Learn more about this filtration system at the following links:

http://www.aquasana.com/category.php?category_id=1

http://reviews.ebay.com/Choosing-a-Drinking-Water-Filter-System_W0QQugidZ10000000011100004?ssPageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:STORES:5

http://waterfilterauthority.com/2008/12/reverse-osmosis-equipment-a-popular-filter-but-is-it-good-for-home-drinking-water/

During the rest of the year the canaries get filtered tap water for drinking which is refrigerated 24 hours in glass bottles. Vitamins, additives or "cleansers" are never added to the drinking water, ever! The birds all get fresh, water every single day with nothing added. Any vitamins, supplements or additives they need, they get almost every day in the form of a daily supplement in a finger drawer (treat cup), as you shall read.

Please be sure to wash your hands for at least 30 seconds prior to beginning any project that requires handling your birds or bird utensils and especially prior to the preparation and administration of foods! As an added precaution, it's always a good idea to wear disposable plastic gloves.

THE HOUSE OF CRESTS NESTLING/SOFT FOOD FORMULA

Place 2 cups of Couscous in a very large bowl along with 2 tablespoons of whole poppy seed and 2 tablespoons of anise seed (grind the anise seed prior to using) then mix well in the bowl. One can substitute Anise Extract for the anise seed by adding a few drops to the water mixture ingredients mentioned further on, in place of the anise seed. Also add 2 rounded tablespoons of Lewis Labs Brewer's Yeast to the dry mixture and mix well. This brand of Brewer's Yeast is naturally-loaded with amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is exceptionally rich in Selenium, Chromium, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Sodium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Zinc and other factors natural to yeast. It even has Methionine! Learn about all the nutrient facts of the Lewis Labs Brewer's Yeast here. Now, put this mixture aside for the moment.

Because of the ability of the Couscous to absorb and retain moisture, I know that every single item from the Avi-Culture^® the finest, live, avian specific probiotic on the market (more on this later) to every single vitamin and any other additives added to the filtered water will certainly be absorbed into the Couscous which means that something good will be consumed with every bite! The consistency of this well-wetted Couscous is likened to egg white. The Couscous is relished by the feeding hens, and that gives me the confidence that no matter what else the hens consume and feed, ALL the nutrients and the friendly bacteria in the probiotic will be absorbed by the digestive system of the chicks and thus any e-coli or other pathogens will be kept at a safe minimum! This means that the chicks will grow to their fullest genetic potential as quickly as possible and the adults will stay healthy and live longer.

Get 2 cups of very cold filtered water and put it in a bottle with a cap that fits on tightly. Best advice, get a 16 oz. BPA-free plastic or better, a glass bottle and add filtered water. Into this bottle of water add a tablespoon of a liquid vitamin like Poly-Vitamin Drops for children, two teaspoons of wheat germ oil, 2 teaspoons of Barlean's Organic Flax Oil, 2 teaspoons of BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of a liquid Vitamin E. Also add a 1/8 teaspoon of Spirulina (dry powder). Put the cap back on the water bottle and shake the heck out of it. Please note that I've found that other then the vitamin E, no other additional vitamin supplement is needed at any time of the year when using a complete vitamin like the Poly-Vitamin Drops for children. Fact is, the only time of the year that the vitamin E is used is just before the breeding season to get the birds into breeding condition. More on this later in this article.

If like myself, you are used to using a pure, very high-quality probiotic; that is indeed alive and specific for the avian intestine, then add approx. 1/2 gram or a little under a 1/8 tspn at this time to the water. Make sure you are not using tap water with chemicals and chlorine or antibiotics in it for moistening your nestling food mix as the chemicals will kill all the lactobacillus!

Again, make sure the probiotic you are using does indeed contain a LIVE avian-specific bacteria! Ask your supplier if the probiotic they sell needs to be refrigerated. If they say no, then you will know that what they are trying to sell is a product that is probably worthless because it's most likely dead and will most likely not "come back to life" when added to water!

