To reach us by telephone:

ORGANIC

What is Herb Salad?

Herb Salad’s 100% Organic ingredients are the leaves, roots, bark and flowers of the plants that animals in the wild seek as a means to obtain required nutrients, minerals, vitamins and healing capabilities. It differs from food and water additives such as vitamins and medications in the manner that it allows your birds to choose what it is they require and in what amount, when and if their diet needs supplementing. Herb Salad’s 22 medicinal herbs address common health issues safely and without the dangers that improper medicating and over supplementing can produce.

 

Why Do My Birds Need Herb Saladtm? Herb Salad is not only for sick birds. It's also beneficial in maintaining the health of the fit bird, in a safe and natural way. The advantages Herb Salad provides the bird receiving medicinal care is in the support it offers sick birds suffering the adverse side effects that medications can produce. It helps stimulate appetite, strengthens the immune system, and encourages good bacteria growth. Sometimes, Herb Salad can even furnish the solution re: the ill bird not responding to treatment when it is due to the fact that the drug(s) being administered is not addressing the problem or is only combating part of it. Enabling your bird's ability to self-medicate can be a life-saver. Will my bird like Herb Saladtm? Birds instinctively know medicinal plants are a necessary part of their natural diet. Your bird's initial reaction to Herb Salad can vary, depending on the individual bird and the circumstances. Most birds immediately try Herb Salad and begin consuming it on a regular basis. In some cases, your bird may ignore it until a health matter, e.g. vitamin deficiency, stress, injury, illness, etc. compels him to seek relief. Time may be needed for your bird to *learn* to eat Herb Salad, especially finicky eaters resistant to new foods. Don't remove it right away if it goes untouched. Keep it dry and clean, and leave it in his cage. It is the rare bird that doesn't eventually discover what makes him feel stronger, healthier and happy. When do my birds need Herb Saladtm? Herb Salad should be available to your bird at all times. The benefit of regular access to the healthy bird is in permitting them the opportunity to address health issues, vitamin deficiencies and illness before the onset of the changed behavior or eating patterns that alert us to a health concern. The merits of early prevention can be crucial for breeding hens and babies, as well as the smaller and more delicate species. Stressed and recovering birds also profit from the constant availability to Herb Salad with its many function-specific herbs. How do I feed Herb Saladtm to my birds? The fundamental principal behind Herb Salad, and what it affords your bird over food and water additives, is in the way it gives your bird the power to choice. This is best accomplished by feeding Herb Salad in its own container. Desirable, are shallow dishes that allow easy access to the entire supply, rather than just surface contents. A shallower container will also help eliminate waste brought on by digging birds searching for individual herbs. To help acclimate the fussy eater, Herb Salad may be added to their seed. We do not recommend adding it to soft or cooked diets. Should I use Herb Saladtm instead of medications and supplements? We know that captive birds need additional minerals and vitamins that aren't derived from food intake alone. What to supplement and how often, depends on a number of factors such as the quality of their diet, lighting, exercise, etc. We recommend making no changes to your bird's diet initially, rather monitor your birds for any changes. You may determine over time, that less medicating and supplementing is needed. Watch for improvements such as     Improved beak and feather condition   Less itching and scratching   Decreased illness   Increased appetites   Increased breeding activity   Better survival rate of chicks   Higher energy levels   A happier bird! Twin Beaks Aviary's practice has been to provide our birds with all the necessary elements in maintaining superior physical and mental wellbeing, while allowing them to choose *what, when and how much* when it concerns their diet. We consider Herb Salad essential to our feeding program, but not as an alternative to veterinary care and recommended medications or in substitution of supplementing proper nutrition with vitamins. Success has depended upon the species of bird, health history and eating habits. We believe however, that whatever your feeding practices are, your bird's diet and welfare will surely be enhanced with the inclusion of Herb Salad.   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 "I've been maintaining and breeding all species of birds for over 30 years and began developing Herb Salad in 1989 after learning about animal self-medication. We ensure that every bird in our aviary has unrestricted access to Herb Salad. Our breeding success, minimal use of medications and low incidence of illness is a testament to its effectiveness. We consider Herb Salad essential to our feeding program."                                                                                                                    Cathy J. DeHaan

 

 Herb Salad™

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below come directly from the developer and manufacturer of Herb Salad…Cathy DeHaan

Can I mix your herbs in with my egg food?

