One of the best green foods for birds is a slice of sweet apple or
orange placed between the bars of the cage. Chickweed and watercress are
also good. Many bird owners feed lettuce, which is satisfactory; but it
must be examined carefully and any frozen parts removed. The long stalks
of the rattail plantain weed are much relished. You can keep them
several days by standing them in water. Before giving them to the bird,
cut off the ends. Both flowers and the tender new leaves of dandelions
are pleasing and beneficial to canaries.
An interesting and simple way to provide greens for your pet is to
scatter a pinch or two of French's Bird Seed on the soil surface of some
of your house plants. The seeds soon root and make excellent greens.
Sprouted seed is a wonderful treat. Place one teaspoonful of seed per
bird in water and allow it to stand overnight. In the morning rinse the
seed in two or three clear tepid waters and spread on a moist clean
towel. The tiny sprouts will soon break through and the seed may be
dried and fed. Renew daily, for soaked, sprouted seed spoils fast.