To insure that the bacteria is alive or at least most of what is in the container is alive, be sure that the establishment you bought it from is storing it in a freezer or at least a refrigerator! ANYTHING ELSE THEY MIGHT TRY TO SELL YOU THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SITTING ON A STORE SHELF FOR A WHILE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IS USUALLY NOT GOING TO BE ALIVE. No matter what they might tell you, you can be sure that it is not very viable!!

MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT IS AVIAN-SPECIFIC and not a generic strain that is used for swine or cattle and repackaged for this market! Having done much research on beneficial bacteria used over the years in the poultry industry, trust me when I tell you a quality beneficial bacteria works to reduce if not completely eliminate intestinal disorders, especially during the stresses of the breeding season!! A high-quality probiotic will also help all your canaries to assimilate all the essential vitamins that will allow them to develop to their fullest genetic potential and stay healthier and live longer!! You need it to prevent your chicks from the dreaded "going light" syndrome too! I, of course only use AVI-CULTURE^®

The beneficial bacteria in a probiotic must be alive to breed and multiply to become the flora of "friendly" bacteria normally found in the healthy avian gut. The proper flora is what's needed to keep the negative bacteria and pathogens to a minimum in the intestinal tract of your charges!! This healthy flora of bacteria is what helps all birds grow quicker as they are then able to absorb all the nutrients of the foods they consume and thus develop to their fullest genetic potential! You cannot overdose the canaries on lactobacillus for all the surplus that the body cannot use is eliminated when they void. It amazes me to hear of people who will spend large amounts of money on good stock only to ruin them with a poor dietary regimen. It also amazes me to read articles or comments written by fanciers who talk about all the best seeds and foodstuffs they feed their birds, yet still have some "going light" every year or losing chicks in the nest. Why spend so much money on good foods only to have them, no matter how much they eat, not be able to absorb all the nutrients from them because of a high pathogen buildup in the intestine? Read all about probiotics at: www.avi-culture.com .

Now, back to the nestling food recipe. Pour the entire liquid mixture into the bowl of Couscous, stir it a bit and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator so that everything is absorbed into the Couscous. This can be all absorbed in the Couscous within a couple hours at room temps as well, if one has time limitations.

Are you still with me here? Okay, good!

Now add a half a cup of fresh, organic baby or regular carrots along with a handful of organic, pre-washed baby spinach leaves that have together been run thru a food processor for a minute or so to the Couscous at this time. Fluff it all very well. To this add 2 cups of sprouted Quinoa. One can cook the Quinoa but I have decided to sprout it since it sprouts very easily. One can also buy the red or white organic Quinoa dry at The Whole Foods Market for $2.99 a pound either organic red or white and $7.99 a pound sprouted in the red with no added ingredients.

Fluff this all up with a fork until it is thoroughly mixed. If you feel some of this mixture in your fingers you will find that the entire mixture has the consistency of cooked egg white. The advantage of making the mixture this way with the Couscous is that all the nutrients have been absorbed into the Couscous as well as into the carrots & spinach. Fluff and mix this all well. Now, add two heaping tablespoons of organic Fresh Bee Pollen, a quarter cup of whole, crushed or cracked hemp seed, half a cup of Niger seed, half a cup of Organic Instant Oats to this entire mixture and fluff well. If you find that the mixture is too moist, you can add some ground-up, dry Couscous to the mixture to absorb some of the moisture. Keep what you will normally use in a weeks’ time and store the rest in the freezer in heavy-duty plastic containers that are BPA-free or freezer bags with claims to be BPA-free. Be Green and be healthy, use BPA-free reusable plastic & aluminum drinking bottles!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

STOP feeding this mixture with the Vitamin E and wheat germ oil in it, once the canaries come into breeding condition. If you continue feeding them the nestling food with the Vitamin E and/or the wheat germ oil, it is so rich that the hens will go through the cycle of egg laying but when it gets time to incubate the eggs or raise the young, they are so darned wound up and excited, they abandon all eggs or chicks and want to get serviced again and begin another clutch!! Save what you have left of any of the nestling food with vitamin E & wheat germ oil in it to feed to the slower ones who have not yet come in condition. Keep all pre-made softfood/nestling food in the freezer until ready to use!