We don’t advise mixing Herb Salad™ in with egg food, soak seed or anything moist. Because of the medicinal properties of the herbs, your birds should be able to choose which herb it wants and the quantity it desires to eat.

 

Will I have to grind up your herbs for my smaller birds?

No. This would make it very difficult for your bird to pick out certain herbs. Also, birds generally don’t prefer powdered mixes.

 

Can I feed Herb Salad™ to my parrot?

Certainly! All species of birds will enjoy the benefits of Twin Beaks Aviary’s Herb Salad™!

 

I was just wondering how long the herbs will stay fresh and how to store them? I have an African Grey coming to live with us in Aug. (after being weaned) and don’t know how much to order or how to feed it.

As long as you keep it dry (refrigeration not necessary), our herbs have a shelf life of up to 2 years. Young parrots seem to take instantly to Herb Salad™, some need to *learn* what it is… Provide a cup large enough to contain a well mixed blend, but try to locate it in an area of his cage away from his food and water sources so that it stays clean.

 

Are the herbs in your Herb Salad™ mixed in equal parts?

No, quantities are varied according to diet requirements. The selection and proportions of herbs contained in our blend has been carefully chosen based on extensive research and many years of use.

 

It looks like my birds are *playing* with some of the herbs?!

They’re extracting nutrients by *mouthing* or *playing* with certain herbs, especially the larger pieces.

 

Can my birds eat too much herbs and get sick?

No, your bird knows best what it needs and how much.

 

I don’t know if I can afford another food supplement!

This is not another supplement nor a medication, rather a deterrent to illness and an encouragement to wellness. I think of the herb dishes like my bird’s little medicine cabinet. Contents for what ails them when they don’t feel good!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of birds will eat your herbs?

Everybody, from the tiniest finches to the largest parrots! Dove, quail, pigeon, even softbills eat Herb Salad™.

 

When and how much should I give my birds?

Herb Salad™ should be available to your birds at all times. It is best served in its own shallow dish so that your birds may *pick* around in it.

 

Is Herb Salad™ the only supplement I need to give my birds besides cuttlebone?

Don’t stop using any supplements you are already using. If your bird’s diet is deficient in any areas, Twin Beaks Aviary’s Herb Salad™ will help correct this.

 

How long can I keep my herbs before they’re too old to feed to my birds?

As long as you keep them dry and free of dust and debris, they will last as long as it takes for your birds to consume it, or up to two years.

 

What differences in my birds will I notice after feeding them Herb Salad™?

More active birds, better feather condition and color, better appetite, and increased breeding productivity are just some of the improvements from feed Herb Salad™. After we began feeding medicinal herbs to our birds, we had a dramatic reduction in deaths, illnesses, *mystery* fluffed birds, nervousness and feather/skin problems. The positive aspect has been that our birds are able to correct minor health issues before they get severe and we are able to notice a difference in their behavior. We rarely medicate. They are beautifully colored.

 

My birds need to *fatten up*! Will this help?

There are herbs in our mix that stimulate appetite. And, it stands to reason that a bird that feels well will eat better!

 

Will my birds really eat licorice?!

Yes, they will! In addition to its medicinal properties, licorice has a flavor that birds find appealing. It also helps to give some of the more bitter tasting herbs a better taste.

 

I’m confused... Should I treat my sick birds with your herbs instead of medicines?

No. Always seek veterinary care for sick bird. Usually, by the time you notice your bird’s not feeling well, it’s quite ill. Twin Beaks Aviary’s Herb Salad™ allows your bird to combat illnesses before the apparent signs that alert the bird keeper. Herb Salad™ will not cure disease, but it can aid in recovery and help to repair any deficiencies or damage done by the illness or the medications.

