Bird Guide

Nutrition For Your Bird

The number one cause of illness in pet birds today is poor nutrition. An all seed diet is inadequate for pet birds. While pellets are more nutritious, they too are not a complete diet. Avian nutrition is still in its infancy. There are over 350 species of parrots around the world and they live in different habitats. These different species have different nutritional needs.

 So what is the concerned owner to do? They can provide their parrots with variation. In the wild most species of parrots eat from a variety of food sources. So doesn’t it make sense to feed them the same way?

 I provide my birds with a combination of seeds and pellets. I also provide them with a wide range of vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains, pastas, nuts, dairy, eggs, sprouted seeds, and meat. A general rule of thumb is that if it is healthy for you, it is probably healthy for your bird. However do not feed your bird chocolate, avocados (guacamole), rhubarb, alcohol, caffeine, foods with a high sugar content or are too salty, and foods containing sulfates. I even avoid mayonnaise products for my birds.

 Remember to always thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables. Do not use fruits or vegetables that are bruised or are not good for human consumption. Do not feed undercooked meat either. Birds are lactose intolerant, but they seem to tolerate the dairy if it is cooked. If you make eggs for them you can use the shells as well. Just make sure that you wash them thoroughly.

 So what kinds of food would your birds enjoy? Next time you make popcorn, try the natural or air popped. Do not add butter or salt. This is always a favorite of my cockatiels. When we watch movies all the cockatiels are out hogging the popcorn.

 Another favorite is macaroni and cheese. I also cut up broccoli and put it in there for them. And I don’t think I have ever met a parrot who didn’t like pizza. I know it is a favorite with all of my birds. We usually have to get an extra pizza just for them.

 One of their favorites is a 15 bean mix that I add brown rice to as well as frozen mixed vegetables. After cooking everything until the beans are tender, I serve this warm and they just love it.

Another healthy treat for them is cooked chicken. In the wild many of these parrots eat insects and their larva. They need the protein that comes from meat. Depending on the size of your bird you can give them a chicken wings or the leg bone. My birds will eat the meat that is on the bones and then they will crack them open to eat the marrow inside. My macaw’s favorite food is ribs. He eats the meat on them and then he cracks them open to eat the marrow. The entire time he is going “mmmmm”.

 There are many good cooking mixes out on the market for parrots. These also provide a wonderful variety and most birds really enjoy them.