Simmer Down for the Holidays! - Simmer Pot Recipes
The holidays are filled with so many wonderful smells! Freshly baked bread, decadent apple pie, savory roasted turkey, the list of lovely smells one can encounter during the holidays goes on and on. However, if you're a parrot owner, you're likely aware that traditional air fresheners, candles, and incense can pose risks to your avian companions. Generally, having a pet parrot should not be stinky. However, sometimes smells can linger in your home from other sources. What is left to provide a better smelling environment?
Simmer Pots!
What is a simmer pot?
A Simmer Pot is a pot (or even a small crock pot) filled with water, fruits, spices, and/or herbs that gently simmers creating a wonderful smell. Typically, a pot can simmer for a few hours, just be sure it does not run dry and to always supervise any heated pots.
Here are some of our favorite aromatics for simmer pots. Just to name a few:
• Cranberries
• Rosemary
• Bay Leaves
• Eucalyptus
• Pear
• Basil
• Black Peppercorns
• Citrus peels
• Vanilla extract/ Vanilla beans
• Coconut extract
• Clove
• Star Anise Pods
• Cardamon Pods
• Rose petals (Check to make sure they are pesticide free)
• Apples
• Ginger
• Mint
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cardamon)
• Nutmeg
• Apple Pie Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and occasionally cardamom)
• Cinnamon (For consumption of Cinnamon, avoid Saigon or Korintje cinnamon, both of which are varieties of Cassia cinnamon. Only Cinnamomum verum, also called true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon is safe for birds)
The above list is by no means to be used for guidance on what is and is not safe to feed your bird. Please consult your avian vet before feeding your bird anything new.
Another fun possibility is tea! Many bird stores carry avian tea blends (results may vary depending on how aromatic the tea blends will be). Talk about a perfect way to allow them to join in on the festivities!
Clover, Golden Conure, enjoying some birdie tea, and a grape!
Precautions for Parrot Owners
While simmer pot recipes can enhance your home's ambiance and are generally safe for parrots, it's crucial to remember the following precautions:
1. Use only parrot-safe ingredients in your simmer pot recipes. Avoid using essential oils or toxic substances.
2. Keep a close eye on the simmer pot to prevent it from boiling dry, which can release harmful fumes.
3. Ensure your parrot is located away from the simmer pot to avoid direct exposure to the steam and hot stove.
4. Use parrot safe pots and pans. Do not use any pots that are advertised as non-stick or contain PFAS or PFOA chemicals as these can be deadly to birds when heated. We recommend using stainless steel pots.
Parrot-Safe Simmer Pot Recipes
Citrus Paradise
Citrus fruits are a great choice for a simmer pot as they provide a refreshing, zesty aroma. This recipe will give your home a delightful, clean scent.
Ingredients:
1 orange (sliced)
1 lemon (sliced)
2 cinnamon sticks
4-5 whole cloves
1 small piece of ginger (sliced)
2-3 cups of water (or enough to safely simmer in your sized pot)
Herbal Garden
This simmer pot recipe combines the scents of fresh herbs to create a calming and refreshing atmosphere.
Ingredients:
A handful of fresh basil leaves
A handful of fresh mint leaves
A handful of rosemary sprigs
2-3 cups of water (or enough to safely simmer in your sized pot)
Tropical Oasis
Give your home a tropical vibe with this simmer pot recipe that combines the soothing aroma of coconut and the freshness of pineapple.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
2-3 cups of water (or enough to safely simmer in your sized pot)
Parrots are highly sensitive creatures that deserve a healthy and stimulating environment. Simmer pot recipes offer a natural and safe way to freshen the air in your home while keeping your feathered friends in mind. Experiment with these parrot-friendly simmer pot recipes and create a cozy, inviting, and safe space for you and your beloved parrot companions.