 

Some of these herbs aren’t indigenous to the country that my birds come from. Will they still eat it?

Yes!

 

How should I store unused Herb Salad™?

You need to keep Herb Salad™ dry and away from moisture. Refrigeration and freezing are not necessary.

 

Can you tell me how you keep your products out of area your birds are in?

If I understand you correctly, you’re concerned that our herbs that may have been exposed to our birds/bird room? Our business is in a totally separate building used exclusively for Herb Salad™.

 

How do you dry your herbs and what prompted you to do this?

Years ago, we grew many of the herbs ourselves, kept them in a cold cellar through the winter and dried them in dehydrators. Now, our herbs come directly from the growers and wild crafters. I became interested in animal self-medication in my desire to better understand why it was that wild birds, though subjected to adverse weather conditions, decreasing natural habitation, pollution, etc., were seemingly healthier than captive birds receiving supplements to their diet, medications, in controlled temperatures, etc.

 

I got my salad mix yesterday and they immediately emptied the bowl but also placed it in their nest boxes. Is it o.k. to grind the herbs up enough so that they will not be desirable as nesting material?

Some of the herbs repel mites, especially the pau d’ arco bark (the brown strip-like pieces). We have some birds do that, as well. It’s not advised to grind up the herbs. This makes it difficult for birds to pick out certain herbs, plus, most birds will ignore powered foods. We allow the occasional birds who wish to, use the pau d’ arco for their nests. It’s repelling parasites such as mites.

 

Wow, do you sell pau d’ arco bark by itself? My birds have been scratching for months!

We don’t sell any of the herbs individually. Thyme, milk thistle, wormwood... all fight parasites and worms, as well. But, your birds should get enough of all these from Herb Salad™. Wood shavings are a natural insecticide, inhibit the growth of bacteria and repel parasites such as mites (avoid cedar and pine, though) One of the ingredients in our nesting material is aspen. It’s much cheaper than pau d’ arco bark. Do your birds have enough access to bathing? This could be a possible cause for the scratching, especially when humidity is low such as in the winter months.

 

Can I add your herbs to my bird’s seed?

This may be a good way to introduce Herb Salad™ to your bird’s diet, but over time I’d be concerned about waste. Be sure they’re eating it all!

 

My bird loves your herbs--though he’s very selective.

Herb Salad™ is working as it should with a selective bird; he’s selecting the herb(s) he needs to address a particular need, e.g. deficiency, ailment, emotional. We recommend you add to his daily supply, mixing it in with the existing, so that he keeps getting what it is that he’s seeking.

 

My birds are just worn out from traveling from show to show this year and now it is almost breeding season for them. I have about 60 doves who could use a boost!

Our own personal experience has been that our doves are every bit as enthusiastic about Herb Salad™ as our other birds. We are currently working with Cape doves, Diamonds, Green Wing and Ring Necks. We have many dove and pigeon-owning customers.

 

Have you ever tried making a tea out of Herb Salad™?

We’ve had several people report success having made a tea out of Herb Salad™. A breeder friend of mine was doing that with her own flock. However, one of the main values and distinctions of Herb Salad™ and its recommended feeding guidelines is in allowing the bird to pick when, and what type of herb it needs. In tea form you’re *force feeding*. Providing it as a stand-alone is our recommendation.

 

I was wondering if the herbs have been known to heal (or help) a Gould that has been ill for a month or two. Is it recommended to feed the herbs to a seriously ill Gouldian that has been difficult to diagnose?

It’s been reported to me many times, as well as seeing it in my own aviary, that Herb Salad™ cured an ill bird when medication couldn’t. There are several different reasons that make this possible… The bird’s illness hasn’t been correctly diagnosed, so proper medication isn’t provided. The bird may be suffering multiple illnesses and the meds are only addressing part of the problem. Or, it could be that the medicines themselves are causing additional problems, side effects. Replenish Herb Salad™ often so that your bird doesn’t run out of the particular herb(s) he needs. Keep trying to find the right medication.