A Parrot’s Balanced Diet
So, out of a 400-plus different parrot species, humans have managed to keep about 200 of them as pets over the years. Each type of parrot – conures, macaws, parakeets, you name it – has its own special diet and health needs.
A bird’s diet should typically consist of 60%-70% of pellets, while the remaining portion can comprise other foods such as vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. While pellets are generally a good source of nutrition, the ideal proportion can vary depending on the bird's species, age, and overall health.
Pellets, Nuts & Seeds
Parrots love to chew! In the wild, they're always gnawing on seeds, bark, flowers full of nectar and pollen, and other items. To keep them happy and healthy, you can give them dry foods and bird-safe branches to chew on.
Nuts, especially those in the shell, are a great treat. But remember, they're high in fat, so give them in small amounts. Please make sure the nuts are fresh and not rancid or moldy. Peanuts should be avoided as they can harbor Aspergillus sp. fungus, which can be deadly to your parrot.
Provide a good quality seed mix, with a low percentage of sunflower seeds. Ensure that the seed mix is free from dust, mold and weevils. Yes, I have seen tiny worms or weevils in one of the seed mixes I purchased, back then. Millet sprays are a fun, relatively low-fat and are a good foraging snack. Air-popped popcorn, without butter or salt, is also a tasty treat. And if you can find good quality parrot pellets, they're convenient and nutritious to add to your bird’s meal.
Here are a few recommended brands:
Please note that some birds will readily eat Harrison’s, while others may require a little help. If your bird exibits resistance to eating it, here’s a Quick-Tips PDF on how to help your bird convert to Harrison’s Bird Food!
As for me, I usually give my birds one ball of Lafebar’s Nutri-Berries and one teaspoon of Roudybush’s California Blend. Both my birbs love them, so I’ll be sticking to these for now. I have not tried Zupreem, but I’ll probably give it a try in the future!
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
In general, parrots enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. They love munching on bananas, melons, seedless apples, papayas, passion fruits, pineapples, berries, kiwis, and pit-free peaches. Plus, they're into local fruits too. I’ve seen YouTube shorts of Australians feeding bananas to a dozen macaws perched on their balcony, and the birds were so excited! Seriously though, imagine how amazing it is to see a flock of birds on your balcony!
Fresh foods are a must for our feathered friends. Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep them healthy and strong. Foraging for these treats is like a mental workout for them, and it mimics what they'd do in the wild. I usually buy organic vegetables (coriander, bak choy and carrots) for my birbs as I don’t want any of those nasty pesticides. It’s true that organic produce is more expensive, but I’m willing to let my wallet cry a little since it’s for my beloved birbies. But ultimately, it’s up to you!
If you're thinking of collecting wild fruits and berries, make sure you know exactly what you're picking. Take note that some can be dangerous. You can also give them fresh seeds from papayas, melons, bell peppers, and pomegranates. It's a tasty and fun way to keep them entertained.
Introducing New Foods
All foods should be cleaned thoroughly (especially fresh produce) and dishes changed daily, discard any unused portions. Clean water should be provided every day, both for drinking and bathing. Water receptacles should also be changed daily as well, to avoid the growth of bacteria. Just like how food looks can make it more appealing to us, the same goes for parrots! A dish they might not care for can become their favorite if presented in a fun and interesting way. It's all about the presentation!
Patience is key when introducing new foods to your parrot. Try hanging them on the cage wires or placing them on top of the cage. Foraging toys are also a great way to encourage them to try new things, especially when introducing something new. Remember, some parrots have seasonal preferences, so what they might not like now, they might love later in the year.
For me, I sometimes eat the veggies in front of my parrots. If they’re still hesitant, I usually get my mom and brother to eat the greens with me, just to show my birbs everyone likes it! LOL. But of course, we try to make it look as delicious as possible to entice them to give it a try.
Species-Specific Requirements
For all parrots, there are vitamin mineral supplements available which can be useful in moderation. However, nothing can beat a varied, well balanced diet. However, there are a few species with specific needs:
Macaws
These birds require a diet with a higher fat content . Nuts such as Brazil nuts or walnuts, should help.
Amazons, Galahs & other small cockatoos
These birds can be prone to obesity, so be extra careful with the fat content of their diet in relation to the amount of energy they expend.
Lories & Lorikeets
These birds should mostly eat fruits, vegetables, pollen, and specific commercial or homemade nectars. Seeds are not the main part of their diet and should be provided sparingly.
Parakeets & Cockatiels
These birds spend most of their day foraging on the ground for seeds. They may benefit from several smaller feeds to encourage activity throughout the day.
List of Safe Foods vs Toxic Foods
The first picture below shows the safe fruits and vegetables that I’ve compiled. There may be others I have not included. Please note, before you give your parrot new foods, always do your research first or check with your avian vet!
The second picture below shows the toxic foods that I’ve compiled. There may be others that I’m not aware of. Once again, before you give your parrot any new foods, please do your research first or check with your avian vet!
Apart from the two lists above, please also note that high-calorie foods such as sunflower seeds and peanuts should be given in moderation, as they can cause companion parrots to become overweight and develop serious health issues, such as fatty liver disease.
Story Time!
A few years ago, I was drinking some delicious chocolate milk and left my cup on the table. Little did I know, Sakura my Galah would take a fancy to it. Seeing that I was away, she gladly made her way to the table and dipped her entire beak into my cup. Just as I came out of the storeroom, I saw somebirdie happily drinking my chocolate milk. I shrieked, threw my hands up in the air and dashed at lightning speed to stop her. Thankfully, Sakura was fine. Whew!
Hence the moral of the story is: DO NOT LEAVE your food or drinks unattended, especially if it’s toxic/unsafe for birds.
In conclusion,
A diverse and nutritious diet is key to your bird's well-being. By offering a range of clean and healthy foods, you can enrich their life and potentially increase their lifespan. Although we can't replicate the wild, we can strive to create a thriving environment for our companion birds.
For more detailed medical advice or diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or avian specialist to determine the specific dietary needs of your bird. Cheers to a healthy diet for all birb parents’ beloved babies!