How can you tell if your canaries are in breeding condition, you may ask? Well, I guess, once the males are singing their fool heads off and act as if the perches feel like hot coals and the hens begin squatting wanting to be serviced as soon as a male canary is anywhere near and start pulling at their own breast feathers in the attempt to build their nests, they are in condition to breed!

This year once again, once the birds are in breeding condition, I will be omitting the vitamin E and wheat germ oil from the nestling/soft food and replacing it with 2 teaspoons of Barlean's Organic Flax Oil and 2 teaspoons of Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil during the rest of the breeding season to the feeding hens which is from March until the end of June. I will continue adding the Barlean's Organic Flax Oil and Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil in the same quantities to the mix and will feed it as per my "House of Crests 2012 Daily Detailed Feeding Schedule".

For a printable copy of the "House of Crests 2012 Daily Detailed Feeding Schedule", send an e-mail to or simply click: 2012 FEEDING SCHEDULE and request one!

This same nestling/softfood mixture but without vitamin E or wheat germ oil is also fed throughout the molt to all the birds. This is the way I insure all canaries are getting all the vitamins & minerals and Avi-Culture^® probiotic they need year 'round. When I make the nestling food with the Barlean's Organic Flax Oil and Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil, I make enough to fill around 20 quart-sized BPA-free Freezer Bags or heavy-duty plastic containers that are BPA-free and store them all in the freezer, taking out what I need and thawing it in the refrigerator the day before I feed it.

Learn some guidelines regarding plastic storage containers and what to look for in this 13-page guide:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/5095671/Safer-Plastic-Containers

On most all oils one uses not only for the birds but for their own personal use, they should be purchased with valid expiration dates on them. Olive Oil and many other oils go rancid rather quickly, so if you can find cold-pressed, first press olive oil and oils, you are on the right track.

Check the date on which it was pressed and expiration dates, please.

After the weaning stage, young canaries are each fed a treat cup of the above mix of nestling food every third day, alternating with soak seed and Song/Gold of Pleasure Blend listed below along with the basic diet in a dish until fully molted out. They then begin the diet plan of the adult Glosters.

I purchase all my organic oils & Quinoa, Couscous & other foods from The Whole Foods Market Store Chain. Be sure when shopping at The Whole Food Market stores and any stores that the products are indeed labeled to be organic and are locally brown in America and are not imported or grown using the conventional methods as they may not adhere to the USDA Certified Organic certification guidelines. The Whole Foods Market stores have a separate refrigerated section which holds their best, organic, cold-pressed, wheat germ oils, flaxseed oils, hemp oils and probiotics. Again, I like the fact that the press date and expiration date is listed on each and every bottle of oil I purchase for use both in my birdroom and in my home.

ORGANIC SPROUTED SEED

To insure that your birds get the most enzymes and essential amino acids along with the best beneficial probiotics in their diet, it's best to supplement the diet with as many locally-grown, raw organic sprouted seeds, greens, veggies & fruits you can get your birds to eat and sprinkling some Avi-Culture^® on them.

In fact, the BestBirdFoodEver organic sprouted seeds are the best on the market and one of the most natural ways to make sure your birds get those valuable enzymes and essential amino acids and they're even better-tasting when you sprinkle a little avian-specific probiotic like Avi-Culture^® on them before serving. Watch them gobble the sprouts up! Feel free to run the sprouts through a food processor for a couple spins then mix the sprouted seeds into any nestling/softfood you desire.

A great source for organic seeds for sprouting, can be found at: http://www.bestbirdfoodever.com

THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING SPROUTS^Ó

BY LESLIE MORAN

The avian body requires hundreds of different nutrients daily. The four basic macronutrients are water, protein, carbohydrates, and fats along with the enzymes required to digest them. By offering your birds the healthiest forms of these nutrients, in the proper balance, you enable the optimal functioning of their physical bodies. The micronutrients they need to consume on a daily basis include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. While these nutrients are also essential to life, they are described as micronutrients because they are needed by the body in smaller amounts when compared to the volume of macronutrients that must be consumed.

