{"id":1088996,"date":"2025-10-01T14:37:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theparrotsocietyuk.org\/?p=1088996"},"modified":"2025-10-01T14:52:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:52:40","slug":"parrot-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theparrotsocietyuk.org\/parrot-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"Parrot Nutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Experienced avian veterinarians the world over will agree that the primary cause of disease problems in captive parrots is the result of faulty nutrition<\/strong>. Poor quality food, inappropriate food, too much of the wrong components and not enough of the essential ingredients will all result in a failure to grow, thrive, or breed, as well as predisposing to secondary infections, obesity, cancers, deficiency diseases, and damage to various organs \u2013 including skin and plumage. It is therefore of paramount importance that parrot-keepers understand the need for proper feeding in their charges, both so that they can enjoy and perhaps breed from fit and healthy birds, and as a responsibility for the welfare of the birds themselves. The following two articles are taken largely from my book \u2018Keeping Parrots \u2013 Understanding their Care<\/em> and Breeding<\/em>\u2019, published by the Crowood Press in 2011, with additional information written by my colleague Brian Stockdale BVM&S, MRCVS, in the BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice<\/em>, and reproduced with permission from both the author and The British Small Animal Veterinary Association. These comments are referenced in the text with his initials (BS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part One – Dietary Needs of Parrots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many years captive parrots were fed a mixture of dried seeds \u2013 \u2018parrot mix\u2019 for the larger species, and \u2018parakeet mix\u2019 for the smaller ones. These mixtures included small grass seeds, millets, oats, wheat, dried corn, safflower, sunflower, and usually pine nuts and peanuts (groundnuts). These seed mixes are still actively promoted by the pet trade as being \u2018a balanced diet\u2019 for parrots, and traditional bird-keepers are reluctant to consider any alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Parrot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Parakeet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conventially supplied dry seed mixes for ‘parrots’ (left) and ‘parakeets’ (right)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are thousands of parrot species in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and from many different environments. It is therefore unreasonable to suppose that this \u2018one size fits all\u2019 philosophy could possibly work. Broadly speaking, parrots may be divided into grain<\/strong> eaters<\/strong> (including seeds, nuts, and beans) like budgerigars and parakeets; fruit eaters<\/strong> like most Amazon and Eclectus parrots; and specialist nectar eaters<\/strong> (lories and lorikeets).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rainbow<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow Lory feeding on flowers<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other domesticated animal species have had their dietary requirements extensively researched for many decades, and we are well-used to feeding proprietary formulated diets to puppies, kittens, geriatric dogs and cats, kidney patients, horses, cattle, even koi carp. All have their own specially-prepared diets containing their required nutrients in exact percentages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dietary research on avian species, on the other hand, until recently had fallen far behind. The nutritional requirements for domesticated poultry were well-documented because of their commercial importance in the human food chain. The only other species to have similar research to any extent was the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus<\/em>). Extrapolating this limited information from chickens and cockatiels to encompass the needs of all other parrot species is obviously fraught with danger and liable to error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In nature, small parakeets (including budgerigars) from fairly arid areas do<\/em> in fact feed on seeding grasses, and in times of drought these may approach the dry, mature seeds that we offer in a parakeet mix. However, for much of the year, especially in the breeding season<\/em>, these birds will take younger, fresher, greener shoots, flowers, and seed heads. Parrots and parakeets from wetter tropical areas are facultative omnivores<\/strong> \u2013 that is, they will feed on pretty much anything and everything that is available and reasonably palatable. They will forage through the rainforest canopy eating buds, shoots, flowers, leaves and fruits as they come into season,  as well as the occasional grub or insect. They may gorge themselves on one particular favourite fruit when it is at its peak, but then will move on to another part of their feeding territory and a different plant. During the course of a year they will take in a wide range of nutrients, generally achieving a natural balance of requirements in that time. There will be lean periods associated with the dry season and plants\u2019 growing cycles, alternating with a \u2018flush\u2019 of optimum quality and quantity. This is generally when the birds time their breeding season, so that eggs and the subsequent chicks will receive the best possible sustenance. This is especially obvious in the more temperate arid areas, with marked wet and dry seasons. Poor growing seasons will be reflected in a lack of breeding success. Optimal nutrition is required for growth, breeding, and moulting. Outside of these periods in a bird\u2019s life, it is able to survive on \u2018maintenance rations\u2019. In captivity, our parrots are dependent upon us to provide them with food of the right quality and quantity at appropriate stages in their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parrots will select food items according to colour and taste, although they have far fewer taste buds (approx. 