Feeding parrots (scientific name: psittacine) the right diet is very important for parrots to live a long and happy life. In fact, parrots that eat a healthy and balanced diet are more active and tend to have better plumage than parrots with an imperfect diet. You may already know that parrots love grains, but grains are only one component of a good parrot diet. Having a good understanding of the types of food your parrot should eat will help you make good decisions to keep it healthy.
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Part 1 of 2: Learning Food for Parrots
Step 1. Feed the parrot with commercial pellets
Pellets are an important component of a parrot's diet. These pellets are sold in a variety of colors, sizes, and even flavors. Because they are made from a combination of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds, pellets are high in nutrients.
- When choosing pellets at your nearest pet store, make sure you read the ingredients label on the package. Do not choose pellets that contain a lot of preservatives.
- Since there are many types of pellets, consider discussing with your veterinarian which pellet formula is best for your parrot.
Step 2. Include whole grains in the parrot's diet
Although they should not be a staple food for parrots, grains provide good levels of nutrients for parrots. As with pellets, there are many grain formulas you can choose from at the pet store. It's ideal to buy a packet of mixed grains, but you can also buy certain types of grains and mix them yourself.
- Sunflower seeds are addictive to parrots, but that's not really true.
- Before buying, make sure the grains are still fresh. Grains should not smell musty or rancid, and should be free from insects and mold. Good grain should also shine.
- Parrots may prefer seeds that have sprouted or germinated. To germinate grains, soak one daily serving of grains in clean, fresh water overnight, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After 12 to 24 hours, you will start to see a root tip sticking out of the seed indicating that the seed has germinated. In this phase, you can give the seeds to the parrot.
- Grains to parrots are like candy to humans. Grains are a great snack, but they should only be eaten occasionally. You can give seeds as a reward if you train your parrot.
Step 3. Combine fresh fruits and vegetables in the parrot's diet
There are a variety of fruits and vegetables you can give, including apples, broccoli, collard greens, and peaches. No matter what kind of fruit and vegetables you choose, make sure you wash them thoroughly with fresh water before giving them to your parrots. Keep in mind that fruits are relatively high in sugar, so they should not be the main food for parrots.
- Keep in mind that pellets are partially made from fruit, so your parrot will likely get the same types of nutrients from the pellet mix as he gets from fresh fruit.
- Chop fruits and vegetables into small portions to make it easier for your parrot to eat.
- Some fruits will impart color to bird droppings, but this is nothing to worry about.
Step 4. Give the parrot nuts
Nuts are another component of a parrot's healthy diet. Nuts are high in protein and other vitamins and minerals, but are also high in fat. Due to the high fat content, you should give it occasionally. For example, you can give your parrot nuts as a reward while training it or as an occasional snack.
- Examples of nuts you can give your parrots include macadamia nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews.
- The nuts you give your parrots should be unsalted.
- If possible, don't peel the peanuts. Wild parrots often use their beaks to open peanut shells. Not peeling the skin will make the parrot try a little harder to eat its food which can be a good stimulant for both physically and mentally. Remember that opening a nut shell is something that must be learned.
- Macaws tend to need more nuts and fat in their diet than other parrot species.
Step 5. Include legumes and wheat in the parrot's diet
Legumes consist of chickpeas, peas, and lentils, and are high in nutrients. Examples of legumes you can give your parrots include black soybeans, green beans, and chickpeas. Also know what other types of legumes you can give if your parrot likes them. Legumes can be given raw or cooked.
The grains you give your parrots should be whole grains, such as cooked brown rice, whole grain pasta, and barley. Wheat should have a low salt content
Step 6. Mix the meat in the parrot's diet
Parrots are omnivores, so you can include meat in their diet. Chicken is a healthy source of protein for parrots. Make sure you cook the chicken thoroughly before giving it to the parrots.
Too much meat in a parrot's diet can damage its kidneys, so meat should be given in small portions
Step 7. Learn what foods should not be given to parrots
Although parrots can eat a variety of human foods, there are certain types of food that should not be fed to parrots. For example, avocados and chocolate can be toxic to parrots and should be avoided. Alcohol can also be toxic to parrots. Caffeine should also be avoided.
Nuts that are not stored properly (in warm, dark, and humid conditions) can release aflatoxins, toxins produced by a type of fungus. Aflatoxins can be deadly to parrots, so it would be best if you avoid giving parrot peanuts.
Step 8. Provide fresh water for parrots
Parrots should have a fresh supply of water at all times. Keep in mind that parrots can be grubby eaters, so there will be food crumbs in their water bowl. Change the water bowl twice a day, or whenever the water bowl is filled with food crumbs.
Part 2 of 2: Learning How to Feed a Parrot
Step 1. Feed the parrot twice a day
The exact amount of food a parrot should eat depends on several factors such as the parrot's age, species, and health status. Your veterinarian can provide additional guidance on how much of a food component your parrot should eat. In the morning and evening, throw away leftover food so it doesn't go stale.
- Consider feeding no more than 1 to 2 teaspoons of grain to your parrot.
- After he eats grains and fresh food, give him pellets (in the morning only). He will eat it little by little throughout the day instead of eating it right away. So you don't have to throw away the unfinished pellets in the morning.
- Small parrots can be given about cup of pellets per day. Large parrots may be able to consume about half a cup of pellets in a day. Instead of putting everything in the cage at one time, you can feed pellets in small portions at a time if you can.
- Other food components can be given in very small amounts. For example, if your parrot is small, it will need about to 1 tablespoon of fruit, tablespoon of vegetables, and tablespoon of a protein source (beans or cooked meat) each day. If the parrot is large, it will need 1 tablespoon of fruit, 1 tablespoon of vegetables and 1.5 tablespoons of protein sources.
Step 2. Encourage the parrot to find food
Wild parrots spend a lot of time looking for food. Don't let your parrot become complacent or lazy when it comes to eating its food, so encourage it to put in a little effort while eating. For example, sprinkle some pellets and gravel on the food bowl. This will make the parrot have to sort it out before it can eat the pellets.
- You can also put food in toys for foraging available at pet stores.
- Trying to eat the food will keep the parrot occupied and mentally stimulated and can help reduce the tendency for behavioral problems to occur.
Step 3. Watch for symptoms of obesity in parrots
Obesity can be a big problem in parrots, especially if they eat too many fatty foods. Parrots who are obese can also develop fatty heart disease, which is a serious medical condition. If you notice that your parrot is starting to look a little chubby, take it to the vet. Reducing his food intake will help him lose weight, but make sure you keep his diet healthy and balanced.
Several types of parrots, including bugies, cockatiels, and Amazonian parrots, are particularly prone to obesity and fatty heart disease
Step 4. Watch out for vitamin A deficiency in parrots
Vitamin A helps parrots fight infection. Deficiency of this nutrient is very common in birds and can make them very sick. The parrot's respiratory system is often affected by a lack of vitamin A, so the parrot can get problems with his respiratory system (nose discharge, difficulty breathing, and sneezing) if he doesn't get enough vitamin A. If you notice any of these symptoms, take him to the vet for treatment.
- Vitamin A deficiency can also affect the parrot's kidneys and digestive organs.
- If you give your parrot a healthy and balanced diet, it will get enough vitamin A to keep it healthy.
Tips
- Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure what human food is good for parrots.
- Suggestions for serving meals will vary and depend on the ideal percentage of each type of food on the parrot's diet. For example, one suggestion states that pellets should be given as much as 80% of the parrot's diet, but another suggestion states that pellets should only be given as much as 25% of the parrot's diet. Your vet will help you determine the ideal balance of types of food for your parrot.