As the body receives the type and quality of nutrition it craves every bodily system is nourished. This results in healthy growth and development, while also promoting the body’s natural regenerative and healing processes. Growth, development, reproduction, regeneration and healing all begin at the cellular level. When the avian body receives high quality, balanced nutrition we see improved health, increased longevity, more congenial temperaments, beautiful plumage and healthy offspring.

Well nourished birds have a natural resistance against illness and disease. They also handle stress much better than those who are missing key nutrients in their diet. How can you ensure your birds are receiving the best nutrition possible? By feeding a variety of foods that are rich in an assortment of nutrients. Each nutritional component - each vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, enzyme, and amino acid - provides unique properties the body needs to retain or regain good health. Providing a diet that is balanced, nutrient dense, and contains complete protein, is the cornerstone of good health.

Although you may already be feeding a blend of fresh fruits, raw and steamed vegetables, in conjunction with a seed blend and eggfood, there is one food that you can feed that is nutritionally superior to all other foods combined. You’ve got to be feeding your birds sprouts - or they’re missing vital nutrients.

Why are Sprouts so Nutritious?

When any seed, nut, grain or legume is sprouted the entire chemical composition is enhanced. Soaking triggers germination, this is just the beginning. Germinated seeds, grains and legumes must be allowed to grow in order for them to reach their peak nutrition. The nutritional value of fresh fruits and vegetables is limited when compared to what sprouts offer. The germination and sprout growing process transforms whole foods into an avian super food.

Presently, there is quite a bit of false information in numerous sources on-line stating that soaked seed is nutritionally superior to sprouts. Nothing could be further from the truth. In an upcoming issue of my monthly column, “The Holistic Parrot”, that appears in Parrots magazine (www.parrotmag.com) I’ll be presenting the facts. Then we can put this piece of sprouting misinformation to rest. Look for this article in the October 2010, issue #153, of Parrots magazine.

Packed with Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants

The sprout growing process causes the formation of vitamins and an increase in all vitamins present. This makes sprouts a rich source of vitamins C, E, B complex and beta-carotene. Any minerals present become chelated - making them easier for the body to assimilate.

Sprouts also contain an overwhelming quantity of life-enhancing antioxidants. Antioxidants come in a variety of forms, each one provides unique chemical components as they target and bind to specific free radicals. When the level of free radicals rise above what the body can manage, they begin altering the way cells code genetic material.

Abundant in Enzymes

When sproutable foods are germinated and allowed to become sprouts they now provide an abundant source of enzymes. By nature enzymes are catalysts - substances that induce hundreds of thousands of biochemical processes in the body. Enzymes are essential for good health - they make every single biochemical process possible. The brain, nervous system, vascular system, cell regeneration, growth, immunity, the digestive system, and all the vital organs - the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs all depend on enzymes to function properly. According to Clinical Nutritionist Phyllis Balch, in her book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”, sprouts (not soaked seed but sprouts) are the most abundant source of enzymes available. Although all raw foods contain enzymes the amounts present in sprouts can be 10 to 100 times greater than the amounts that are present in raw fresh fruits and vegetables.

Protein Rich

Like enzymes, proteins are also essential to life. Proteins form the structural basis of chromosomes. Each DNA strand contains the genetic code that is the formula for making that cell’s unique protein chain. Proteins are the primary building blocks that makeup every cell in the body. Proteins build healthy muscles, blood, skin, feathers, nails, and vital internal organs. Proteins are essential for proper growth, development, reproduction and a well functioning immune system. Having a diet rich in complete protein is a fundamental nutritional requirement for a bird to cope with stress effectively. When feeding a sprouting blend that contains all the essential amino acids you are providing an easily digested source of complete protein.

Successful Results

There are several reasons why seeds, nuts grains or legumes do not sprout. Poor quality and the age of the food, using a poorly formulated sprouting blend or using a sprouting method that is incompatible with the climate where you live are all factors. If a seed, nut grain or legume is no longer viable and cannot germinate - it is dead. Sproutable foods from organic sources are fresh and will readily grow for you.

