Avian Nutrition

Pet bird owners have long been sold on the idea of feeding their avian friends an all-seed or seed-based diet. Unfortunately this idea has not faded dramatically, although inroads have been made within the popular literature and in pet stores. In other words, pelleted and extruded diets are being offered right alongside seed mixes.

For a non-granivorous (naturally non-seed-eating) bird, an all-seed diet is not a balanced diet. Seeds are high in fat and low in vitamins and minerals for these species. Additionally, the in the typical seed diet, the variety of seeds offered is greatly limited. While seeds are very tasty (who doesn't like a high-fat food?) they are not nutritious. They are simply very yummy. One avian veterinarian has likened an all-seed diet to a human diet consisting solely of lard and potatoes.

It follows, then, that nutritional deficiencies will develop over time in a bird on an all-seed diet, shortening its life-span considerably. It is remarkable that some birds live for years on such a diet. Likewise, feeding a bird only human foods (what the people in the household eat) may easily result in malnutrition in the pet bird.

Although much remains to be learned, great strides have been made over the last several years in the field of avian psittacine nutrition. As a result, there are now several commercial diets available (pelleted and extruded). Recommendations vary in the feeding of these diets, from the diets as 100% complete nutrition to a diet using the commercial foods as a base, with small amounts of other foods offered.

One of the most commonly noted problems in pet birds is malnutrition due to an inadequate diet. Vitamins and supplements should not be used in place of a high-quality diet, nor should vitamin supplements be used when feeding a quality diet. It is difficult to reproduce a birds' natural diet; however as our knowledge of avian nutrition grows, we can work to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Pelleted and Extruded Diets

A quality commercial diet should be the primary component of a psittacine'sintake. There are several on the market today that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Organic commercial diets are also available, while some of these diets are marketed more to the human consumer than to the bird, with brilliant colors and fruity smells. Again, the emphasis is on a quality product from a company with good quality control and experienced avian nutritionists.

The following items may be fed to some birds as a supplement; please discuss your bird’s nutritional plan with a veterinarian.

Fruits and Vegetables

Offerings may include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, celery, squash, peas, beans, bananas, apples, corn, pears, oranges, grapes, and so on. Use caution when offering juicy foods like grapes; one grape to a small bird is a whole lot of liquid that may take the place of a more nutritionally dense item. Do not offer spoiled produce or "grocery store leftovers". Clean the food before offering it as you would for yourself. Like children, birds develop preferences for different fruits and vegetables and even display a preference for the manner of presentation (cooked vs. raw, for instance). Be aware that a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables may well be deficient in calcium and other minerals, among other things, and may lower the energy density of a commercial diet.

High quality whole grains, unsweetened breakfast cereals, whole wheat breads may be beneficial in small amounts to certain species.

Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, but unfortunately are also high in fat. You may offer some birds small amounts of hard cheeses, cottage cheese, or plain live-cultured yogurt. Some birds even delight in the occasional frozen (plain) yogurt snack.

Meats are a good source of protein, and many birds will quickly consume meats and meat products. Be sure to cook meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef) well. Thoroughly cooked eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled) may also be appreciated. Use caution – once again it’s easy to go overboard. Meat is notoriously high in phosphorous and low in calcium.