Polly Want a Sprout?: Sprouting for The New Paradigm in Balanced Exotic Avian Nutrition

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Whether breeding birds or keeping a family companion, diet and nutrition are the most important aspects of their lives in order for them to maintain optimum health and fitness, and Polly Want a Sprout will provide the required information. Such subjects can be quite complex, depending on each particular situation, but nutrition will always be at the top of the list. Since 2002, Leslie has been writing for Parrots magazine, informing our readers about the importance of what their parrots eat, and going by the comments I continually receive, her articles have been a significant element in the good health and well-being of many owners’ birds. Leslie’s knowledge of nutrition and her determination to search for the finest foods is quite amazing. She will go to never ending lengths to seek out what is best for our birds. There is no doubt that sprouts are one of the finest sources of natural nutrition and her knowledge on the subject will be hard to beat. Every time I read through her monthly Parrots magazine’s columns, I never fail to be amazed at the amount of detail she includes, and the invaluable information she provides.This book contains a wealth of knowledge and will, I have no doubt, become the ‘encyclopedia’ of nutrition for parrots and parakeets, and an essential part of any parrot owner’s library.
—John Catchpole, Publisher/Editor, Parrots magazine


“Leslie’s documentation is meticulously cited, which provides great peace of mind for those of us who want proof rather than marketing ploys.”
—Jenny P, Austin, Texas


“A must read for aviculturists and avian veterinarians.”
—Linus McKibbin, owner, and Marcia Sherman, manager, Pettin Place, Reno, NV, retired exotic bird breeder (30 years)


“This book answers questions I never knew I needed to ask.”
—Marie S, Sacramento, CA


“We are impressed by your years of trial and error and research on how to eradicate avian malnutrition.”
—Lisa and Wayne Schandelmeier, Keeling, VA, US


“In addition to the great advice for beginners, this book also offers really good insights for those of us who have had birds for years.”
—Pat Gower, PhD., San Antonio, Texas


“Leslie Moran has shared the research, science and her passion behind the importance of properly grown sprouts and why they are the most nutritious food available to keep our birds healthy.”
—Peggy Beal, Board Member, RAAVE: Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts https://raave.com

FROM THE BACK COVER:

The First Balanced Exotic Avian Nutrition Food Plan: This book makes feeding your parrots and finches the wholesome, real foods that they must eat every day, simple, easy, and fun. While also eliminating other harmful and unnecessary foods from their diet. Why is feeding balanced nutrition important? Because the only way for your birds to live long, happy and healthy lives, is by improving their health and well-being by feeding a combination of foods that provide balanced nutrition. The basic and essential nutritional elements presented and discussed in this book embrace the building blocks of solid, basic nutritional knowledge, scientific research, and case studies. Because of the enhanced nutrition that feeding birds a correctly formulated and properly grown sprouting blend provides, the author uses this life-giving avian superfood as the foundation for her ‘Balanced Exotic Avian Maintenance Diet Food Plan’. This edition, formerly "The Complete Guide to Successful Sprouting for Parrots", has been completely rewritten and eight new information-rich chapters have been added. This author is best known for her investigative journalism and attention to detail, while being straightforward with the facts. Leslie simplifies complex subjects down to the basics. A must-read.

To many, the words holistic and natural are merely popular expressions. However, for Leslie Morán they accurately describe her approach to living and loving life, feeling joyful, and creating wellness. Her extensive background in holistic and natural health care methods naturally developed to include animals when, as a young adult, she began caring for animal companions of her own. 

Leslie began her journey into exotic avian nutrition when parrots first joined her family in 1998. She was drawn to breeding and sought out advice on what to feed her birds from more experienced aviculturists. The main theme she was told then -- that is still being promoted today -- is to feed a wide variety of different foods. The problem with this approach is that is completely lacks nutritional balance. Because Leslie followed this advice her parrots purchased for breeding: bonded pairs of Scarlet Chested Parakeets, Amboina King Parrots and Crimson-winged Parrots suffered. Two out of three of her pairs either died outright or contracted serious debilitating and chronic illnesses. This inspired her to investigate the science of how exotic birds are fed. Her work led her to become a regular contributing writer for Parrots magazine, since 2002.

Being a well-published journalist, her articles have appeared in numerous regional, national, and international publications. These include feature articles in Australian Birdkeeper magazine, Bird Talk, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Dog Journal and Petfolio (Reno, Nevada). 

Ms. Morán is a Holistic Animal Nutrition and Care Consultant, a Reiki Master Teacher, animal intuitive and communicator. Recognized as being a skilled and effective healer, she is adept at using a balanced food plan, that serves as the powerful foundation for healing, as she combines natural care knowledge, alternative healing methods, and intuitive insights to help resolve health or behavior imbalances for animals of all types. She writes from her facility in Nevada.