Bacteria and Sprouting

When discussing sprouting for birds the next area of concern is bacteria. When learning to sprout for your birds you must use a method specific for the climate where you live. And using GSE (Grapefruit Seed extract) can make all the difference regarding your success or failure. GSE is an all natural antibacterial and antifungal product. Using GSE when you sprout for your birds will help eliminate the bacteria problem and alleviate your concerns.

High Acceptance

Experience has shown that 70 to 90 percent of the birds introduced to sprouts enthusiastically eat them the first time. Birds have an instinctive ability for selecting and eating foods that have medicinal properties, or are rich in nutrients that their body needs.

Everything You Need

So where can you find a fresh supply of sprouts that provides a balance of all the essential amino acids? The best source of fresh sprouts for your birds is to grow them yourself. And the most complete kit to ensure your sprouting success is available at www.BestBirdFoodEver.com . This Complete Sprouting Kit includes a copy of the book, “The Complete Guide to Successful Sprouting for Parrots”, either a one or five pound bag of the Best Bird Food Ever! USDA Certified 100% Organic - Complete Protein - Sprouting Blend and a 2 oz. bottle of GSE.

Don’t let the title fool you,“The Complete Guide to Successful Sprouting for Parrots”, is the quintessential source for learning to sprout for birds of all types. This book is a detailed guide reinforcing the healthful benefits and superior nutritional qualities of sprouts, while simplifying the process of growing, caring for, and feeding sprouts to your birds. Learn how to use GSE when sprouting. Discover how to tailor your sprouting process to suit the area of the country you live in. An entire chapter is dedicated to the topic of helping your birds learn to enjoy - and look forward to receiving, their dish of tasty, nutritious sprouts. When sprouts are fed as the foundation food, along with a wide selection of organic fresh fruits and vegetables you are providing the highest quality nutrition possible. Chapter excerpts from this book can be viewed at www.BestBirdFoodEver.com .

Quality Sprouting Blends For Birds of All Sizes

When formulating the 100% Organic - Complete Protein - Sprouting Blends my primary concern was to create a blend that provided complete protein from plant sources. Many cases of avian malnutrition are caused by feeding a seed-based diet. Seeds are a source of incomplete protein. With this in mind, I had to ensure that my sprouting blends addressed the lack of complete protein prevalent in the majority of avian diets. Next, I had to ensure that my sprouting blend ingredients would have compatible germination and growing needs. This is why my sprouting blends can be grown successfully in a wide variety of climates and temperatures. In order for foods to germinate and grow into sprouts they must come from high quality sources. My 100% Organic USDA Certified ingredients are human-grade quality ingredients. And in order to sprout successfully, you must learn to sprout in a manner that is compatible with the climate where you live. “The Complete Guide to Successful Sprouting for Parrots” makes this easy for you.

When feeding either the Original Sprouting Blend or the Wheat-Free Sprouting Blend to small birds - finches and canaries - it is best received if it is either chopped finely with a knife or run through a food processor using the ‘pulse’ setting. Four or five quick cycles on pulse will produce a nice textured blend that can be easily mixed with other freshly chopped or steamed vegetables.

Preventing and Reversing Avian Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the leading cause of illness, disease and premature death in captive birds. This statistic tragic - especially since malnutrition can be prevented – and reversed. Sprouts - containing complete protein - provide a wealth of nutrients that are easily assimilated and utilized by the body. Introduce your flock to the superior nutrition of sprouts and watch your birds transform as they receive the benefits only this outstanding super food can provide.

BIO

Leslie Moran is an internationally recognized expert in avian nutrition. She has been in the field of holistic animal nutrition for nearly 30 years. Her articles on natural bird care and holistic avian nutrition are published regularly in several bird magazines. Her monthly column ‘The Holistic Parrot’ has appeared in Parrots magazine since 2002, along with feature articles on holistic and natural care and improving behavior. Leslie has also had articles appear in Australian Birdkeeper magazine, BirdTalk, and the 2009 and 2010 issues of BirdsUSA have feature articles she wrote discussing the value of feeding sprouts.

