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WING TIPS .....

NUTS Are For The Birds

by Carolyn Swicegood, Hollywood, FL

ViCU. lturists are busy people the or the dried of and and we tend to get our are natural to the diet of wild parrots A education on foods and who live and forage mainly in treetops. nutrition from the media. The recent and 14 to 21 grams of ; Nuts are an excellent source of pro­ trend toward fat-free diets has been however, 93 percent of the fat in wal­ tein, fiber (one ounce of nuts has as taken to such an extreme that we have nuts and 90 percent of the fat in much fiber as two slices of whole lost sight of the fact that are essen­ is unsaturated. Nuts also are a wheat ), E, , tial to good health. Many foods on our good source of and , , , , potassium, grocer's shelves proclaim loudly and which some studies suggest will , biotin, riboflavin, , proudly that they contain NO FATS so improve the immune system. and phytochemicals. Because of their we have come to think of all fats as It is true that birds should not be fed protein content, they actually are listed unhealthy. Nuts and other good foods salty, roasted nuts intended for human as an alternative to in the USDA that contain essential fatty acids are consumption, but fresh raw nuts are a Food Guide Pyramid. For most parrots, often thought of as junk foods because natural part of the diet of many parrots " " are more natural to their of the "fat-free" media blitz. in the wild. Indeed, fresh, raw nuts fed diet than animal meats. Some wild par­ in moderate quantities can make a sig­ rots do eat small insects and lizards but Good Fats - Bad Fats nificant contribution to the overall most get their protein from non-animal Leading nutritionists have discov­ health and vitality of captive birds. The sources. ered that the QPeoffats is more impor­ good fats in nuts promote the vibrant­ tant than the total fats consumed. Nuts ly colored, shiny feathers that attract us Why Birds Need Fats are one of the foods that we think of to the beauty of birds. Recent studies Birds need the three essential unsat­ as having high fat and cholesterol con­ suggest that nuts playa role in reduc­ urated fatty acids (linolenic, linoleic, tent, but it is important to distinguish ing the incidence of coronary heart and arachidonic acids) or EFAs, to between saturated' and unsaturated disease and certain kinds of cancer in keep their skin and feathers healthy, fats. Saturated fats, found mostly in humans. These benefits might also among other benefits. Essential fatty meats and cheeses, contain cholesterol apply to the avian population. acids require Vitamin E for assimilation that chokes arteries with plaque. They Harvard's associate professor of and nuts provide this anti-oxidant vita­ are the "bad" fats. Nuts and prod­ medicine, Frank Sacks, advises, min in the proper balance. Every living ucts are low in saturated fats and con­ "Forget the total fat. Forget the per­ cell in a bird's body needs essential tain no cholesterol. Ninety percent of centage of calories from fat. Yes, nuts fatty acids for rebuilding and produc­ the fats in nuts are the monounsaturat­ have a lot of oil but they also happen ing new cells. EFAs are used to pro­ ed and polyunsaturated type. These to have a lot of nutrients essential to a duce prostaglandins, hormone-like unsaturated fats are the "good" fats. healthy diet. Frankly, we should be substances that act as chemical mes­ Eating nuts will raise the percentage of encouraging people to eat more nuts." sengers and regulators of various body the "good" unsaturated fats and lower Parrots seem to know by instinct processes. The two basic categories of the percentage of the "bad" saturated what we are just now discovering--and EFAs are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats in the bloodstream. On average, that is that nuts are one of the most which contain linoleic and linolenic one ounce of nuts contains 165 to 200 nutritious gifts of nature. Most nuts are acids. These are found primarily in raw

58 MarchiApril 2000 nuts, seeds and legumes. avoid feeding foods that contain good ing for food, shelter and safety. This In addition to providing energy, fats fats. Remember that all fats are not cre­ requires calories. Foods that parrots act as carriers for the fat-soluble vita­ ated equal! Birds were designed to con­ seek out in the wild tend to be high fat lnins A, D, E, and K, all important to SUlne high- foods such as nuts foods. Palm nuts and nuts in general the health of parrots. Fats aid in the and then to burn the calories off are favorites of wild parrots ... Nuts are assimilation of vitamin D which helps through physical activity such as flying. generally high in protein, fats, and to make calcium available to body tis­ In captivity, moderate caloric intake and trace minerals. In addition, nuts pro­ sues. Fats also are iITlportant for the moderate exercise are far more health­ vide entertainment value to parrots. conversion of carotene to , a ful than low- ~alorie diets and little or no We strongly recommend feeding nuts most important vitamin for the health exercise. Lack of exercise is likely to be to parrots on a daily basis. In the wild, of parrots. the cause of many of the physical and the main food for many parrots is trop­ Fats are essential to parrots housed psychological problems of captive ical palm nuts. outside in the cooler northern climates birds. If given an energy-producing diet "These foods are very high in fats because it is a layer of fat that insulates including healthful foods such as nuts, and in protein. Analyses of wild the body from environmental temper­ as well as the opportunity to exercise, macaw diets suggest that their diet ature changes and preserves body former "perch potatoes" will become may be 28% fat. Pet birds are much heat. Nutrient -dense nuts are one of more active and therefore healthier. more sedentary than their wild coun­ the healthiest forms of fat to offer birds This can only improve their quality of terparts. Like retired athletes, some pet for the purpose of creating and main­ life, and perhaps their longevity as well. birds have a desire for more calories taining body heat in cold weather. than their bodies need. This is very Vet Recommendation of Nuts common in Amazon parrots. High fat Moderation is the Key Joel Murphy, DVM, founded the diets, if fed to excess, can result in obe­ Because of the unfortunate fact that Florida Exotic Bird Research Center to sity--something that rarely happens to most captive parrots get too little exer­ research exotic bird medicine, nutri­ wild parrots." cise, nuts cannot be offered in unlimit­ tion, and reproduction. In his book, ed quantities, but it would be a mistake How to Care for Your Pet Bird, Dr. Obesity-prone Birds to deprive parrots entirely of this natur­ Murphy says, "Fats are the most con­ Rose-breasted Cocka~oos, Sulphur­ al food source because of outdated atti­ centrated sources of dietary energy. crested Cockatoos, Amazon parrots tudes toward fats. It is far better to pro­ Fats provide 2.25 times the amount of and Budgerigars, are particularly prone vide our birds with a means of exercise energy per weight than to obesity and may develop secondary (which they get in copious amounts in or protein. Birds crave high fat food. In lipomas, fatty liver degeneration and the wild) to work off calories than to the wild, parrots are flying and search- heart disease if they are overfed. When feeding nuts to any parrot species, moderation is important, but doubly so with obeSity-prone birds. One (about 10 calories) a day would be a safe amount for these birds. t fir Nuts can be ground in a nut mill or food processor and the nutmeal used sparingly to flavor other nutritious, low-calorie foods. Parrots have a nat­ ural taste for nuts and will try almost any new food with the taste of nuts. Try sprinkling nutmeal over a leaf of kale for parrots that need a low calorie diet. If used sparingly in this manner, no parrot species needs to be deprived entirely of the enjoyment and the health benefits of nuts. I personally know of a small flock of Scarlet Macaws in which each bird gets a half dozen nuts daily during breeding sea­ son. They are active, healthy, in fine feather, and are not overweight.

An Ounce of Nuts in Perspective Although an ounce of nuts contains A variety of nuts offers good parrot nutrition. 165-200 calories, that amount of nuts

