Budgie Diet

Question
I have always feed my keets seed, egg food, millette, & store bought dried greens.  I have been reading here that you can feed them basil, parsley, & grass.  Since they have been on the diet above for a long time it wont' disturbe them to add things now?  Is it safe to pluck some basil leaves and put it in a feed bowl?  My birds seem very healthy and I did not know they needed more as I am used to finches.  Also I have one pair with chicks right now can I still add grees now?

Answer
Hello Christa! It wont disturbe the keets to introduce need food. They will always gladly accept new things to try. It is safe to pick some basil for them. Spritz the basil, parsely, grass, lettuce, with some water. If you put enough out, sometimes the keets like to bathe in it. My male, skittles, loves to take a bath in lettuce. The other keets just enjoy chewing on the grass. Tie the greens to the top of the cage or place it in a bowl like you said. Even with chicks, its safe to put greens in. With your finches, pick some wild grasses(ones with seeds on the end) and you will see them weaving and playing with it. They enjoy it almost as much as the keets. Even though your diet know is very healthy, the greens will give them more minerals, help trim their beak, stimulate bathing instincts, and will help color their plumage. They mostly favor parsley over basil but they will still love to chew on basil leaves.