350) than do humans (around 9000) (BS). In spite of this, wild parrots do appear to consume plant items that contain mild toxins that are gastro-intestinal irritants. Parrots have been seen gathering in huge numbers at \u2018clay licks\u2019 ingesting clay material from cliff walls. This is believed to provide the birds with a natural \u2018indigestion agent\u2019 to protect their stomach linings from such irritants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Selective<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parakeets offered a variety of fruits and vegetables at a bird park. They will select their favourites from the mix<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is anatomical and physiological variation in the gastro-intestinal tracts of birds, resulting from their different dietary constituents and digestive processes. Therefore, feeding all parrots the same type of basic mix will obviously create problems. Parrots\u2019 digestive systems can vary through their lives to accommodate changes in diet, either seasonally, or with age (BS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parrots are very dextrous with their beaks, muscular tongues, and feet, manipulating and exploring food items, delicately peeling them, or powerfully cracking open thick shells. Lories and lorikeets have a \u2018brush-tongue\u2019 with numerous tiny papillae on the tip that increase its surface area, and facilitate the collection of nectar and pollen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONSTITUENT FOOD GROUPS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All animals require the following classes of ingredients in their diet to survive, grow, reproduce, and remain healthy. Macronutrients<\/em> have dietary levels measured in grams (BS), and include – <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fats<\/strong> are required as an energy source and for the utilisation and storage of fat-soluble vitamins. Recommended levels for parrots are quoted as 2% – 4% of the total dietary intake, much lower than is needed in productive species like poultry. The level will increase in the laying hen, as egg yolk has a high fat content, providing a valuable energy source to the developing embryo. Large macaws and African grey parrots are known to favour high-fat nuts such as palm nuts. Sunflower seeds, which form a major part of most commercial \u2018parrot seed mixes\u2019 contain 20% fat<\/strong>. These seeds are selectively consumed by parrots (especially African greys) because of their high fat content \u2013 just as humans like to eat crisps and chocolate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbohydrates<\/strong> (sugars & starches) provide a rapidly metabolisable energy source, and are the only food constituents utilised by the central nervous system for this purpose. Quantities required vary widely, depending on physical activity, environmental temperature, and fat reserves. Free-living parrots in the winter are estimated to require 50% more energy intake than caged indoor birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proteins<\/strong> are the essential \u2018building blocks\u2019 of the body, and are required to form muscle and all other body tissues, including feathers. Again, required levels are lower than those suggested for high-producing species like poultry, but levels of 10% – 15% of total dietary intake are suggested for maintenance, rising to 20% at times of rapid growth (chicks), egg production, or repair and replacement (recovery from illness or moulting). Seed-based diets are very low in available protein, and therefore parrots will consume large quantities of seed in an attempt to make up their daily percentage protein requirement, thereby consuming excessive amounts of fats and carbohydrates as well. Nectar feeders gather their protein in the form of flower pollen and some insect matter. When these birds are breeding, they will take animal protein in the form of insects or spiders to provide the higher levels of protein required by their growing chicks. Larger parrots will consume snails, fish, or even carrion for the same reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proteins are made up of constituent amino acids<\/strong>, which are absorbed after digestion and re-combined to form new protein molecules. Some amino acids may be manufactured in the body from constituent elements \u2013 non-essential amino acids<\/em>, but others have to be taken in the diet \u2013 essential amino acids<\/em>. Poor quality or insufficient dietary protein resulting in reduced intake of these essential amino acids will have profound effects on feather quality and colour, chick growth rates, and breeding performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WATER <\/strong>is as much an essential nutrient as all these other components: no living creature can survive without taking in water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Micronutrients<\/em> have dietary levels measured in micrograms (BS), and include vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamins<\/strong> are required for many chemical processes and reactions in the body, and may be divided into fat-soluble<\/em> (vitamins A, D, E and K), and water-soluble<\/em> (vitamins B-complex and C). Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, usually in the liver, allowing some latitude in lean times, provided sufficient<\/em> have been taken in to store. However, this also means there is the potential for over-load if too much<\/em> is present in the diet \u2013 this is encountered commonly with vitamins A and D. It is possible to have toxic effects \u2013 primarily kidney damage \u2013 with such a situation. