Guinea pigs and wild bird food question

Discussion in 'Pets' started by EJ, Jan 12, 2010.

  1. EJ

    EJ Allotmenteer Extraordinaire

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    I make my own yoghurt and strain it as I like thick greek style yog which leaves me with a bowl of what I figure is whey. I usually tip it down the drain, but always wonder if the creatures would benefit from it. Could I give it to the guineas, perhaps watered down?? I don't want to give them an upset tummy so thought I would ask if anyone here knows.

    Also, we periodically have porridge for brekky, and when number one son has it, inevitably there is some left...again, into the bin it goes, but would the wild birdies eat it. It is made 50% milk and 50% water and no sugar or salt. Could it go on the bird table??

    So, wodyafink? :)
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    EJ I know that whey can be used for a multitude of things but as for feeding it to your guineapigs then I'd say it's a no-no. Cows milk in any form can upset their tums as they are more delicate than most people realise. However, if you mix it with bird food and a small amount of bread then pop it into the 'fridge to harden then there's no reason why it can't be used in such a way. As for the porridge then you can, once again, (if it's left to go cold and dry out a bit) be fed to your birds too.

    Here are just a few things that I use whey for that might be useful to you. For scones, soups, stock, pastry, rice dishes - just about anything you want really. You can even freeze it for future use. :-D
     
  4. EJ

    EJ Allotmenteer Extraordinaire

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    Thanks for that Eileen. I didn't know it could be used for other things like that...I always assumed in the yog and cheese industry, the whey was sold to pig farms. I will keep it in the fridge as I am going to make leek and potato soup later in the week for the weekend, so it can go in that. :)

    Do you make your own yog then Eileen? I am experimenting with different starter yogs as some don't seem to make any more than I started with. I guess because I strain it I loose some. Sorry to go off topic. :)
     
  5. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    No I'm afraid I don't make my own yoghurt but I do know someone who does. :-D She saves all her whey for me as she knows I like to use it for baking and cooking. It can be kept in the 'fridge for only 2-3 days after that it's best used for making scones or bread.

    You're right btw whey used to be fed to pigs mixed in with their feed.
     

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