I hae been thinking about capitalising on all the fresh growth at the moment by not only feeding leaves and herbs to my birds fresh but also drying someand storing for later use to place in the aviary in a little bowl as part of treats/sprinkle on veg in winter next year. Does anyone know if this is okay? I was thinking things like lemon scented tea-tree, parsley, etc.

 

Also does anyone know if rosemary is okay for budgies? I am told it is an excellent deterent for fleas on dogs and cats and thought I might try it in my nest boxes to deter mites more naturally.

There is a new topic in food and nutrition on toxic and non toxic plants for budgies http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/index....showtopic=23616

Thanks I saw that, it was just more whether it is okay to use them dried?

MB yes you can use them dry be careful with a few of them as the oils on some herbs can affect the birds ...

Also dried herbs are stronger in scent and taste too, so you might want to think about serving a third of what you do with fresh ones - what herbs were you looking at using? or only the ones listed above

Some herbs can also be frozen in icecube trays in water.

oooo What a awesome idea I have never heard nor thought of that one Kaz

Many gardeners dry herbs from their herb garden, so that they'll be able to enjoy their fresh herbs for a few months longer. Drying herbs is an easy, efficient means to preserve fresh herbs, but herbs with a high water content seem to mold before they ever dry. To preserve herbs with a high water content, like basil, chives lemon balm, mint and tarragon, fresh freezing is a better option. The herbs will become limp in the process, but their flavor will be intact.

 

Frozen herbs will keep their flavor for several months. Unlike dried herbs, where the flavor gets more concentrated when drying, frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh herbs.

 

To Freeze Herbs:

Method 1:

 

1. Harvest the freshest, healthiest leaves.

 

2. Wash, if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels

 

3. Spread the individual leaves on a small tray or cookie sheet. Freezing the leaves flat and individually will prevent them from freezing together into a brick.

 

4. Cover and place the tray of leaves into the freezer

 

5. When frozen solid, place in airtight containers and return to the freezer. Once frozen individually, the leaves will not meld together.

 

 

Method 2:

 

1. Harvest the freshest, healthiest leaves

 

2. Wash, if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels

 

3. Stuff 2-3 individual leaves or a spoonful of chopped herbs in ice cube trays.

 

4. Fill the tray half way with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can. They will tend to float, but we'll fix that with the next step. Place the half filled tray in the freezer.

 

5. Once the ice cubes are pretty much frozen, finish filling the try with water. The leaves will no longer be able to float and should be completely surrounded with water. Now place the tray back into the freezer to freeze solid.

 

6. Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zip closure bags.

 

7. When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favorite dish.

 

 

 

 

Herbs That Freeze Well

 

Some herbs will keep their flavor when frozen. Simply clean the leaves, dry them, and put them in sealed plastic bags (remove all the air before sealing) or another airtight container. Try these herbs:

 

basil borage chives dill (better frozen than dried) lemongrass mint oregano sage savory (both winter and summer) sorrel (better than dried) sweet woodruff tarragon thyme

Edited December 3, 200816 yr by KAZ

I was actually thinking of using native leaves like euc, bottlebrush, acacia and tea-tree as well as herbs, also that list doesn't have rosemary, anyone know??

Here --->HERBS FOR BIRDS is a link for some herbs there are a few good sites out there ... I am going through all my notes now for you I will type some stuff up if you want , just let me knowAlso remember to MB herbs have healing properties to and some herbs ( dried or powder form) can be to much of a dosage tooRosemary IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited December 3, 200816 yr by Neat
added more information

Thanks Neat, I might try the rosemary (organic from my garden) in the nest box and see whether it works out, I'll let you know

Edited December 3, 200816 yr by melbournebudgies

Thyme under the nestbox helps prevents mites

 

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

 

Also- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

 

Bee pollen (Monarda)

 

Borage blossoms (Borago officinalis)

 

Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)

 

Coriander/cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

 

Dill (Anethum graveolen)

 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

 

Lemon balm (Melissa officianalis)

 

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

 

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

 

Thyme (Lamiaceae Thyme)

Edited December 3, 200816 yr by Neat

In that list above Sage is listed as toxic