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are excreted from the body without<\/em> being stored, so any excess in the diet will be expelled. This obviously will mean that regular daily intake of these vitamins is required to maintain the bird\u2019s needs, and therefore full health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin A will be found in dark green foods (kale, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, peas and beans), carrot, sweetcorn peppers, and mango. Vitamin D is manufactured by the bird in its skin and preen gland, in response to ultraviolet radiation, but is also present in egg yolk, fish oils and milk. Many caged parrots are never exposed to unfiltered sunshine, and as such are unable to activate their own vitamin D. Whilst exposure to natural sunshine would be best, this is not always practical, and specific UVB light bird lamps should be used to ensure adequate exposure and help with calcium metabolism (BS). Ultraviolet Light & Skin Cancer<\/a> Vitamin E is obtained from spinach, apples & pears, mango, almonds and walnuts, sweet potatoes, sunflower kernels, pine nuts, and wheatgerm. Vitamin K supply comes from green vegetables and eggs, as well as bacteria in the gut. This latter vitamin is especially required by fig parrots (Opopsitta<\/em> & Psittaculirostris<\/em> spp.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin C is found primarily in apples, oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and rose hips. It is also synthesised by the bird in its liver, so deficiency is rarely a problem. It does, however, enhance the absorption of iron, so too many<\/em> vitamin C-rich foods may be a problem in birds susceptible to iron-storage disease. Vitamins of the B-group<\/strong> include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, pyridoxine (B6), biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline and cyanocobalamin (B12). These are generally obtained from wheatgerm (wholemeal bread), dark greens, eggs, and sunflower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minerals<\/strong> are also essential to parrots for several important reasons. Calcium<\/strong> is arguably the most important (or at least the most widely studied), and is present in dark green foods, natural mineral sources such as oyster shell or cuttlefish bone, egg shells, cooked<\/em> chicken bones, oranges, chick peas, bread or toast, and milk or milk-products such as cheese. It is often reported that parrots should not be given milk as they cannot digest it. This is true up to a point: they do not have the enzyme lactase to digest milk sugar (lactose), but the worst that will happen to a bird fed a large quantity of milk is that it will have transient diarrhoea. As a first-aid<\/em> source of calcium it is invaluable, and a little hard cheese is enjoyed by most birds, as well as providing them with calcium and protein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[When I discuss diets for parrots with my clients, and suggest  giving cooked chicken bones as a valuable source of calcium and protein, the usual reaction is a grimace and the comment \u201cOh no, that is cannibalistic!\u201d I can understand the reaction \u2013 a bird eating a piece of another bird \u2013 but strictly speaking, it is not cannibalistic, as this applies only to the same<\/em> species. Chickens will attack and eat bits of each other, that is true, and very unpleasant, but giving a parrot a cooked<\/em> chicken leg bone with a little meat on it once in a while does no harm at all. The bird will enjoy picking off the bits of meat and cracking the bone to extract the marrow. The meat and marrow are valuable sources of protein. I would never<\/em> suggest feeding cooked chicken bones to cats or dogs: splinters of bone frequently become lodged in the mouth, throat, or stomach. However, in over 30 years of avian veterinary practice I have never<\/em> seen such a problem in parrots. These birds seem to crush the bone with their powerful beaks before swallowing it, and the tough lining of the gizzard completes the grinding process. I am more reluctant to recommend pork or lamb chop or rib bones, purely because of the higher fat content, but I do have clients who give these items to their birds, with no obvious problem \u2013 as long as they are not fed to excess. Like many food items, parrots tend only to pick off the prime pieces, and would rarely in any case consume the whole bone. Cooked<\/em> fish is another valuable source of animal protein and its constituent amino acids, but raw<\/em> fish contains thiaminase, which will destroy the B-vitamin thiamine.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chicken<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Umbrella Cockatoo eating the marrow out of a cooked chicken thighbone<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calcium is required for bone formation, feather production, egg shell manufacture, and normal nerve and muscle function. Phosphorus<\/strong> is closely linked with calcium, and is also essential for bone formation. However, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet should be around 2:1<\/strong>. Phosphorus is contained in most foodstuffs, especially seeds and vegetables, while dry seeds are very low in calcium. Thus the conventional \u2018parrot seed mix\u2019 will have a Ca:P ratio of 1:10<\/strong> or worse, resulting in serious calcium deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron<\/strong> is essential for haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells, and is found in fish and meat products, and wholemeal bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many other minerals are required in smaller quantities, some so minute as to be termed trace elements<\/strong>. Magnesium<\/strong> is linked with calcium and phosphorus in bone formation, as well as enzyme activity. It is found in wheatgerm and sunflower. Copper<\/strong> is linked with iron in haemoglobin manufacture, and also in enzyme activity. It is present in meat, wheatgerm, nuts and oily seeds. Zinc<\/strong> is essential for the hormone insulin, and many enzyme activities. Selenium<\/strong> is required in digestive processes and hormone manufacture, as well as having an anti-oxidant effect. Manganese<\/strong> is essential for cartilage and bone growth, as well as reproductive function and egg-shell manufacture. All three of these minerals are found in meats and fish, bone, wheatgerm, and some oily seeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iodine<\/strong> is an important element for proper function of the thyroid gland, which in turn controls skin and feather quality as well as metabolic rate. Also present in wheatgerm and egg, as well as fish and seaweed products. Sodium, Chlorine and Potassium<\/strong> are additionally required for proper growth and development, but are present in plentiful amounts in most food items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problems caused by deficiency or excess<\/em> of these vitamins and minerals will cover a range of diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIBRE & GRIT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A certain amount of \u2018roughage\u2019 is essential in the diet to aid the digestive process. This is generally obtained in the form of cellulose fibres in fruits and vegetables. The addition of grit to the diet of parrots is contentious. It appears to be necessary for the smaller species that naturally consume a high-seed diet, such as budgerigars, cockatiels and grass parakeets. Larger parrots appear to manage perfectly well without it, and in fact may develop impaction problems if it is provided. The muscular gizzard, with its tough koilin lining, is more than capable of grinding up food items without the aid of grit. If grit is used, it may be in the form of crushed oyster-shell<\/em>, which gradually will be dissolved by stomach acid, giving up its calcium content to the bird in the process. Alternatively, it may be mineral grit<\/em> \u2013 small pieces of stone, which is what parrots would naturally ingest in the wild. These are not digestible, but will gradually pass through the bird\u2019s digestive system to be voided, so will need regular replacement. It is not really necessary to leave a large dish of grit permanently in place in your bird\u2019s cage: access once a week is probably sufficient. Alternatively scatter a little across the floor, or sprinkle it over the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So that is the theory of a balanced diet: how we put it into practice will be discussed in the next article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part Two – Feeding a Balanced Diet in Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Part One outlined the nutrient requirements of birds, and how they should be fed, so how can parrot-keepers best supply these essential dietary constituents to their birds in a balanced, palatable form? It should now be clear that not only do different types of parrot require different forms of food, but that nutritional requirements will vary throughout the life of the bird, and that the standard seed-based diet is woefully inadequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 However, it will take many more generations of bird-keepers and a lot of education before we move away from using \u2018parrot mix\u2019 as the staple. If we accept that a seed mix is going to be used, then it should be varied and of good quality. Sunflower seeds and peanuts alone will lead to nutritional problems very quickly, and if you buy cheap, you will get rubbish. There is often no \u2018sell-buy\u2019 date on bags of loose seed mixes bought from the pet-store, so one has no indication as to the age of the product. What nutrients are in the seed will deteriorate with time, and poor storage will hasten that decline. Add to that the possibility of rodent or insect contamination during storage, and such a cheap mix can be a positive danger to your birds. In addition, seeds taken for bird food are generally of poor quality anyway, having been classed as unfit for human consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dirty<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Debris from the bottom of a cheap sack of poorly cleaned seed mix<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Batches of seeds are cleaned by the producers, using sieves, magnets, air-blowers and the like. These techniques cost money, especially if repeated, so more expensive mixes will be of better quality. Large macaws will need larger nuts added to the mix \u2013 these should be unsalted. Other commercial mixes are available that have additional dried fruits and small bread sticks added to the seeds and nuts to provide a more \u2018balanced\u2019 mix. In theory, it would then be possible to balance your bird\u2019s diet by adding fresh fruits and vegetables to that mix. However, most birds \u2013 like young children \u2013 are selective eaters, and will shovel through the bowl to pick out their favourite items, dumping the rest on the floor. If you present most children with a table laid with a burger, broccoli, chips, banana, apple, cheese, chocolate, carrots, pizza, fresh tomatoes, crisps, ice cream and celery, you can imagine which items they will choose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way round this problem is to feed the \u2018healthy\u2019 items like fruits and vegetables separately in the morning, when the bird is hungry, and add the bowl of seed only at the end of the day, when the bird has then had no choice but to eat the fresh food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vegetable