the afa WATCHBIRD 59 is much more than most parrots Yes, count me as would consume if given the opportu­ i~ ~... nity. According to Dr. Pat Kendall, .... "':>" .....(I • 4.~ Food Science and Human Nutrition a member of the ....o+~ .;:,.... OF A'IJ'c.: Specialist of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in a December, American Federation of Aviculture 1997 article, " ... an ounce of nuts is P.o. Box 56218, Phoenix, Arizona 85079-6218 only a couple of tablespoons, not Phone (602) 484-0931 Fax (602) 484-0109 even a small handful. About eight nuts, 12 nuts, 20 THE WATCHBIRD IS THE OFFICIAL BI·MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AFA, A NON·PROFIT ORGANIZATION or 25 roasted almonds, all Please accept my application for membership in the American Federa- shelled, equal an ounce." If a parrot tion of Aviculture. Send me 6 issues (1 year) of the a.f.a. WATCHBIRD ate one tenth of an ounce, it would magazine, and a membership card which entitles me to all the rights amount to only about a half tea­ and privileges of AFA membership. spoonful or 20 calories at the most. Check membership category desired: NEW 0 RENEWAL 0 Individual $30/year 0 $35/year 0 Supporting $75/year 0 Avicultural Breeding and Commercial $125/year, includes listing in Watchbird 0 Research Center FOREIGN MEMBERS: Add $18 for year in U.S. Funds. First Class rates available on requesl. Dr. Susan Clubb, principal author of request. PSI7TAClNE A VICUL1URE mentioned o My check is enclosed for $ o My money order is enclosed for $ the feeding of various nuts when writ­ Name Charge my MC or VISA account: OMC o Visa ing about the hundreds of pairs of macaws and other parrots maintained Address Account # at the research and conservation facility City Exp. Date in Loxahatchee, Florida. Dr. Clubb State Zip Signature wrote, "PALM NUTS from the queen palm are fed, when available, to ( ) Please allow 60 to 90 days for delivery Telephone Hyacinth Macaws and occasionally AREA Prices effective January 1. 1996 Palm Cockatoos. These are similar in appearance, structure, taste and com­ position to the fruit of the Acrocromia sp. upon which the Hyacinth Macaws feed in the wild ... are sup­ plied during the breeding season to stimulate breeding by mimicking the "Gifts that Keep on wild palm nut diet...Thick-billed Parrots of Mexico and Southwestern U.S. feed almost exclusively on SEEDS Giving" Coften called pine nuts) ... Palm Cockatoos and Macaws also relish pine seeds. and BRAZIL NUTS The American Federation of Avicu1ture's are offered to selected species for vari­ ety. Hyacinth and Buffon's Macaws and Palm Cockatoos receive these nuts as a Endowment Fund supplement to their diet." <-~~)(~CJ-' Hyacinth Macaws and palm Nuts Leaving a Legacy to the Future Kashmir Csaky of Forest, Virginia, raises Hyacinth and Scarlet Macaws. She says, "The diet in the wild of the For Further Information on How to Participate Hyacinth Macaws is not as varied as Through Honoraria and Bequests, Please Contact that of other species. They have been Jim Hawley, Jr., AFA Chief Financial Officer observed eating only about 10 differ­ ent types of food, while Scarlet P.O. Box 56218 Macaws have been observed eating about 60 different types of food. In Phoe~,AZ 85017 captivity, Scarlets are easy to feed. They will eat almost anything that is

60 Marchi April 2000 "I've been breeding birds for over fifteen years. I know that it may not change the world because I raise a few exotic species that may become endangered in the wild soon, but I believe that my efforts make some sort of difference. I'm doing the best that I can to assure that the birds will be there for our children to at least view.

