The Basics
An imbalanced or incomplete diet is a common problem with companion birds and is a relatively common cause of illness. While our avian nutrition is still in the early stages, most experts agree that a good diet is a well formulated, balanced one.
Seeds
For most pet birds, especially parrots and parakeets, a diet based primarily on seeds is deficient in many nutrients, including vitamin A and calcium, and is too high in fat. This is not to say that seed does not have a place in avian diets, but many birds come to prefer them to the exclusion of other healthy choices and can be fussy when it comes to trying a varied diet. Some birds will even pick out a couple of favourites from a seed mix, which further reduces the nutritional balance in the diet. When it comes to parrot nutrition, consider seeds to be somewhat like junk food: birds love them, but they are not the healthiest choice. For most species of parrot, seeds should only make up about 10 percent of the diet. Some species, like budgies and cockatiels, are naturally seed eaters and can tolerate a higher percentage of seed in the diet, but even for these birds, seeds should only make up about 25 percent of the diet.
Pelleted Diets
A number of years ago, realizing that many parrots were suffering from nutritional deficiencies, companies began producing pelleted diets for pet birds. These are made from a variety of foods including grains, seeds, vegetables and fruits. The pellets are fortified with vitamins and minerals before being baked into pellets. These provide a balanced, nutritious diet and prevent birds from only picking out their favourite food items. However, many birds – especially those started on a seed-based diet – do not readily take to eating a formulated/pelleted diet. One more thing to consider: Although formulated/pelleted diets are well balanced, they do not provide the variety and stimulation that many companion birds crave in their diets (after all, eating the same thing day after would be boring for anyone). Therefore, pellets can be considered the “base” of the bird’s diet, comprising 50 to 60 percent of what the bird eats.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are the most important component of your bird’s diet! Not all vegetables are equally nutritious though; vegetables like celery and lettuce are high in fibre and water, but are otherwise not all that nutritious. Dark yellow and leafy green vegetables are usually excellent choices. You can offer vegetables in a variety of forms to entice the bird to try them—fresh whole or chopped, or cooked and fed slightly warm. Try hanging vegetables from the side of the cage in a clip, or offering them in chunks that larger birds can pick up with their feet to gnaw on. You may need to be creative to get them to try things and the aim is to get your bird to eat as many different kinds of vegetables as possible. Try a variety of vegetables such as:
Carrots (root and tops)
Sweet potatoes (steamed)
Leafy greens such as collards, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, Swiss chard, beet greens, and dandelion greens
Parsley
Green beans
Sweet red, yellow and green peppers
Cauliflower
Broccoli (head and leaves)
Sugar snap or snow peas
Pumpkin (including seeds)
Romaine or green/red leaf lettuce (small amounts)
Corn (kernels, or on the cob for larger birds)
Cucumber
These are just a few examples.
Remember: no avocado or tomato! In my opinion, onion is not safe either. Remember the golden rule: If you are unsure, rather don’t. There are plenty of other choices for you to choose from.
Fruits
Again, you want to feed a wide variety, but this component should be less than your vegetable component. Many birds love fruit and will overdo it. As with vegetables, it is a good idea to try and feed a variety of fruits – even better if the fruits include types that parrots may be exposed to in their native habitats. However, make sure they do not eat stone fruit pips or apple seeds as these can be toxic. Try fruits such as:
Mango
Papaya
Kiwi
Berries
Pomegranates
Pineapple
Cranberries
Cantaloupe (without the rind), other melons
Peaches
Nectarines
Apricots
Bananas
Oranges
Cherries
Pears
Grapes
Apples
Grapefruit
Tangerines
Once again, these are just a few examples. Remember the golden rule!
Other Foods
Birds can also be fed a variety of nutritious grains such as cooked brown rice, quinoa, oats, wheat and barley. Cooked legumes such as beans, lentils and peas are an excellent addition to their diets. Birds can also be offered small amounts of lean, well-cooked meat, poultry and cooked eggs.
Sprouted Seeds
Sprouted seeds are an excellent source of nutrition for companion birds! Freshly sprouted seeds are a nutritional gold mine, as the seed mobilizes its nutritional content into a highly digestible and bioavailable form as it starts to grow. Sprouted seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as enzymes and antioxidants, and some consider them to be nature’s most perfect food. In any case, they are an excellent way to provide a nutritional boost and most birds love them!
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Extra vitamin and mineral supplements are not needed if you are feeding a well-balanced diet. However, sometimes a supplement is necessary and may thus be incorporated into their diet. NOTE: Additional supplements should only be given on the advice of your veterinarian.
Foods to Avoid
Stay away from junk foods and any foods high in fat, salt, or sugar. Birds are also lactose intolerant so milk products should be limited to small amounts of hard cheese and yogurt.
WARNING!!
Chocolate, avocado, and rhubarb are toxic to birds. Of course, do not give any beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Avoid processed meats or other foods high in nitrates, nitrites, sulphites, or monosodium glutamate (MSG). Onions, sprouted lima, fava and navy beans, stone fruit pips and apple seeds should also be avoided.
Some experts and owners are concerned about feeding peanuts in the shell because they can be contaminated with Aspergillus fungus, which can cause respiratory illness as well as producing a toxin (aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen). If you feed raw peanuts, get good quality human grade peanuts and do not feed if there is any sign of mould. Shelled, blanched (unsalted, of course) peanut are fine, but if you are unsure, rather avoid feeding peanuts altogether.
I hope this helps!
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