Lurker w/hookbill questions

[BlondieNBrian]

Can somebody advise me of the ideal diet for large hookbills? Of course, the
recommended seed diet, but what about raw produce?

I have had 'keets, "tiels, lovebirds, and even a 'pocket parot', and have, at
various times, given them pieces of fruits and veggies. In fact, when I bred
'tiels, I intentionally gave the adults seperate bowls of small pieces of
banannas, apples, green leafy veggies, and other fruits, and the weaning chicks
were given the thicker formula mixed with mashed bananna, or even fruit baby
food. I played around and learned that if I gradually took away the fruit and
formula mixture, and added mashed fruit or baby food to the seed, they seemed
to wean easier, and a tiny bit faster.

While it seems to have worked well then, is it okay for large parrots? What
about greens? Like collard? Or is this a dangerous habit? I noticed w/the
'tiels that sometimes they'd get runny poop, but then we'd take away the fresh
food and only give seed, and millet, until it had cleared up. If I excercise
the same precautions w/the parrot, I assume it's safe to give him fresh food.

I just prefer fresh to bagged, and I have a real problem with those "pelleted"
or otherwise processed bird foods. (I actually saw something once that looked
like pastel colored fruit shapes. What did they remind me of? Oh yeah,
Flintstone children's vitamins, in color and texture.) I just think it's better
to give them stuff nearer their natural diet then that. I was using Kaytee
products almost exclusively, with great success, and intend to again.

Oh, one last thought/question:
Is plain rawhide safe for birds?

Thanks.

Blondie