Leslie provides consultations for people and the birds they love in healing feather destruction, balanced diet and nutrition, and improving behaviors. She writes and works from her facility in Nevada. Leslie can be reached at www.BestBirdFoodEver.com or at 1-775-577-9676.

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The Original Sprouting Blend chopped using a food processor, combined with mixed vegetables.

100% Organic Sprouting Blend, two to threes days growth.

The book, “The Complete Guide to Successful Sprouting for Parrots”

The Complete Sprouting Kit available at www.BestBirdFoodEver.com .

A pair of Crimson-winged parrots enjoying their daily sprouts.

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Another sprout to enjoy and feed your birds are broccoli sprouts available from the Caudill Seed Company via Mail Order Catalogue Company, phone: (800) 695-2241 Learn more about the Broccosprouts here: http://www.broccosprouts.com/ . You can search their site to find a location near you to get them already sprouted or you can buy the seeds from Caudill and grow them as fresh as possible.

ORGANIC GREENS, FRUITS & VEGETABLES

A clip is used to attach organic romaine lettuce, endive or dandelion greens to a bar just above a perch for the hens to feed to the chicks during the breeding season. I prefer to use endive as it stays crisper longer than any other green available. The portion is about two inches long. Last year I fed endive and dandelion leaves a couple times a week as well as a wheel slice or raw corn onto which I've sprinkled a dash of Avi-Culture^® probiotic, once a week to each canary and will do the same this year. Variety is the spice of life and they love all types of fresh, organic fruits, veggies and greens. You may also sprinkle some Avi-Culture^® probiotic onto any those organic fruits, veggies or greens you desire to feed your canaries.

SEEDS – BASIC DIET, CONDITION/SONG & MOLT MIXTURES

The Basic Diet consists of 100% plain canary grass seed. I usually try to purchase this from two different sources to insure at least one may be fresher than the other.

In my opinion, NO OTHER SEED should be added to the basic diet as the canaries will all waste the basic diet seed by tossing it out to get to any other oily or colored oat seed found in some of the "fortified diet" mixes regardless of the brand available. No oats, no Niger, no flax, no nothing else is ever added to the basic diet of plain canary seed!

Quit wasting money and throwing away seed! It has been found that these “fortified” diets as some call them, are loaded with all kinds of other ingredients that either smell or look colorful to attract the birds to them. While other mixes available on the market have seeds like Niger, oats tinted with coloring agents and 'vitamins' and/or other special seeds that tend to be more palatable over the basic canary seed diet. When all these other seeds are “blended” into the seed mix that would most likely consist of mostly canary and rape, the canary will learn that in order to get to its’ favorite morsel in the feed dish, it must toss aside all other seeds! This is why some seed manufacturers suggest using a deep dish in the cage and only put in a certain amount and not fill it again until it is all gone. This is the suggestion they recommend in order for the bird not to be able to toss out the undesirable seeds. Great idea until you find that the deep dish ends up getting full of bird excrement long before the bird finishes what's in the dish!

When the supplements mentioned in The 2012 House Diet Plan are given as written, the birds will get all the nutrients they need and will eat them when they are given immediately when served. When the supplemented items are consumed, the canaries young and old learn to eat only the basic diet that is provided to them the rest of the day. Lastly, I do not use pellets in my program.

Condition/Song Seeds, as some would call them, are really a blend or mix of beneficial oily seeds that add to the general well-being of each canary when fed in moderation and help put a grand finish on each canary. This is especially important if one plans on showing their canaries.

This is what I consider a good year 'round Condition/Song Blend and it consists of:

2 pounds each of the following seeds: Thistle (Niger), White Lettuce Seed, Black Lettuce Seed, Sesame Seed, Anise Seed, Red Millet OR Japanese Millet, Hemp Seed, Flax Seed (Linseed), Hulled Oats OR Oat Groats which are also known as Steel Cut Oats and Perilla Seed (if you can find it). This will add up to 20 pounds of the Condition/Song Blend.

