Parrot Nutrition
Parrot Nutrition an imbalanced or incomplete diet is a common problem with pet birds and is a relatively common cause of illness.1Nutritional Diseases of Pet Birds. Merck Veterinary Manual.
There is a lack of scientific study on avian nutrition, especially as it relates to the different species. While our avian nutrition is still in the early stages, most experts agree that a good diet for parrots begins with a formulated diet with a variety of other foods added as supplements.
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. Other healthy choices and can be fussy when it comes to trying a varied diet. Some birds will even pick out a couple of favorites from a seed mix. Which further reduces the nutritional balance in the diet. When it comes to parrot nutrition, consider seeds to be like junk food: birds love them, but they are not the healthiest choice. For most species of parrot, seeds should be strictly limited if not completely eliminated from from your bird’s diet. A diet high in seeds will increase the risk of high cholesterol, heart problems, obesity and fatty liver disease.2 Some species, like budgies and cockatiels, are naturally seed eaters and can tolerate a higher percentage.
Formulated Diets
A number of years ago realizing that many parrots were suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Companies began producing pellet diets for pet birds. These are made from a variety of foods including grains seeds vegetables fruits, with vitamins and minerals. And are bake into pellet or variety of other extrude shapes. These provide a balance nutritious diet and prevent birds from picking out their favorite food items and leaving the rest. However, many birds, especially those start on a seed base diet do not readily take to eating a formulate diet. As well, formulate diets though well balance do not provide the variety and stimulation that many pet birds crave in their diets after all eating the same thing day after would be boring for anyone. Therefore a pellet diet should comprise 50 to 75 percent.
Fresh vegetables are a great addition to your bird’s diet. Not all vegetables are equally nutritious though vegetables. Like celery and lettuce are high in fiber 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:
