Pet Bird Food

So you've decided on your pet bird and you've learned all about the basic care it needs. Now it needs to be fed. Since even its best mimicking can't tell you which kinds of food it likes, read on to learn what to do come meal time.

Since birds are such a diverse group, their diets can vary widely. (You wouldn't feed a tiny little finch the same thing that you'd feed a giant macaw, would you?) While some birds are seed, nut, and vegetable folk, others need animal fats, fruits, and/or grains. Research your individual breed and feed accordingly.

Remember that birds in the wild don't have humans to cook for them. They're used to a variety of simple, raw foods. You needn't bake them pies.

What to Feed Them?

Mixes

Pellet Mixes  When in doubt, buy a pellet mix for your breed, feed, give occasional treats, and watch your bird do very well. Your best bet, unless you're an expert in bird nutrition. If it's on a different diet first, convert it over with a gradual change of what you're offering by mixing the pellets with other foods it likes. Phase the non-pellet food out over a series of weeks and be vigilant about your offerings. But if your bird starts losing a lot of weight, bring it to the vet; something could be wrong. Seed Mixes  The survival foods are deliciously fattening. Too many seeds can quickly fatten up your bird beyond healthy limits. Many people discourage seeds as more than a tiny supplement. Seeds should be no more than 20% of the diet.

Additional Foods

Table and Backyard Greens Great for an additional supplement. Try lettuce, endive, carrot tops, spinach, kale, mustard greens, celery, branches, dandelion, and chickweed.	Vegetables Lots of protein and and some carbohydrates. Try green beans, peas, corn, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, yams, peppers, potato, squash, spinach,	Fruits For some protein, lots of carbs, easy digestion, and loads of vitamins and minerals. Try bananas, peaches, and pears first. Berries, papaya, grapes, apples and citrus fruits are okay occasionally.	Dairy Good sources of protein and calcium. Try all natural yogurts and low fat, low salt, hard cheeses.	Mineral Blocks Some minerals aren't found in regular mixes fruits and vegetables. A cuttlebone  or other block can be a great source. Some birds also need a drop of iodine  in their water once a week.

Treats  Treats made especially for birds are a safer bet than your homemade goodies, at least as far as nutrition goes. They'll also be labeled based on appropriate breeds and sizes. Lots of store bought treats include eggs,  a bird favorite. Some treats come in compressed blocks  for sustained fun. Some even have a toy  hidden inside! Some treats are hand-delivered.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Don't forget water!
• Food spoils in a birdcage in the same amount of time as it does on the kitchen counter. If you wouldn't eat it once it's been out that long, your bird wouldn't either.
• Foods with lots of salt (Polly does not want a cracker), sugar (or candy), oil (or avocado), stimulants (or soda), or depressants (or a beer) are bad ideas.
• Birds might have to be offered something many times over several months before they take it. Be patient.
• Diets should be 15-25% fruits, vegetables, and treats.
• Some fruit-eaters need even more than that (and maybe some nectar ).

External Links

• About -- Parrot nutrition 101.
• Avian Net -- General nutrition information.
• Birds N Ways -- What to feed a parrotlet.
• Pet Care Tips -- How and why to feed your bird a pellet diet.
• Pet Doc -- Lots of food advice, although some seems a little extravagant.