I spend a reasonable amount of time collecting all kinds of Australian native tree branches for my budgies and cockatiels, and there have been many benefits from doing so.
There is one thing i have observed, and i would like other peoples thoughts.
Its usual for me to select branches that have leaves, flowers, bark and seedpods on them. First i noticed that when i was removing dry branches, small seeds sprinkled down to the ground that had been released from their casing upon drying.
Then i observed that my birds actually seek out the seeds and eat them. Especially Acaicia seeds, but also Callistemon, Casurina and Eucalyptus among others. i would be able to collect them and store them, as certain plants only drop seed at certain times, but as yet i have only given my birds what they forage for on the branches.
Im always looking for ways to make my birds diets varied, but im also trying to find ways to provide foods that are as close to nature as possible - and since i live in the same country where my birds are native to, i feel like there are ways to achieve this.
I would really appreciate peoples thoughts on this subject.
If you are interested, i have a youtube film on some of the native plants i feed my flock.