Parrots are able to talk. For many animal lovers, this is the main reason to keep these birds as pets. Plus, parrots are likely to live a long life with their owners. Indeed, these eccentric animals with their sparkling plumage do age – 60 years is not unusual. But if you decide to keep a parrot as a pet, you need to know what to feed it.
Parrots need a proper diet to grow up healthy. In their natural habitat, parrots eat a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, as well as insects, plant parts, bugs found in the soil and also other types of vegetation. But the food for captive parrots, can consist of fresh fruits, nuts and grains and should be accompanied by plenty of water. Still not sure what type of food you should give your pet? Keep reading! In today’s article, we’re going to give you tips on how to feed your parrot properly.
Adequate Food for Parrots
A proper parrot food should not only contain nutrients, it should also be nutritious. The first ingredient in any commercial parrot food should be suitable for your breed type.
Parrots need to eat certain seeds. Their main component is carbohydrates which are necessary for healthy development. Recommended seeds are millet, bird seed and oats, which are ideal for young parrots.
Larger parrots can eat these same seeds, mixing them with others such as sunflower seeds and corn kernels. Do not add too much sunflower, as this can make them fat.
The food should also contain zinc and antioxidants. A good source of antioxidants is brightly colored algae found in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. Seaweed contains a lot of chlorophyll. This component helps detoxify the body of toxic substances in the blood.
Protein Foods
The ideal food for parrots is one that contains high quality protein, calcium, fats and carbohydrates that are easily digested. Other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are also essential to ensure the good health of this bird.
Pellets: Another Food for Parrots
There are two types of pellets for parrot food. One is dry and the other is wet. Dry food pellets, such as sunflower seeds or nut pieces, cannot be mixed with water. This is because parrots, unlike dogs or cats, cannot digest wet food. Dry food pellets can be ideal for feeding your parrot during the winter months.
Water in a Parrot’s Diet
Water is another essential element that must be present in your parrot’s diet. Without water, the parrot would dehydrate very quickly. Water must also be replaced regularly. Consult your veterinarian on the frequency of feeding.
Among these parasites are parrot mites, which, if not treated in time, can spread by the thousands, deteriorating their health and that of their habitat partners.
Additional Tips
– It is recommended to feed parrots twice a day.
– You should mix their food on their plate before putting it in their cage.
– Your parrot should have its own container so that it does not eat from another bird’s container.
– Parrots, like other pets, should not be fed leftovers as this can cause stomach upset.
– If you buy parrot food, you should always ask the seller to identify the brand. Some brands are more nutritious than others.
– If you can’t identify the brand, check the label. Good nutrition is essential to providing your parrot with quality food.
Keep your cage clean, parrots are known for their curiosity, so if they find something edible in the cage, they will eat it even if it is poisonous. This can be very dangerous for your parrot. Therefore, you should clean the cage regularly. In addition to the above, parrots waste a lot of food, which they spread around, making it a place for certain parasites to accumulate that can affect their health with a variety of symptoms.
Here you go! With these feeding tips, you should be able to keep your parrot in good health. Do you already own another pet? Share your tips to take care of it in the comments below!