products of all groups have high nutritive value for parrots. Items such as cucumber and lettuce may be enjoyed, but have high water content, so droppings will be very liquid after this sort of food. Harder, darker greens are preferable \u2013 kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, peas and beans are all palatable and enjoyed by most parrots. It is often stated that oxalate in Brassica<\/em> species (cabbages etc) will compete for digestive uptake with calcium. My clinical experience suggests that this is rarely a problem in practice, and that birds do obtain calcium as well as valuable vitamin A from such foods. Orange or yellow coloured vegetables such as carrots, maize (sweetcorn), yams, butternut squash and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A and its carotenoid precursors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the fruits, in general tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, bananas, and passion fruit have higher levels of \u2018good\u2019 nutrients (especially vitamins) than do temperate varieties like apples and pears. That is not to say that the latter are not good \u2013 parrots will enjoy them, and any fruit is better than none \u2013 but tropical fruits are even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only fruit that must not be fed to parrots is Avocado (Persea<\/em> species). This is actively toxic to parrots, although many other bird species may consume it with impunity. So far as I am aware at the time of writing, the toxic principle still has not been identified, but both flesh and stone will harm parrots. Guatamalan and Nabal varieties appear to be more dangerous than Mexican strains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Avocado\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Avocado pear toxic to parrots<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avocado poisoning in parrots is not an old wives\u2019 tale \u2013 I have seen it happen on several occasions. A client of mine went away for a weekend leaving her collection of assorted parrots in the care of her daughter. The daughter dutifully came to the house and cleaned, fed and watered the birds. Whilst there, she spotted a large, ripe avocado in the fruit bowl on the kitchen table. Thinking to give the parrots a special treat to cheer them up while Mum was away, she sliced the fruit and gave each bird a piece. Within hours several of the birds were looking very miserable, showing signs of abdominal pain, hunched up and fluffed, with vomiting and diarrhoea. I received a panicky \u2018phone call, and fortunately the history made the diagnosis easy, and supportive treatment was given to the birds. There is no specific antidote, since the toxic principle is unknown. Sadly, in spite of this, four birds died within 24 hours, and the remaining two that had consumed less of the fruit were extremely ill for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fruits and vegetables may be fed, as suggested, as a separate meal in the morning, with more chance that the parrot will be hungry and will take it if there is no seed on offer. Other parrots will quite happily have two adjacent bowls \u2013 one with fruits and vegetables, the other with seeds and nuts \u2013 and will eat successfully from both. Adding the fruits and vegetables to the top of the seed mix is likely to result in these items being tossed to the floor by your bird as it searches through for the favoured peanuts and sunflower seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware of fruits in outdoor flights in a hot summer. They will ferment, grow mould and deteriorate quickly, and will be a magnet for wasps. They should be fed in the cool of the morning and removed after a couple of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wasps\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wasps on fruit in an aviary<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to experiment with your bird. Some will prefer fruits and vegetables in large chunks that they can hold in their feet while biting pieces off. Others will eat from a portion that is fastened to the cage or aviary wire by means of a clip or wire holder. Yet others prefer the food to be chopped or diced into small fragments that they can pick up and swallow in one go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When fruits are plentiful, free-living parrots naturally bite out a choice portion of fruit flesh and discard the rest of the fruit; or will bite through the flesh to get to the seeds at the core. Thus they can be wasteful in their \u2018table manners\u2019, but they are capable of opening fruits for themselves! Many of my clients spend hours preparing fruits and vegetables in specific ways for their birds \u2013 more through their own preferences than the birds\u2019 – but with the result that the parrot gets used to eating the fruit in a certain way, and will not accept it if presented differently. One of my African grey patients will eat orange only if it is simply cut in half. She will then pick out the juice and flesh from the peel. Another bird \u2013 an umbrella cockatoo \u2013 will take the same fruit only if it is peeled, divided into segments, and the white pith painstakingly removed by his owner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some birds will prefer cooked vegetables, others eat them raw. From a nutritional point of view, raw is obviously preferable, but a little gentle steaming, blanching, or microwaving will not seriously affect the nutritional content, and may make the item more palatable and enhance its flavour. I once had two African grey parrots \u2013 Eric and Cosworth. Eric would eat his carrots raw, while Cosworth would take them only if cooked. Again, see which your bird prefers. A little cooked vegetable is better than none at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parrots are social feeders. They will fly out in family groups or large flocks in early morning and late afternoon to forage and feed together.  