Aussie Finch Forum

Yep, exactly. Presentation is often the key. If using a leaf type which easily wilts it may sometimes pay to peg the leaf up upsidedown so that gravity helps to maintain the leaf's shape & moisture levels. Sap goes into the green leafy part rather than the stalk. Found this especially useful for thinner leafed greens such as chicory, bok choy & small-leafed lettuce varieties.

One of mine enjoying Bok Choy, I cut the stalks off and soak the leaves overnight in a glass of water in the fridge before feeding, keeps it nice and fresh.

finchbreeder wrote:... any seeding thistle,

They will eat the plant?

yep all my birds eat the leaves of thistle and the seeds.

Interesting, i found they wouldnt eat much leafy greens either until i rotated pots with live plants .Made a huge difference with birds like Gouldians and Diamonds.

I also plant planters that I place inside the aviary...these are mostly mixed lettuce greens, kale, parsley


A crop of dandelions or chick weed which grows everywhere here in the states are one of the finches favorites,also some of the healthiest...and free


I have a fertile spot in the corner of the gardens where I dump bird seed... it grows on it's own accord.
rape seed






millet... they especially love it when it is in it's green milk stage





and brocoli... they nibble the leaves but devourer the flower heads



I let some plants mature and go to see so, endless supply year round in my climate


I grow totally organic so they are very healthy for birds and the honey bees love the flowers too


I have even gotten into growing their bird gourd nesting facilities


Try planting some greens that grow well for your area (don't feed too much spinach, can affect vitamoin absorption)and then set the pots in your aviary, I rotate pots so the birds newer kill the plants off completely

We usually will shred or chop them coarsely but after reading this thread might try a different presentation and see if it makes a differnce.

I Have Zebs, Gould, redbrows, stars and parrots and they all go mad over Rainbow silverbeet. I have also thrown some seed in the garden and let it grow to grass and i pick that and throw it in. They seem to love it and never leave anything, anything they do leave they take and line their nests! Also any seeding grass you can find in the lawn or on a vacant block. Goodluck!