Homemade mix ideas

[isfa]

Hi, I just recently got four budgies and I was really excited, but my dad refuses to buy the seed mix that just ran out. He says it's because he can't afford it, so I've been looking for some homemade mixes to give to them. But unfortunately, I don't have a lot of vegetables or seeds at home and I am at my wit's end trying to find something for my budgies, so hopeless that I've eventually joined a forum  .
Anyway, I have red parboiled rice or matta rice, tomatoes, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, rolled oats, green chilies, mung beans, eggs, black mustard seeds, and moringa leaves. The rest of the stuff in my house is apparently too toxic or poisonous for budgies, but I'm still unsure on the above. But I have left the mung beans out to sprout. I can't really step out for shopping either, because one; we don't have a lot of money, two; the COVID situation.
If y'all could help or give me some advice, I would be really grateful. 
Lots of love from a new member <3

[destinycall]

What kind of a budget are you working with? Generally, buying a commercial seed mix is more economical than trying to make your own.

If you have access to outdoor spaces, you can gather wild grasses for your parakeets. They prefer the seed-heads, but can eat other parts of the plant. There are also various other common plants/weeds that are edible for budgies.

Just be careful to gather in an area that is free from pesticides and herbicides.

[adf]

You won't keep them healthy without a seed mixture for a longer time. They will starve and .... You could make your own mixture if you had millet oats and other sorts of seeds at your disposal but you won't spare much money. If I were you I would give the budgies to somebody else who has a better chance to look after them. Just an advice.

[ffiscool]

Did your dad know you were getting 4 budgies? Unfortunately all pets cost money. I have no idea about making your own food up, but they do need enough and nourishing food or they will get ill. What country are you in?

[Hezz]

Jul 15, 2020 21:18:05 GMT adf said:

You won't keep them healthy without a seed mixture for a longer time. They will starve and .... You could make your own mixture if you had millet oats and other sorts of seeds at your disposal but you won't spare much money. If I were you I would give the budgies to somebody else who has a better chance to look after them. Just an advice.

I have to agree with this. In my opinion you shouldn't have been allowed to get one let alone four budgies if your parents aren't prepared to buy decent food for them. Seeding grasses are all very good but you need constant access to a wide variety of different grasses to make them even a large part of their diet. A commercial seed mix is by far the most cost-efficient way to feed them.

[blue48]

I don't know how old you are isfa , but budgie seed is relatively inexpensive if you don't go for top premium brands. But if your dad won't buy seed what is going to happen when your budgies need vetinary help or medication?

I'm not sure you are best placed to care for budgies.

[Marianne Marlow]

I agree with the others. You either need to find a way of getting your budgies a regular seed mix, or give them to someone that will.

[isfa]

Hey again,
We didn't actually buy the budgies, the owners were abandoning them and I thought I could give them at least something to eat instead of looking the other way
But, I wore my parents down and now we're going to buy a pack of seed mix for them (yay). And not everyone can afford even a small packet of chips in these economically trying times, and no one is going to take the budgies in either so reality is not that easy.
Lots of love from here <3

[Hezz]

Thank you!!!!!! And you have now explained how and why you are in the situation you are in. We really shouldn't assume we know the situations that others find themselves in. You have done very good thing and so have your parents.

If you can get any seeds and try sprouting them, this is a good feed for them. Vegetables such as peas, carrot, leafy greens (celery, asian greens, even carrot, celery and beetroot tops), sweet corn, these are all good for them. Some of the things you mention I don't know about. Small amounts of herbs such as basil, dill, rosemary, thyme if they will eat them are fine, as well. The biggest hurdle you are going to have is getting them converted to eating these fresh foods. With not a lot of waste wanted , just try them with small amounts of everything as often as you can. They are probably only used to eating seed and it can take a mammoth effort to get a budgie to eat anything but. Good luck with that!

[Marianne Marlow]

Thank you for coming back and explaining the situation for us.

Well done on taking the budgies in, I'm very glad that your parents are buying some seed for them. As someone that also takes in budgies that people can no longer look after, it's nice to see others doing the same.

Jul 16, 2020 8:10:33 GMT isfa said:

Hey again,
We didn't actually buy the budgies, the owners were abandoning them and I thought I could give them at least something to eat instead of looking the other way
But, I wore my parents down and now we're going to buy a pack of seed mix for them (yay). And not everyone can afford even a small packet of chips in these economically trying times, and no one is going to take the budgies in either so reality is not that easy.
Lots of love from here <3

[birdguhl]

Hi Isfa! Good on you for taking on these budgies and working out a way forward with looking after them. Please keep us updated with how you are getting on. It would also be great to see some pictures of your new family members!