In captivity, especially for indoor pet parrots, the human family is your bird\u2019s \u2018flock\u2019. It will therefore be stimulated to eat when you do, and may want to join you! Many owners comment that their parrots eat most when the humans are having their evening meal. Those birds that have been allowed to do so may well make nuisances of themselves by coming to the table and taking food from their owners\u2019 plates. This can be a good way of persuading the bird to try new food items, provided they are suitable (vegetables and salads), as he will want to taste what you are eating. All too often, however, it becomes a route to introduce pet parrots to human \u2018junk food\u2019 \u2013 pastry, chips and the like! Sugary fruit drinks are not advisable, neither is alcohol! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PULSES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the fruiting bodies of leguminous vegetables \u2013 peas and beans in their many varieties. Many bird-keepers feed these to their parrots, especially during the breeding season. They are high in protein and several vitamins, and intake of dietary protein has to increase to breed, lay eggs and rear chicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dried<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sprouted<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dried pulses – a selection of peas and beans. Soaked pulses that are starting to sprout<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulses are purchased in a dried form, and need to be soaked or cooked before feeding to make them more palatable. A small batch should be thoroughly rinsed, then left to soak for 24 hours, with several changes of clean water during this period. After a final rinse, the softened soaked legumes may be fed to your birds. Many people take this a stage further and \u2018sprout\u2019 the pulses, by laying the soaked beans on moist absorbent paper on a tray. After 24 \u2013 48 hours, the seeds will split and begin to form shoots. After rinsing once again, these sprouted pulses will form an even better protein and vitamin-rich food source for your birds. Other aviculturists advocate boiling their pulses first to remove toxins potentially present in some varieties of bean. The cooking process will also further soften the product, but will inevitably reduce some of its vitamin content. Again, the cooked pulses should be rinsed thoroughly before feeding to your parrots. Inadequate rinsing of both cooked and uncooked beans can lead to rapid contamination of the food with bacteria and fungi, with possible serious harm to your birds as a result. A pulse diet is rich in both protein and some vitamins, but is low in calcium, so should not be fed as a sole food source. The diet will need the addition of calcium rich foods, or an avian-specific calcium supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FORMULATED DIETS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a nutritional standpoint, by far the better option is to feed your parrots on a properly balanced commercially formulated diet. The principle behind these diets is that quality ingredients are combined in appropriate proportions to provide a balance of essential nutrients, and then prepared by either extrusion or pelleting into conveniently-sized nuggets that the bird will consume. In theory your parrot will receive all its dietary requirements in the correct quantities; and there will be no waste as there are no seed husks or peel, and the bird cannot sort through to pick out its favourite items. In practice, this objective will depend on the quality of the raw materials used; the efficiency of the manufacturing process; the storage and transport of the finished product; and its palatability to and acceptance by your parrot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quality of the basic ingredients is paramount. One at least of the current manufacturers of formulated diets uses only certified organic products, with no colourings or preservatives. Other companies form the nuggets into a variety of strange shapes, and colour them with various pigments. The colouring is really to attract the human purchaser \u2013 the birds really do not seem to mind what colour it is as long as it tastes good! Colourants used should be simple vegetable dyes, and not the variety of artificial E-numbers used in so many human food products. These are known to cause hyperactivity problems in human children, and should be avoided in birds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Multi-coloured<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Multi-coloured and shaped pellets, mixed with some seed<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If no preservatives are used in the finished product, then storage, packaging, transport, and the manufacturing process are all important in order to avoid deterioration and rancidity. The extrusion process is performed at a high temperature, binding the ingredients and pasteurising them to reduce bacterial contamination. The process also increases palatability and digestibility of the components. Pelleting is carried out at lower temperatures, with greater risk of bacterial contamination, more dust, and less palatability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As understanding of birds\u2019 nutritional requirements increases, so the variety of formulated diets available also increases. They are now available in high-potency (higher fat content) for macaws and greys and breeding birds; lifetime formulae for maintenance; and with different granule size to suit different sizes of bird. This includes a mash for very small species or convalescing patients, and hand-rearing formulae for baby