I do the best that I can birds .. .I feed Sun . offered to them. Hyacinths are much now being rediscovered as a nutritious bags or in tightly closed containers. pickier about their food." part of a healthful diet. They will remain fresh for about six According to Karl Fr. Hohenstein of months in the refrigerator. The lower Germany in issue 12/87 of Gefiederte Buying and Storing Nuts the storage temperature, the longer the Welt, "Anyone, who has had to accus­ The best time to buy nuts is when shelf life of nuts will be. Nuts can be tom Hyacinth Macaws just once to they are freshly harvested during the frozen if sealed in moisture-proof con­ new foods, will know how nerve­ fall months. For best quality, select tainers and they can be kept for a year wracking it is to wean them off palm clean, unshelled nuts free from splits, or more. nut kernels onto the parrot food avail­ cracks and holes. Nuts in the shell able here. In Brazil or Paraguay, where should be heavy for their size, indicat­ Checking for Contamination the macaws known to me have come ing a fresh, meaty kernel. Nutmeats Since is not always visible from in recent years, they are fed that rattle around in their shell are usu­ to the naked eye, there are commercial exclusively on the kernels of the ally stale. Crisp, plump and meaty nut­ methods of detection such as long­ Acrocomia totai palm nut." meats indicate high quality. Shriveled wave ultraviolet light (black light), anti­ I think that this information which nutmeats indicate poor quality. body test (ELISA), or the mini-column indicates that a , the Nuts that are not tightly sealed in test. These tests are not generally avail­ largest of all parrots, can be main­ their shell could be contaminated with able to birdkeepers but there is one tained entirely on one type of nut, deadly mycotoxin, including aflatoxin, easy way to check for nuts that have makes a powerful case for the nutri­ an extremely potent carcinogen found been damaged and therefore are more tional value of nuts and for their suit­ on improperly stored nuts, com and likely to be contaminated than whole, ability as parrot food. (This is not a rec­ grains. Aflatoxin is the most potent, nat­ undamaged nuts. As recommended by ommendation for a one-food diet. urally occurring carcinogen known to one knowledgeable birdkeeper, check Variety in the diet is generally consid­ man. It is a by-product of mold growth ered desirable.) in grains, and nuts, and Unfortunately, the palm trees from has been linked to a wide variety of which the Hyacinth Macaws gather health problems in both humans and palm nuts in the wild do not grow in animals. Prevention is infinitely better IJifetillle the United States and it is difficult to than the cure in this case and nuts ,\\elilitersiliit import these foods. In the wild, a num­ should always be examined carefully ber of birds make palm tree foods a before they are offered to birds. $1,000 staple of their diet. Various nuts with According to the authors of Avian Installment $100/month similar nutrition can be substituted for Medicine: Principles and Application, for 12 months. cage and aviary birds. "Fatty degeneration and the feeding of Installment plan available with Until specific research is done on feeds contaminated with mycotoxins Credit Card payment only. the role of nuts in the avian diet, we causing aflatoxin hepatosis are likely to can only speculate about the extent to be involved in the high incidence of which studies of the human diet can liver disease in birds. Peanuts and l~e'JIII;)r be applied to the avian diet. Research Brazil nuts are notorious sources of has shown that nuts added to the ..... " ,\\clilitersiliit human diet do not lead to weight gain The importance of proper storage Individual - $30 but, instead, by contributing to a feel­ of nuts cannot be overemphaSized. Family - $35 ing of satiety, or fullness after eating, Humidity is the biggest problem for Supporting - $75* can contribute to weight maintenance those who stock up on whole nuts in Commercial - $125* 'Supporting, Commercial and Lifetime Members or even weight loss. Consumed in the fall or when they go on sale after receive Fast News/Fast Ads by 1st Class Mail. moderation, nuts have been shown to the holidays. decrease cholesterol levels. The best way to store nuts is to leave Name Many reputable studies have shown them in their shells. The shells protect Address that nuts improve cardiovascular health them from light, heat, moisture and City in humans. These include a Harvard exposure to air, all of which cause ran­ State & Zip study of 86,000 women and another cidity in shelled products. Unshelled Phone study of over 25,000 Seventh Day nuts have a much longer shelf life than Fax or Email Adventists. The recent series of nutrition do shelled nuts, and will keep for sev­ MCNISA# studies done by California's Loma Linda eral weeks at room temperature. For University revealed that eating two longer storage, nuts in the shell should Expiration Date dry ounces of nuts five times a week can be kept cool and to prevent flavor American Federation of Avlculture reduce the risk of having a fatal heart changes due to rancidity of the fat. P.O. Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218 attack by one half. Previously regarded Keep them below 70 degrees phone 602-484-0931 • fax 602-484-0109 as only a high-fat indulgence, nuts are Fahrenheit in airtight, sealed plastic

the afa WATCHBIRD 61 whole nuts such as Brazil nuts, chest­ nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and for possible fungal contamina­ tion by placing them in water. If tiny air bubbles are seen rising from the shells, the shells are not airtight and contamination is possible. If no bub­ bles are seen, it is assumed that the shells are intact and that the nuts are safe. If feeding whole nuts to a bird with a compromised immune system, the nuts can be cracked and checked for obvious mold before feeding.

Facts About Nuts Technically speaking, nuts are seeds - tree seeds to be exact - so it is not surprising that they are so rich in nutrients. Only seeds and eggs are capable of producing an entire new living plant or animal, and a tree seed (nut) can grow one of our largest and most versatile plant forms. Here are a few facts about the most commonly Eclectus Parrots can crack almond shells. available nuts.

