Today's blog is brought you by, Monika Sangar, Co-founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, Artisan of PDS Parrot Shop, Author of The Science of Avian Nutrition
Lil Monsters Bird Toys, named after two feisty little troublemakers, is the perfect place to find fun, safe toys for your small parrots. Lil Monsters Bird Toys is an online-only store specializing in handcrafted toys designed for small parrots, with a focus on safety, non-toxic materials, and promoting natural behaviors such as foraging and destruction. What started because of a lack of safe bird toys and wanting something better, a little hobby turned into a business! However, one still needs to feed the Lil Monsters.
Since Lil Monsters is taking care of the toy side, I decided to step in and feed the feisty little troublemakers, everywhere.
Birdie Muffins: A Nutritious Treat for Small Birds
Birdie muffins are a fantastic way to provide small birds with a nutrient-dense and delicious snack. These homemade treats can be customized with healthy ingredients, ensuring your lil monsters get the vitamins and minerals they need. Whether you have parrotlets, budgies, finches, or lovebirds, birdie muffins are a great addition to their diet when offered in moderation.
Why Birdie Muffins?
- Packed with Nutrition – By using whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy seeds, you can create a well-balanced treat.
- Encourages Foraging – Birds love to explore different textures and flavors, making muffins a great way to add enrichment to their daily routine.
- Easy to Store and Serve – Muffins can be baked in batches, frozen, and thawed as needed.
Ingredients to Include
A good birdie muffin recipe should incorporate wholesome ingredients that support avian health. By incorporating a variety of ingredients that provide different vitamins and nutrients, you can create a well-balanced and nutritious muffin that supports overall health. Each ingredient contributes unique benefits, ensuring that the final product is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.Some excellent options include:
- Fiber: Barley flour, and quinoa flour, millet seeds
- Healthy Fats: Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or oats
- Protein Boosters: Chia seeds (Omega-3s)
- Fruits: Blueberries (antioxidants)
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes (vitamin a) and broccoli (calcium)
- Binders: Unsweetened applesauce (fiber and antioxidants)
- Antioxidants: Ceylon Cinnamon
Rainbow of Ingredients
To optimize nutrition and create a rainbow of colors in every bite. We will be using blueberries, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. This vibrant combination ensures a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a single muffin.
Blueberries: These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support overall health. They also contain vitamin C and fiber, promoting a strong immune system and digestive well-being.
Sweet Potatoes: A fantastic source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, sweet potatoes help maintain good vision, support the immune system, and contribute to skin and feather health. Their natural sweetness also makes the muffins more palatable for birds.
Broccoli: This nutrient-dense vegetable provides a wealth of vitamins, including calcium and vitamin K for bone health, vitamin C for immunity, and folate for cellular function. It also contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Lil Monster Birdie Muffin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Quinoa flour
- 1/4 cup barley flour
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup millet seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 12 blueberries
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/4 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
- In a bowl, mix the flours, millet seeds, and oats.
- Add the applesauce, chopped broccoli, mashed sweet potato, and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add water if necessary.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Gently press the blueberries into the batter and ensure they are covered with the surrounding batter.
- Sprinkle the top of the muffin with flax and chia seeds.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Offer a small piece of muffin as an occasional treat, not a daily staple.
- Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 month storage.
- Thaw frozen muffins before serving.
Final Thoughts
Birdie muffins are an easy and fun way to treat your little birds while ensuring they receive essential nutrients. By thoughtfully combining these nutrient-dense ingredients, you create a muffin that is more than just a treat—it becomes a nourishing snack or meal component that supports overall well-being. Try different combinations to see what your birds love most, and enjoy watching them delight in their tasty new treat!
Monika Sangar
Co-founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, Artisan of PDS Parrot Shop, Author of The Science of Avian Nutrition