parrots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Graded<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Different grades of organic formulated food, from large pellets, through fine pellets to mash<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be difficult to persuade a \u2018sunflower seed junkie\u2019 to take on a nutritionally superior formulated diet. There are many techniques suggested to aid the transition, and as each bird is different in its reaction, what will work for one may not be successful for another. Sometimes the \u2018cold turkey\u2019 method works. All other food is removed, and only the chosen formulated diet is offered. This may require hospitalisation at a veterinary clinic, for close monitoring of the bird and its bodyweight. Owners often will not persist with this technique for long enough, because parrots will hold out for many days until they get what they want. This can work for some individuals, and usually once converted they never look back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other cases a gradual introduction is successful. Nuggets can be mixed with the parrot\u2019s existing foods, or given in a separate bowl \u2013 some birds will select the food in this way. Alternatively, use the technique suggested for fruits and vegetables, giving the formulated food on its own in the morning, topping up with seed and nuts only in the evening. The bird will have had a good chance to sample the new food during the day. Warming the formula slightly will release oils and may improve its flavour. Adding a few drops of fruit juice may have the same effect. As mentioned earlier, parrots enjoy eating with the family, so passing the bird formulated diet from a human plate may encourage it to take the new product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An argument raised against formulated diets is that they are \u2018boring\u2019 for the bird. However, food should not be used to provide stimulation. Parrots, in common with all animals, \u2018eat to live\u2019, they do not have the human feelings of anticipation, preparation, presentation, and socialisation associated with eating. Agreed, they are intelligent and inquisitive, and in that respect food may be presented in different ways. Favoured items may be placed into hollow toys, small bags, or cardboard boxes for the parrot to explore and work out how to obtain them. But \u2013 giving food should not be used as the bird\u2019s sole source of amusement and occupation. Environmental enrichment has been discussed elsewhere. (Housing Your Pet Parrot)  (<\/a>Husbandry and Management of Parrot Species) <\/a>Parrots should have toys to play with, items to chew and destroy, and space and light to enrich their lives, not just endless food. Variety and interest can be added to a pelleted diet in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables \u2013 up to 20% of the total intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no doubt that parrots that take to a formulated diet with some fruit and vegetable do in the long term appear healthier and fitter, with better feather quality and colour than those on a seed-based diet. Breeding results are generally better as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEASONAL VARIATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is natural for parrots to consume different foods as they come into season throughout the year, and captive parrots should be no exception. Whilst it is possible these days to obtain most foods throughout the year in supermarkets, locally-grown and harvested products are strictly seasonal, usually cheaper, and obviously environmentally friendly owing to minimal transportation. Why pay over the odds for specialist foods out of season? Use what comes in when it is available \u2013 freeze some if it is suitable for this process \u2013 then move on to the next product. Parrots will happily consume fresh spring vegetables early in the year, moving on through the summer fruits and berries, to the autumn harvest of wild foods like rose hips. (Autumn’s Harvest)<\/a> These are a valuable source of vitamin C, and may be frozen. Pomegranates are a particular favourite with many parrots, but naturally have a short season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These birds\u2019 requirements are also very seasonal. When moulting out old feathers and growing new ones, their demand for calcium and protein will be high. The same requirements apply to young growing birds. Adults that are preparing to mate, lay eggs, and raise young will also need a higher nutritional plane, with extra protein, vitamins, and minerals \u2013 especially calcium. Birds recovering from stress, injury or illness may require extra carbohydrates and protein to replace weight loss and repair damaged tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of these times, normal maintenance requirements of parrots will be much reduced. This is particularly true of the less active, indoor pet parrot, which is kept warm and comfortable, with a ready supply of food. So much so that in many cases these birds will become obese, especially if they are allowed to eat too much in the way of junk food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDESIRABLE FOODS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have already looked at junk foods as being unsuitable for parrots: pastry, chips, fried foods are as bad for birds in excess as they are for humans. Actively poisonous trees and bushes are referenced elsewhere, Poisons and Toxins<\/a> but several common houseplants are also toxic to birds. Foods which are high in carbohydrate and fat but low in protein, such as sunflower seeds, will cause the bird to over-eat in order to acquire sufficient protein. This was explained in Part One. However, wheatgerm appeared frequently in the list of products containing several essential vitamins and minerals, so wholemeal bread or toast is perfectly