Pine Cones - does anyone cook them, or are they best served raw? And Aniseed - I got a pack of Aniseed when I collected a bird from the owner. I've never heard of giving birds this - is it good/bad/indifferent?

Someone also mentioned to me that they'd read a book printed in the 1950s, that said African Greys should have access to canary seed as well as their own. She's been giving her own Grey this, and his feathers have improved dramatically from looking dull and lifeless to being in really good condition. Has anyone else heard of this?

Doddie

Pine Cones - I usually throw them in water with F10 for a soak, rinse and then zap them in the microwave fo about 5 mins a bowl full, then lay them out in the sun to dry and ready to eat!

aniseed and canary seed, I've never heard of before and will be interesting to hear what others have to say!

I wash the pine cones in hot wate, then bake them on a low to medium oven to kill any bugs or fungus.

Well you can buy aniseed powder on jungle gold, Helps with digestion i think, and of course has antiseptic properties.