Bird Enrichment idea #120 (view all)





Seed Bells
updated 05/03/09 03:51PM

Difficulty: easy

Materials:
* Black sunflower seeds (or any birdseed)
* Small clay flower pots (measures 2 inches across the top)
* Egg whites (approx. two eggs per cup of birdseed)
* Wire (zinc free)
* Nuts (optional)

Description


1. Prepare pots by lining them with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
2. Bend the end of the wire that goes into the seed bell into a closed loop.
3. Beat the egg whites until frothy.
4. Mix the seed and egg whites until all the seeds are coated. Place in prepared pots and pat down firmly. I add half peanuts in the shell.
5. Insert the straight end of the wire into the center of the mix and out through the hole in the bottom. Bend to one side for baking and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake for 60-90 minutes in a low oven. (I use 250 degrees) If your pots are larger, you will have to bake longer.
7. Cooked bells will slide out of the pots easily. Peel away the plastic wrap while they're still warm, don't forget the wire will be hot.
8. When the wire has cooled, simply bend over enough for a hook. I added beads first to hide the wire.
*REMEMBER: this is a high fat enrichment, not to be used very often!

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World Wildlife Fund Wild parrots spend 60% of their day foraging for food. World Parrot Trust