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General all year-round diet

I make up a batch mixture and freeze it in separate bags, so that one can be taken out to thaw overnight. This method makes feeding the Blackbirds MUCH simpler. The mix consists of:

1 part insectivorous soft food (I reccommend Haiths Prosecto Insectivorous or CeDe Universal);
1 part cooked lamb mince;
1 part soaked dog biscuits;
1 part grated carrot;
1 part grated apple;
1/4 part grated broccoli;
1/4 part grated cheese.

To add variety, vary the consistency of the mixture- sticky, dry, more of one ingredient etc.

Each day they are given either a whole apple, pear, plum or half an orange, which is thrown onto the floor for them to pick at.

I also feed a few mealworms all year round (about 6 each day for 1 pair). Try mixing them up in a tray of compost so the Blackbirds have to forage for them.

Clean water must be provided and changed daily in a green cat litter tray which will also serve as a bath.

Their food is provided in an earthenware bowl and green cat litter trays. Blackbirds are ground feeders and so all food must be placed on the floor of the aviary.

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Breeding Diet

The diet during the breeding season has to be sufficiently supplemented. Throughout, provide a lot of protein, which includes increasing the amount of mealworms fed to about 10-15 per pair and increasing the amount of canned dog food in the main mixture.

When the birds have chicks in the nest, the diet must be altered again: they require earthworms as well as mealworms, which should be mixed with canned dog food and placed into a tray, so the birds take all the protein back to their chicks. Alternatively mix the earthworms with compost so the Blackbirds have to hunt and just add the mealworms to the extra dog food.

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Winter Diet

Once winter arrives the diet should be altered again. They must receive extra dog food, insectivorous food, apples and pears.

Also it is a good idea to freeze all of the following when in autumn: hawthorn berries, elderberries, blackberries and rosehips. Feed ad-lib.

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