suitable to supply these items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this is all a matter of degree:  too much of the bad items and not enough of the good. To my mind there are just three absolutely forbidden foods for parrots. The first is avocado, which as we have already found is toxic to parrots. The second is salted food. There is sufficient salt for parrots\u2019 needs contained within their foods, without adding to it. Excess salt will lead to kidney damage, so salted crisps or nuts should never be given. The third is chocolate. Theobromines and theophylline are known to be actively poisonous to dogs, and will over-stimulate birds\u2019 hearts, making them at least hyper-active and at worst causing heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPECIALIST DIETS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large macaws like the hyacinthine do need a higher-fat intake than most other parrot species. They will enjoy walnuts and brazil nuts, but their favourites are palm nuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hyacinth<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hyacinthine macaw enjoying a pecan nut<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fig parrots (Opopsitta<\/em> and Psittaculirostris<\/em> spp.) have a higher-than average requirement for vitamin K. It is believed that these birds have lost the ability to absorb plant-derived vitamin K, and depend in bacterial formation of this vitamin in the gut, and they obtain these bacteria from termites, in whose mounds they often nest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lories and lorikeets, as well as other brush-tongued species such as hanging parrots and swift parakeets feed naturally on nectar and pollen. Keepers of these birds originally made their own \u2018nectar mixes\u2019 from honey, fruit juices and sponge cake. Now there are several proprietary brands of Lory Nectar available, and these are given along with fresh fruits. However, keeping these birds tends still to be a specialist enthusiast and labour-intensive hobby: they produce very messy sticky droppings, and food has to be changed several times a day. The nectar will ferment and spoil in hot weather, and may freeze in cold weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUPPLEMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should now be clear that parrots have complex and varied feeding requirements. Those requirements will vary according to species, age, sex, breeding and moulting cycles, environmental temperature, and time of year. Birds fed a formulated diet with fresh vegetables and fruit in theory should need no additions to their diet, but most parrots given seed-based foods will be fitter and healthier if they are given vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for any inherent imbalance as well as their natural inclination to feed selectively. Such supplements should be avian-specific, rather than using products intended for cats and dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Water-soluble products tend to be less stable than powdered equivalents, and are likely both to deteriorate quickly in drinking water, and not be consumed in sufficient quantity as parrots generally drink little. Powdered supplements may be added to food, but this should be moist sticky food that is readily consumed by the bird, such as fruit; or items that may be moistened, like egg-biscuit or wholemeal bred. Simply sprinkling the powder over dry seed will be pointless, since the powder will drop to the bottom of the food bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The type of supplement may be varied with specific needs throughout the year, following the birds\u2019 changing requirements for proteins, vitamins and minerals as they breed, lay eggs, and moult feathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, if you have obtained a bird that has been hand-reared, it will be accustomed to taking moist food from a spoon or syringe. It is worth continuing to offer your pet small amounts of bird-safe soft foods like live yogurt or fruit and cereal-based baby foods on an occasional basis. This is not for any \u2018bonding\u2019 reason, but to make it easier to administer any oral medications that may be required in the future. It is so much easier to give parrots drugs disguised in a familiar treat in this way than it will be to try to syringe-dose the medicine to an unwilling, struggling patient! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Spoon-fed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African grey parrot chick being spoon-fed<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Scarlet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A visibly fit and healthy Scarlet Macaw in flight<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a9 A K Jones BVetMed MRCVS, Chairman PSUK<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Experienced avian veterinarians the world over will agree that the primary cause of disease problems in captive parrots is the result of faulty nutrition. Poor quality food, inappropriate food, too much of the wrong components and not enough of the essential ingredients will all result in a failure to grow, thrive, or breed, as well as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1088996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-parrot-husbandry","category-pet-parrots"],"yoast_head":"\nParrot Nutrition - The Parrot Society UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/theparrotsocietyuk.org\/parrot-nutrition\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Parrot Nutrition - The Parrot Society UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Experienced avian veterinarians the world over will agree that the primary cause of disease problems in captive parrots is the result of faulty nutrition. 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