After the chicks are weaned and just before the molt commences in the birdroom, to every 20 pounds of the above Condition/Song Blend, I would add 2 pounds of Gold of Pleasure Seed (also known as Camelina Seed). This would now be called my Condition/Song/Molt Blend, which can actually be used year 'round, if desired. This is an expensive seed but well worth the price when looking for that super, painted-on finish on your canaries and when only the best will do!

Most seeds listed above are available through Herman Brothers in the USA and listed below as well as from Haith's Seed Merchants in the UK. (See sources below.)

When searching for the Gold of Pleasure/Camelina Seed, an excellent source in the USA is Marx Foods:

http://www.marxfoods.com/Lena-Camelina-Seed?sc=2&category=22342

This is an organic seed shipped directly from their Eastern Washington farms and the price as of this writing is $33.70 for 2 pounds and this includes shipping and handling! Again, it's not cheap but the finish it puts on your birds is fantastic!

As with humans, one must identify what the metabolic rate is of each canary. By this I mean that in humans, some people burn calories quicker and thus do not put on poundage while others will build up fat in their bodies. Check each canary weekly by grasping it in your hand to see how much fatty deposits they are retaining. Those that build fat reserves must be fed less of the richer foods and more of the basic diet per day. There are some canaries that will favor only the rape seed in the basic diet and as such, get fatter. These then must be fed less rape in their basic diet. Some might even require that they be fed canary seed minus all rape seed. The metabolic rate of all canaries are different regardless of the breed.

For a printable copy of the "House of Crests 2012 Daily Detailed Feeding Schedule", send an e-mail by simply clicking:

2012 HOC FEEDING SCHEDULE and requesting it.

MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR YOUR BIRDS

Once in a while one finds that their canaries need some medical attention. I have added a premiere facility to this list of sources for all who live in Illinois and its' surrounding States. It is the finest facility of its' kind in America. It is where one of the finest authorities in the mid-west , if not the entire United States resides. When it comes to knowing how to care for our avian friends, you must seek the opinion and services of Peter S. Sakas, a gentleman I've had the pleasure of knowing for many years. His practice is Niles Animal Hospital & Bird Medical Center shown further down this page.

SOURCES

These are the sources for the products fed in THE HOUSE OF CRESTS birdroom:

Click here or on the birds in the nest below to find the Official Exclusive Worldwide Distributors of AVI-CULTURE ^®

The Live, Avian-Specific Probiotic of Choice!!

ORGANIC QUINOA, COUSCOUS & ORGANIC GREENS, VEGGIES & FRUITS IN THE USA:

Whole Foods Market Stores

SEED SOURCES IN THE USA:

CERTIFIED ORGANIC SPROUTING BLENDS

BEST BIRD FOOD EVER by Morán's Critter Connection

PO Box 38, Silver Springs, NV 89429

Phone: 1-775-577-9676 E-Mail: info@moranscritterconnection.com

ANIMAL FEEDS & NEEDS 401 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA

ILLINOIS & U.S.A. Distributor For AVI-CULTURE^®

Phone: 1-847-437-4738 Fax: 1-847-437-0413 URL: www.animalfeedsandneeds.com

Chuck Hume has had this bird & pet supply business for years and his Dad had it even longer! He is the major supplier of the Chicago land zoos and pet shops in Illinois. They are a full-line distributor of all the NBD, INC. products to include Avi-Culture^® and Pro-Lif™ Probiotics. They stock some of the QUIKO products and most all seeds from Kaytee, Scarlet, Kellogg/Scott, Higgin's and many other sources. They also carry the ASPEN-CHIPS the cage bedding material I use as do many in the Chicagoland area! They've been known to ship the ASPEN-CHIPS via UPS anywhere!! Check out the pigmy goats and llamas in the fenced areas when you visit!

THE FEED STORE 5408 South Harlem Avenue, Summit, IL 60501 USA

Phone: 1-708-458-1327 Fax: 1-708-458-3422 Sorry no website

This bird & pet feed supply house has been in business for over 60 years! Most all the seeds they carry may be purchased by the pound. They have some of the largest, freshest selection of seeds & products in the entire Midwest! As their tag line states; "If It Walks, Crawls, Flies, Runs Or Swims, We Can Feed It!"

