Dave J. Rupiper DVM, Dipl. ABVP East Petaluma Animal Hospital 1420-B South McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954 Phone: (707) 765-9098 Fax: (707) 765-2984 Web: EPAH.net LARGE HOOKBILL DIET Feeding cage birds can be frustrating. Numerous sources of information suggest various feeding strategies for pet birds. It is often difficult to decipher what is best for your pets. Generally, formulated diets meet most avian nutritional requirements. However, there does not exist a pelleted diet nutritionally complete for all pet birds. Feeding a monomorphic bland diet as the sole food is not recommended. Additionally, it is also irresponsible to feed only seed. A variety of foods should be fed to pet birds. It is recommended that birds are fed the following proportions of foods: 25% seed mix 25% pelleted diet 25% dry-foods such as cereals, fat free crackers, etc 25% greens which include leafy greens for smaller species and fruit and vegetables for the larger species All birds require a source of calcium: mineral block, cuttlebone, oyster shell, powdered milk, calcium tablets, calcium liquids, etc. Grain eating birds (pigeons, poultry, finches) require grit to aid in food digestion. Parrots may be offered small amounts (1/4-1 teaspoon) 3-4 times per year. Some species, Lories, Mynahs, Fruit doves, Toucans, Birds of Paradise; must strictly be fed diets low in iron. Diet recommendations Pellets Pelleted diets that are recommended include: Scenic, Lafeber’s, Mazuri, Pretty Bird, Kaytee Exact, ZuPreem. Dry foods and carbohydrates Offer pasta, (cooked or uncooked), cooked rice and cereals such as Kix, Cheerios, Chex and Grape Nuts, Carr’s Table Water crackers, couscous, Kasha, etc. Seed mixes Seed brand recommendations are: Vitabird large hookbill (not parrot mix), Volkman’s hookbill super (no sunflower), Kaytee Fiesta or Kaytee perch mate. Greens, Fruits and Vegetables Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables daily such as fresh hot peppers, bell peppers, grapes, mango, papaya, apple, pears, corn, peas, carrots, cucumber, zucchini, and other squashes, fresh bananas, (not chips), peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and other berries. Potatoes, tomato, jicama, dark leafy greens, broccoli, etc. can also be offered. Do not give your bird foods high in sugar, foods high in fat, lettuce, foods containing uncultured dairy products and avocado.