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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.
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