Learn more by clicking on the thumbnails below for more info on hours and other details of this fine establishment.

HERMAN BROTHERS PET SUPPLY, INC., 3650 Central Ave, - P.O. Box 10032 -

Detroit, MI 48210 USA

PHONE: 1-810-420-5055 URL: www.hermanbros-seed.com

Wonderful people to deal with. They will mix any blend of seed you like and ship daily. You will not be disappointed! Visit their site for a listing of products. Check out their web site!

CANARY SEED, SOAK SEED, AND MANY OTHER SEEDS AND BLENDS INCLUDING:

HEMP SEED (Crushed with a rolling pin on a paper towel then sprinkled over the nestling food for hens who seem not to want to feed newly-hatched chicks.)

FRENCH TEAZLE (A very expensive seed that is added to the soak seed mix or sometimes soaked alone for that "special nest" or hen that has a problem getting off the nest to feed the youngsters. It usually always does the trick! Great stuff, but very expensive!)

SONG or CONDITION SEED

POPPY (BLUE MAW) SEED

Gold of Pleasure/Camilina Seed in the USA MARX FOODS

http://www.marxfoods.com/Lena-Camelina-Seed?sc=2&category=22342

GOLD OF PLEASURE/CAMELINA SEED (Another very expensive seed which is added to the CONDITION/SONG SEED MIX and fed in a treat cup to all canaries young and old during the molt every other day right to the end of show season for a super feather finish!) Add 2 pounds to 20 pounds of the Condition/Song Seed Mix listed above.

SEED SOURCES OVERSEAS:

JOHN E. HAITH LTD. Also known as HAITH’S in England

Freephone: 0800 298 7054 Fax: 01472 242883 e-mail: sales@haiths.com

URL: www.haiths.com

Super people who ship all over the world! Great products from a company serving the fancier since 1940! The list below are but a small selection of the many seeds they stock.

CANARY SEED, PERILLA SEED, EASISOAK SEED,

HEMP SEED (Crushed with a rolling pin on a paper towel then sprinkled over the nestling food for hens who seem not to want to feed newly-hatched chicks.)

FRENCH TEAZLE (Great stuff, but very expensive!)

KRAKER TONIC A SONG or CONDITION SEED

GOLD OF PLEASURE SEED (Another very expensive seed which is added to the SONG or CONDITION SEED and fed in a treat cup to all canaries young and old during the molt every other day right to the end of show season for a super feather finish!)

POPPY (BLUE MAW) SEED

BIRD & ANIMAL MEDICAL FACILITIES

PETER S. SAKAS DVM, MS

7278 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714 USA

Phone: 1-847-647-9325 Fax: 1-847-647-8498

URL: www.nilesanimalhospital.com

Dr. Sakas's career in veterinary medicine began with completing a BA in Biology at Northwestern University in 1974 and an MS in Immunology/Parasitology from Auburn University in 1979. His work and research in immune response of dogs to canine heartworm disease was used to develop a diagnostic test still used today in the detection in occult heartworm disease in canine and feline patients. While working toward his Masters Degree, he worked as a teaching assistant, which lead to his position with Auburn University as a General Biology instructor.

A change of interests led Dr. Sakas to Veterinary School at the University of Illinois. While still a student at University of Illinois, Dr. Sakas began working with Dr. Lafeber in 1980 as a student intern. Dr. Sakas and Dr. Lafeber developed a friendship and personal mentoring relationship which continued through Dr. Sakas's graduation from vet school in 1983, which led to the acceptance of a staff veterinarian position with Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center. In 1985, Dr. Sakas became the owner and hospital director at Niles Animal Hospital when Dr. Lafeber retired.

Currently, Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center has four full time and 1 part time veterinarian. Our current clientele of over 20,000 ranges over many states and with approximately 60% of the patients being avian, reptilian, rabbits, small exotic mammals and birds of prey. Although our special interests continue to evolve in non-contemporary companion animal care, we still love our canine and feline patients.

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