Grow your own organic wheatgrass

My dog loves grass, she can’t seem to munch enough of it whenever we go to our nearby Boston park which doesn’t seem to use pesticides or herbicides. However, in a few weeks we are moving to San Diego and I suspect the little precious grass they have in this desert climate there will be much more likely to be treated with chemicals. So I have been looking into some healthy alternatives that won’t cost me a fortune and wanted to share my initial findings.

Cats, dogs and many other pets seem to instinctively want to eat grass. By eating grasses they obtain important vitamins and minerals as well as adding more fiber to their diet. So many pet stores are selling little trays of pet grass - but I suspect the tiny but expensive amount they offer are just for pampered gerbils, my dog would be asking for more in about 30 seconds. So, if I am going to start growing my own I am going to need a cheaper solution. Smaller dogs and cats probably won’t need as much but you might want to save money anyway as well as have greater control over the quality of the grass.

If you want to get a kit that includes all you need to grow your own then check out wheatgrasskits.com who offers a kit with 5lbs of certified organic wheatgrass seed, 5 trays for growing, 1 bag of soil, and instructions - all for 15.95

If you have a green thumb and are willing to get your instructions, soil and potting trays on your own then can save money by going to wheatgrassman.com and buying a bag of certified wheatgrass seed - you can get 4lbs for just $6.95 or if you know your pet is going to love this stuff then spring for the 25 or 50lb bag and save even more money at $20.95 and $37.95 respectively.

Good Stuff Birdie Bread $9.95/12 ounce bag (larger sizes available) at www.parrotsontheporch.com

Parrots on the Porch.com says they are working hard to get organic parrot food into the mainstream. According to the website they use all organic ingredients. Parrots are very sensitive to pesticides, dyes and preservatives. They can have digestive, neurological and mood problems from foods that contain too many additives.

They also go on to say that they make their foods in frequent batches, to maintain freshness, sometimes taking custom orders. They also wrote us to say that they get many of their grains and vegetables locally, to support their area’s organic farmers.

Sadly, my wife has no tolerance for loud squawking at any time of the day so I will forever be parrot-less. If you are lucky enough to have a parrot living with you, this is one site you should check out.

CatBib - helps prevent Bird Kills from your cat $8.95 from CatGoods.com

There are an estimated 60 million cats in the US and its probably safe to say that a significant percentage, perhaps a majority, are let out by their owners to prowl outside. Many cat owners probably think this is only natural and to prevent your cat from going outside would be inhumane. The problem is with all of these cats hunting birds and other small prey, they tip the natural ecological balance in favor of cats. House cats are probably the leading killer of birds, who are also threatened by their habitats being destroyed by developments and the like.

The Audubon Society states that “keeping cats indoors ensures that birds outdoors stay safe. Cats, too, benefit, as they’ll be exposed to less risk of disease, parasites, predation, poison, and accidents. According the to American Humane Society, cats that are allowed to roam outside live an average of 3 years while indoor cats typically reach an average age of 15 years.”

Keeping your cat indoors may be the best answer but old habits die hard for many and another solution is the CatBib from CatGoods.com Their website claims it in no way bothers or interferes with the cat’s activities outdoors and is completely safe. The bib only interferes with the cats ability to catch birds. While that may piss off the cat - you will feel better knowing you aren’t helping contributing to bird slaughters.
They have a page of many testimonials saying how well it works.
Here a good link for more information on this issue from an article in the Guardian.

Bird collisions with wind turbines not a serious problem

Many people are likely to believe, as I did until recently, that Wind energy is a great idea but too bad it is so terrible for the thousands or millions of birds who fly into the blades and get sliced up like a Cuisinart blender. One of those things you read somewhere and then never question. Apparently, except for a few situations most wind turbines are considered relatively safe for birds and bats. Far more birds die from your cat in the back yard, or from collisions with windows, cars, lighted communication towers, and pesticides to name a few.

Here are some good links for anyone wanting to get a more in depth discussion of this issue.
An article in Treehugger
A very comprehensive look at birds and wind energy from bird consultants to the wind power industry.
and advice from an expert, putting wind’s impact on birds in perspective.

Our feathered friends haven’t been getting enough attention here at great green pets. Hopefully we can soon rectify this matter. In the mean time perhaps we can munch on some organic bird foods and treats. organicuniverse.com offers a variety of organically grown bird foods such as Parrot and wild bird seed mix and Organic Finch Mix.

Dr. Harvey’s Avian Treats $10.99 at naturespaws.com
I have been worried lately that greatgreenpets has been neglectful of our feathered friends - so I’ve been scouring the web for earth friendly bird products. If any reader has any ideas about parakeet greenery - I am all ears!
In the mean time, perhaps a nibble on some bird treats from nature’s paws.com: “A delightful and healthful treat for larger birds. This delicious human consumption patty is made of a variety of nut butters with nuts mixed in. They are delicious and fun for your birds.”

This organic kit comes in your choice of either catnip or multigrass which is barley, wheat, oat and rye. With this kit you can grow your own for your favorite little critter.

$6.95 at Pangea Vegan Products

Good for the entire cage! Cleans and deodorizes and safe from harmful chemicals.

$8.99 at Earth Friendly Products

Grass Ball, From The Busy Bunny. Edible toy treat for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, chinchillas. Inside is a big ball of grass for nesting or playing or eating!
$6.00 at For Other Living Things