Almonds of Brazil nuts, but cracking them cooked. They spoil quickly after har­ Almonds are the oldest and most before feeding them to birds in order vest, so they should be refrigerated widely grown of all of the world's nut to check for obvious contamination is and used qUickly. contain a crops. Of the two major types of a good precaution anyway. Brazil nuts record low 70 calories per ounce. almonds grown, the sweet almond, P. are a good source of calcium, an excel­ amygdalus dulcis, is cultivated for its lent source of magnesium, and a par­ Hazelnuts edible nut. The bitter almond, P. ticularly good source of selenium. Also known as filberts, hazelnuts amygdalus amara, is inedible and dif­ are mild and sweet tasting and are rich ficult to find where edible nuts are in protein, complex carbohydrates, sold. Mildly flavored with a sweet The raw nut is enclosed in a , calcium and vitamin E. aftertaste, almonds are the favorite nut tough, leathery shell that contains caus­ They are low in sodium and . of many parrots and are a significant tic, toxic substances similar to the active The larger parrots can crack the shells source of calcium. Whole almonds are ingredients of poison ivy. Cashew pro­ to eat the tasty ovoid nut inside, but good "food toys" because parrots cessing separates the edible nut from shelled hazelnuts can be purchased enjoy chipping away at the shell to the toxins. Salted nuts are not suitable during the holiday season at the end of reach the tasty treasure inside which for parrot food but many health food the year. They can be frozen for later contains good amounts of protein, cal­ stores sell unsalted cashew pieces use. Over 800/0 of the total fat in ­ cium, magnesium, and niacin. which parrots enjoy. Cashews are an nuts is monounsaturated, making them excellent energy food. They are high in a healthy food for parrots. Brazil Nuts magnesium, containing only slightly The tree Bertbolettia less magneSium than almonds. Nuts excelsa is a magnificent jungle tree of The most edible hickory nut is the the steamy Amazon Rain Forest. The Chestnuts "shagbark hickory, ' but there are other extremely hard-shelled seeds are dark American trees Castanea varieties that grow in the woodlands of brown and wedge shaped. The kernel dentata once covered 200 million North America. The hickory nut has an is white, oily, and rich tasting. Brazil acres in the U.S. but a fungal disease extremely hard shell that most parrots nuts are extremely rich in the antioxi­ from Asia killed 3.5 billion of the trees cannot crack so they rarely are fed to dant, selenium. Many parrot owners between 1904 and 1940, so most of the birds. They are small and have a rich do not feed their birds Brazil nuts chestnuts sold in the U.S. are imported flavor due to their high fat content. They because of the danger of mycotoxins from Europe. Chestnuts have the low­ usually are sold unshelled and contain such as aflatoxin. Only the largest est fat content of all the well-known good amounts of calcium, magnesium, Macaws can crack the rock-hard shell nuts. Parrots enjoy them raw and potassium, and phosphorus.

