FEEDING BASICS

A first-time pet bird owner may be overwhelmed by the vast assortment of seeds, seed treats and other items that are sold on the market as 'bird food'. The fact is, birds need more than seed-type 'bird food' to stay healthy.

Although the specific nutritional requirements for all pet species have not been determined, it is known that birds require basically the same nutrients in their diets as other animals do. The task of properly feeding a pet bird can be simplified if one takes into account the Basic Four Food Groups that have been developed as a guide for human dietary habits. Using altered proportions one can select representative food products from each of the Basic Four Food Groups for birds.

Pet birds are most often fed diets that are deficient in vitamin A. Some foods that are of particular value to include in the diet are suggested.

1. BREADS AND CEREALS (GRAINS) GROUP: Approximately 50% of the daily food consumption may be selected from this food group that includes seeds. Because many vitamin-B are contained in seed hulls (which the bird does not eat), other foods from this Group are also valuable to provide. WHOLE GRAIN BREAD - COOKED BROWN RICE - COMMERCIAL MONKEY BISCUIT - OTHER WHOLE GRAIN PRODUCTS.

2. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES GROUP: Vegetables alone may account for approximately 45% of the dietary intake. Vegetables with high vitamin-A content include: BROCCOLI - ENDIVE - CARROTS - PARSLEY - PUMPKIN - WINTER SQUASH - COLLARD GREENS - SWEET POTATO. Fruits can be offered in limited amounts. Fruits, in combination with the remaining two Food Groups (Protein and Dairy), make up approximately 5% of the daily intake. High vitamin-A containing fruits include: PAPAYA - CANTALOUPE - APRICOTS.

3. PROTEIN GROUP: BEEF - TUNA OR OTHER FISH - CHICKEN - HARD-COOKED OR SCRAMBLED EGGS - PEANUT BUTTER, PEANUTS OR OTHER MATURE LEGUMES (E.G. COOKED NAVY BEANS, KIDNEY BEANS).

4. DAIRY GROUP: Excessive consumption of milk products by birds is not advised, so the calcium needs must be provided through other means (although birds do enjoy small amounts of YOGART, COTTAGE CHEESE, and HARD CHEESES). The greater the consumption of seeds in the diet, the higher the need for supplementary calcium. This is most easily met by mineral supplements of CUTTLE BONE - OYSTER SHELL - MINERAL BLOCK. If a bird refuses to eat the above items, calcium supplementation (crushed tablets, liquid or powder) may be mixed with other foods.

FRESH WATER DAILY

FEEDING TIPS:

• Carefully monitor TOTAL food consumption during a diet change.
• Introduce very small pieces of a single new food at a time.
• Gradually reduce the total volume of seed offered as consumption of other food increases.
• For adult birds, try offering cups of fresh food twice daily for 15-20 minute time periods rather than leaving food in cage all day.
• All food and water cups should be cleaned daily and spilled food removed from the cage.
• Your avian veterinarian may recommend supplemental vitamins.
• Some food forms can occasionally help provide sources of activity for the bird. Whole nuts - Berries - Buds and leaves - Corn on the cob - Pine cones - Coconuts.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Lories, lorikeets, and related species require specialized diets in captivity, one of which simulates nectar. Alternately, a formula mix that contains essential nutrients can be offered dry or moist, and can be supplemented daily or several times a week with fresh fruits and vegetables, pollen, seeds, mealworms, and branches with fresh leaves and blossoms.

Toucans and mynah birds appear to require higher levels of protein than parrots, thus they need more supplementation from the Protein Group.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Association of Avian Vets

Use Browser BACK Button

Pretty Birds: Copyright © 1997: Last Modified 07/13/00: Copyright Law and International Treaties protect these Web Site Pages. Warning: Reproduction or Distribution of these images, program, text or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law.