Feeding your Parrot

When making a decision to get a parrot as a pet, you should be aware that you are making a long term commitment, since parrots can live in captivity for a few decades!  Of course, lifespan is longer if the proper care is given.  All animals have a right to enjoy the five freedoms outlined in animal welfare literature.  These include:

(1) freedom from hunger or thirst,

(2) freedom from pain, injury and disease,

(3) freedom from distress,

(4) freedom from discomfort and

(5) freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being.

In this blog, we will be talking about the proper diet for pet parrot, since a lot of their illness or lack of thriving can be attributed to poor diet.

When domesticating an animal, it is important to research the diet that is available in the wild.  If this is not studied properly and foods that are needed are not provided, or foods that are toxic are given quality of life will significantly reduce and in severe cases death may result.

In the wild, parrots eat a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts and insects, so we must attempt to provide a healthym varied diet that is as close as possible to the one that nature intended.

Pet parrots will generally thrive on the following:

(a) A complete pellet or seed mix.  PLEASE do not provide sunflower seeds only, since they are high in fat and low in nutrients!! your parrot will not thrive!  If your parrot is already hooked on this diet, do not give up!  Introduce the proper diet gradually, mix small quantities in with the familiar diet and consider providing a vitamin or mineral supplement (these can be added to the drinking water).

(b) Fresh fruits and vegetables.  Wash produce carefully, and remember to remove uneaten food regularly.  Some ideas to feed include apple, orange, banana, pear, cooked potato, carrots, brocolli, peas in pod, tomatoes, soaked channa/dhal.

(c) Sprouted seeds and beans

(d) An occasional piece of animal protein such as a cooked chicken bone with a little meat on it or a little piece of cheese.

(e) UNSALTED Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts in the shell, hazelnuts.  Please note that nuts are fattening and should be fed sparingly as a snack.

Please note that Avocado and Chocolate are POISONOUS to parrots and should not be given to them under any circumstances.

We hope that this has helped you understand that dietary requirements of your pet parrot.  Please do indepth research before making the commitment to take care of one.

For more information, please speak to your veterinarian.