62 Marchi April 2000 Macadamia Nuts of Thick-billed Parrot. There are two valuable food for parrots that have high The macadamia tree grows in main types of pine nuts that are har­ blood levels of cholesterol. One half Australia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Florida, vested in the U.S. - hard shells and soft cup of soy nuts contains 61 calories, Indonesia, and Southern California. The . shells. These are not the same as the three grams of total fat, five grams of nuts have an extremely hard shell that Italian pignolia from the protein, and one gram of fiber. Soy requires a hammer, a vise, or one of the from Europe or the Chinese nuts are available at most health food special nut cracking machines to get to from Asia. Medium and large parrots stores and online at the following web the buttery tasting round nut. Most U.S. enjoy unshelled pine nuts, but great address, which also has a recipe for residents think of it as a Hawaiian nut care must be taken to offer only those making your own "soy nuts" from soy and it is grown extensively there. The that have been stored properly. There beans. fresh unprocessed nuts are delicious, are several known cases of illness http://www.soybeanstore.com/ but very difficult to open. occurring after parrots consumed .htm improperly stored unshelled pine nuts. Peanuts Each batch should be checked by This hard, nut-like seed is a member cracking several of the nuts and check­ The two most popular varieties of of the legume family, as are soybeans, ing for freshness. One can avoid the are the English and the Black peas, beans, and licorice. Many years problem by feeding only shelled 'pine walnut. English walnuts are more ago, they were accurately called nuts. They are expensive but they widely available and can be purchased "ground peas." Peanuts have been a should be fed sparingly anyway. They year-round. The kernel is easily part of the parrot diet for many years. are an excellent weaning food for baby extracted and is relished by parrots. SOine parrot owners choose not to feed parrots because they are soft and easy They also are a reasonable source of them to their birds because of the pos­ for them to eat. vitamin Bland thiamin and a good sibility of aflatoxin contamination. source of calcium-100mg per ' 100 Aflatoxin is a potent, naturally occurring Nuts grams. Black walnuts are rarely fed to carcinogen and is a by-product of mold Pistachio nuts have a hard shell that parrots due to the difficulty of cracking growth in peanuts, tree nuts, and vari­ encloses a pale green tasty nut. the hard shells. ous grains. It has been linked to a wide grow on trees in clusters im­ variety of health problems in humans Har to grapes. When conditions are Nuts Are For the Birds and other animals. Peanuts also are a favorable, the pistachiO shell splits open Nuts not only provide nutritional common food allergen of parrots. Food along its sutures prior to harvesting. benefits to parrots, but unshelled nuts choices of birds that are allergic to Pistachios are available year-round such as almonds give birds the oppor­ peanuts must be restricted due to the shelled and unshelled. When buying tunity to work at getting their food. extensive use of peanuts in pelleted unshelled pistachios the shells should Birdkeepers are beginning to realize diets, Nutrlberries, and other foods. be partially open. Closed shells are an that the moderate feeding of this nat­ indication that the nutmeat is immature. ' ural part of the parrot diet is an idea Pecans Pistachio nuts have a delicate, subtle fla­ whose time has come. Nuts really are Pecans have hard, thin, brown vor that parrots enjoy almost as much for the birds. .". shells and a rich, sweet flavor relished as they enjoy picking the nutmeat out by parrots. They should always be of the shell, making it a healthy form of refrigerated or frozen if kept for longer entertainment. It is difficult to fmd than a couple weeks due to the risk of unsalted pistachios outside health food ,Advertisers Index the high oil content becoming rancid. stores and only natural, unsalted pista­ Pecans are low in sodium, high in pro­ chios are suitable to for parrots. Assoc. of Avian Veterinarians ...... 38 tein and unsaturated fats, and are a Avicultural Society of America ...... 1 0 good source of calcium, iron, phos­ Soy UNuts" Cuttlebone Plus ...... 37 phorus, potassium, and magnesium. Not really nuts but a delicious nutty­ Researchers have found pecans to be a tasting food, dry roasted, unsalted soy Everybody's Bird Mart (Pomona, CA) . 14 good source of , a fatty acid nuts are high in protein and fiber and Hagen, Rolf C. (USA) Corp.-Tropicana . 25 found in abundance in and very low in fat. Soy contains most of the Humidaire Incubator Company ...... 39 other monounsaturated fats. Although amino acids in protein, as well as Lady Gouldians/Dalrymple ...... 24 90 percent of the calories in pecans isoflavones, saponins, and . Lima's Exotic Birds ...... 40 comes from fats, almost all of the fat is It is low in fat and it is cholesterol-free. L & M Bird Leg Bands ...... 19 unsaturated. The isoflavones in soy, primarily genis­ Lyon Electric Company. Inc ...... 43 tein and daidzein, have been well Magnolia Bird Farm ...... 14 Pine Nuts researched by scientists for their antiox­ Red Bird Products, Inc...... 24 Not actually a nut, but a seed from idant properties. Phytosterols and other Sun Seed Co. Inc ...... Back Cover the cones of pine trees, birds love pine components of soy have been reported Veterinarian Listings ...... 20 nuts. It is the major portion of the diet to lower cholesterol levels, making it a Veretinary Speciality Products, Inc .... 31

the afa WATCHBIRD 63