Our birds don’t always eat as balanced as we would like them to, and sometimes it can be a challenge to get them to give new foods a fair try. It is possible to strategically hide nutritious items like greens and vegetables in this fun-to-eat delivery system. This recipe stores easily, is versatile and inexpensive.

8 oz. Corn muffin mix
¼ c. Mashed banana
1/3 c. Unsweetened almond milk
1 c. Additional ingredient of your choice (see below for suggestions)

Place all ingredients in a bowl. Stir until all dry ingredients are moist. Fill mini-muffin tins ½ full. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Allow muffins to cool completely. Store in the freezer in a recloseable freezer bag. Makes approximately 20 mini-muffins.

Greens
Add Finely chopped greens to these muffins as a sneaky, yet effective, way to increase your bird’s consumption of this protein and iron rich food source. Kale, collard greens, chard and cabbage are all beneficial to your bird’s diet. Be sure to chop the greens finely to allow for even cooking of the muffins.

Protein
For an additional protein boost, add ingredients such as seeds, beans or bits of chicken. It is also an option to substitute one egg for the banana in this recipe, crush the eggshell and include it in your muffins; it is an excellent source of calcium

Vegetables
Vegetable blends make a perfect addition to this recipe. Frozen vegetables are convenient and allow you to keep a wide variety on hand without spoilage. Be sure to thaw vegetables completely before adding them to the recipe. Some perfect frozen vegetables could include mixed vegetables, broccoli, spinach (squeeze out liquid), lima beans or green beans. Shredded carrot, cabbage or broccoli slaw, located in your produce department, also make simple and nutritious additions.

Fruit
Fruit is a tasty addition to these muffins and is especially nice if you intend to share them with your bird. Choose fruits high in antioxidants such as strawberries, blueberries, mango and peach. Dried fruit can also be used, but be sure to choose varieties without added sugar.

Nuts and Seeds
Because nuts and seeds are a regular part of most bird’s diet it is typically unnecessary to include them as an addition to supplemental foods. However, if your bird is on a strictly pellet diet the addition of nuts and seeds to these muffins would come as a welcomed treat. You can choose to use a bird food blend or add shelled nuts and seeds if you intend to share this treat with your bird.

Birds enjoy variety and the stimulation of new things added to their environment. Use these muffins as a fun treat, with added nutritional benefit, for your feathered friend.