Winter Squash
There are two
types of squash - Summer squash and Winter squash. Butternut squash is a
type of winter squash. They have hard skins and firm meat. They store very
well until you're ready to cook them. A cup of butternut squash has 80
calories, 2 grams protein, 1 gram fat, 18 grams carbohydrates, and provides
riboflavin, iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Ingredients:
1 Butternut Squash
Olive Oil
Any of:
cardamom
cinnamon
allspice
nutmeg
cloves
mace
Directions:
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Dig seeds out of the squash with a spoon
or scoop and discard (you can try separating the seeds and coating with a
small amount of olive oil and spices, then baking in an oven at low temps
until dried - but our flock shows no interest... but pumpkin seeds are not
safe from humans or birds!).
Cut squash into equal sized cubes from 1/2" to 2"
depending on the size of your birds. Leave the skin on (it gives them
something better to grip and helps keep the meat together in case you
overcook). You don't want to overcook squash to the point it becomes mushy
(you do for humans, but for birds, leave it a bit al dente so it has enough
firmness to hold up under talon).
Alternative Cooking Methods:
Parboiling - A method of partially cooking by boiling in liquid - put
squash in pot with water to cover. Bring to boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Remove from water. Lightly toss with olive oil to lightly cover. Sprinkle on
choice of spices. Cool and serve.
Roasting - Lightly toss with olive oil and
sprinkle on choice of spices. Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 mins on
cooking sheet lightly coated with olive oil. Cool and serve.
Steam - Steam for 3-4 mins. Remove to large
bowl. Toss with olive oil to lightly coat and choice of spices. Allow to
cool and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Once your babies have tried squash, they'll love it! For finicky eaters, mix
in some prepared food like
Beak Appetit or
Crazy Corn. Also it's a great way to serve larger birds Birdcare
Company's
Insectivorous Feast, a high protein soft food that is eagerly gobbled up
(but can be hard for a macaw to get hold of).
Submitted by: DJ Feathers
Aviary, and highly recommended by Jimmy (Blue & Gold Macaw) and Shelby
(Eclectus) - among other flock members. |
