I want to make some fat balls to feed the birds with a group of children of whom at least one is Hindu, I believe some may be Muslim and one or two others are vegetarian.
While being vegetarian does not necessarily prevent you from handling meat or giving it to animals, I'd rather not argue the toss with small children who may be a bit wary of what their parents will say; in any case Hindus believe cows should not be killed (so I could not use beef suet) and Muslims would have a serious problem handling pig meat (so I could not use lard).
Can I use the type of vegetable fat that is for making pastry e.g. Trex, Cookeen? I believe it is the saturated fat that birds need, and these are about 50% saturated fat.
Thanks!
what goes around comes around!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guyfrankland/sets/72157623175917620/show/
HI Katie,
I don't know the answer to your question, and if no one else does before morning, I will bump this back up, one of the moderators will know, but they only work office hours.
Welcome to the forums!
Ant
"IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).
kerry g said:not sure why the birds need sugar in that recipe though :/
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Katie
surely the kids have to learn that birds aren't religious or vegatarian.
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Sorry I can't answer but the link mentioned above seems good.
Unknown said:surely the kids have to learn that birds aren't religious or vegatarian.
Good point, I think children would probably understand that but you wouldn't want any complaints from the parents :)
'Dip a dee dah, dip a dee ay, we're not seeing any birds to-day...'
Unknown said: Hi Katie surely the kids have to learn that birds aren't religious or vegatarian. Ray
Have to say i agree with Ray..............We as humans make choices, but we must also understand that birds etc live a natural life and some do need nutrition from those sources mentioned.We may not like it but it is part and parcel of life..... Children really need to be taught the true facts.As a child i understood the difference between myself and birds etc etc etc and birds often eat worms...a small thing but no different to any other meat ...........or is it?.
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
would a garden bird eat beef or pork as part of its natural diet?
I think a vegetarian option isn't such a bad thing... no point in forcing people to do something that goes beyond their beliefs if it can be avoided...
kerry g said: would a garden bird eat beef or pork as part of its natural diet? I think a vegetarian option isn't such a bad thing... no point in forcing people to do something that goes beyond their beliefs if it can be avoided...
Well, this was my thought. Birds eat worms, and bugs, which they kill. But a garden bird cannot kill a cow or a pig and render its fat! So a human has to do that. And since believing humans shouldn't do that, and providing a healthy diet for garden birds, don't seem to be incompatible, I'll steer clear of telling children their parents' religious or ethical beliefs are wrong, for the moment. Not my job!
Sorry Katie
But this is democracy gone mad.
Its nothing to do with religion or ethical beliefs its wild life.
I respect all cultures but do they feed birds vegatarian food in their original countries.
Why not send a note out to parents asking their opinion.
Ray This is the last reply from me
Unknown said: Why not send a note out to parents asking their opinion.
Very slightly closer to "my job", but why bother, if I can make vegetarian bird food, without writing a load of notes, collecting the answers, chasing parents who haven't replied, and then almost certainly ending up at the same situation - parents who don't believe certain animals should be killed/used by people?
I'll stick with the vegetarian option, thanks!