Aussie Finch Forum

I have noticed that in a few posts there is mention of feeding meat to birds. Is this common? What are the benefits of feeding meat? How much should be given? I know I must sound silly for asking this as it is most likely common knowledge but if I don't ask then I don't learn

I think you will find that the meat mixes are given to softbills only. Such as Kingfishers, Wrens, Dotterels etc. not for Finches.

in new zealand a lot people feed a meaty dog roll to there finches i use it and my cutthroats breed well on it

Only ever gave it to Kakarikis and the Corella and only by hand . The risk of something funky like salmonella is too rife.

I seem to remember a reference in the old Klaus Immelman finch book to red-brows feeding on dried roadkill slicks. Never observed it myself and it sounds a dangerous way to get protein but I think it's probably true

My dad feeds cooked beef mince to his chickens! Been meaning to try it only in very small amounts. What about ground up dog dry food? Has to be ok surely?

A lot of softbill (especially honeyeater and bowerbird) breeders feet dog pellets to their birds...

Some home made hand rearing formula recipes have ground dog food pellets as part of the mix .

At least one very well known commercial finch softfood has meat meal in it too.

my finches get dog biscuits in a round about way.
every batch of meal worm that I have set up has dog biscuits in it for the added protein.
the worms & bugs seem to enjoy the biscuits as they are always eaten.
and the birds don't give a damn so long as they get their live food