Topic: Free Food From The Countryside (Read 1847 times)

lovebirds · « **Reply #20 on:** May 08, 2010, 04:26:36 PM »

yes of course, go ahead

pip · « **Reply #21 on:** August 24, 2010, 08:47:57 AM »

Can anyone tell me, are these damsons and more importantly, if they are can I give them to the parrots?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopip/4922411277/#

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopip/4922411277/#in/photostream/

Not sure if they're damsons or sloe berries.

Thanks

lovebirds · « **Reply #22 on:** August 24, 2010, 09:56:58 AM »

whatever they are they are a variety of a plum, so feel free to give it to your greys (i love them myself though

they are so bitter and yummy

), just beware of the pips

lovebirds · « **Reply #23 on:** August 24, 2010, 10:00:39 AM »

I always confuse the two, but I think they are sloes, as sloes are smaller than damsons or bullaces. You can freeze them and they will taste nicer afterwards, as all wild plums are best picked after the first frost. Though I love them before then so can't see why parrots wouldn't

Start by trying out one with them if they are not used to really bitter/sour foods

pip · « **Reply #24 on:** August 24, 2010, 10:08:55 AM »

Thanks Irina! Just one problem, on another forum I've been advised I shouldn't give my parrots anything from the prunus family?? Unsure now!

lovebirds · « **Reply #25 on:** August 24, 2010, 10:11:00 AM »

that is regarding the branches, because the bark and leaves (and the pips) contain cyanide. Cherries and plums sold in supermarkets are prunus too, and they are fine, they didn't say you can't give those, did they?

So the fruit itself is fine, the rest isn't.

pip · « **Reply #26 on:** August 24, 2010, 10:13:29 AM »

Ah that explains it! Thanks!

lizduncan · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2010, 12:25:42 PM »

Definatly Sloes

lovebirds · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2010, 12:30:09 PM »

thank you, Liz

pip · « **Reply #29 on:** August 24, 2010, 12:31:01 PM »

Quote from: LizD on August 24, 2010, 12:25:42 PM

Definatly Sloes

Thanks!

pinky · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2010, 01:04:25 PM »

Oh yummy, it will soon be sloe season. I will be out there after the first frost picking away and stock up this years supply of sloe vodka whoop whoop.

lizduncan · « **Reply #31 on:** August 24, 2010, 01:15:21 PM »

sloe gin is the only way to go.

Bob · « **Reply #32 on:** August 24, 2010, 01:18:31 PM »

I'm liking he sound of this Sloe

lizduncan · « **Reply #33 on:** August 24, 2010, 01:23:14 PM »

yum yum slurp!

geffsgrey · « **Reply #34 on:** September 20, 2010, 11:57:28 AM »

Just bumping this up, as many people have not read it

simmo60 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 15, 2011, 05:12:57 AM »

hi guysgot a quick question on chickweed I'm about to clear my flower area of chickweed iv seen its OK to give them but I'm unsure coz i use bonemeal in the soil also whats the best way give it them iv seen some where ya need to dry it any info plzzzzzzzzz

geffsgrey · « **Reply #36 on:** April 15, 2011, 06:49:18 AM »

As long as you rinse it under the tap and shake it should be fine.

simmo60 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 15, 2011, 07:22:18 AM »

thanks geff

lovebirds · « **Reply #38 on:** August 02, 2011, 05:19:09 PM »

since we've been talking about the foraging plants in Geoff's topic, I just thought it may be worth reminding that apart from rowan berries, blackberries are now getting ready to be picked. Also I think eldeberries are getting ready now? They must be fully ripe and black when fed.