Lfeeding of pet birds is essential to their health, vitality, and general well-being. Adequate and balanced food helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, improve plumage and extend life expectancy. Depending on the species of your bird (granivore, frugivore, omnivore), it is important to provide a varied diet. Here is a complete guide on foods to be preferred for a healthy and balanced diet of your pet birds.
1. Seed mixes: an essential basis for granivores
The majority of pet birds, such as Canaries, wigs and parrots, are granivores, i.e. they feed mainly on seeds. However, not all seed mixes are valid. It is important to choose balanced mixtures, rich in essential nutrients, and supplement them with other foods to avoid deficiencies.
A. Balanced seed mixes
- For small granivorous birds (canaries, wigs) : Choose a mixture composed of millet, alpist, and Flaxseed, which provide the proteins and fibres necessary for their health.
- For parrots and large parrots : A mixture of sunflower seeds, nuts, maize and Safflower seeds is ideal, but it should not be too rich in fat seeds like sunflower seeds, as this can lead to obesity.
B. Points to be monitored:
- Variety and freshness : It is important to vary the types of seeds to avoid your bird developing preferences and consuming only the fattest seeds. In addition, make sure the seeds are Fresh and not outdated.
- Complete with other foods : Seeds should not constitute the entire diet of your bird. They often lack certain essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, and must be supplemented with vegetables, fruits or granules.
2. Granules: a balanced and complete food
The granules (or extruded) are an excellent option to provide a balanced and complete diet to your birds. Unlike seed mixes, granules prevent the bird from sorting its food, thus ensuring that it consumes all the nutrients it needs.
A. Why choose granules?
- Nutritional balance : The granules are formulated to contain all the vitamins, minerals and proteins essential to your bird. They are often enriched in vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and amino acids, which are sometimes absent or insufficient in seed mixtures.
- Avoid sorting : Some birds, especially parrots, can sort their seed mix and consume only the fattest. With the granules, this problem is eliminated, because the bird cannot select.
B. How to introduce granules?
Some birds may be reluctant to pass from seed to granules. It is important to introduce them gradually by mixing a small amount of granules with seeds and increasing this proportion over the days. If your bird does not immediately accept granules, be patient and persistent.
3. Fruit and vegetables: sources of vitamins and minerals
The fruit and fresh vegetables are essential supplements to the feeding of pet birds, whether they are granivores, frugivores or omnivores. They bring vitamins, fibre and antioxidants necessary for the proper functioning of their bodies.
A. The fruits to be preferred:
- Apples (without seeds), pears, bananas, mangoes, papayas, berries (myrtillas, raspberries) are fruits rich in vitamins and low in fat.
- Fruit rich in vitamin A : Vitamin A deficiencies are common in birds, and it is therefore important to provide them with rich fruits, such as the apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes, or mangoes.
B. Vegetables to be preferred:
- Green vegetables : Spinach, Roman lettuce, broccoli, green beans, and cabbage are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals.
- Carrots, zucchini, red peppers : These vegetables are rich in vitamins and fiber, ideal for pet birds.
C. Fruit and vegetables to be avoided:
- Lawyers : The lawyer is Toxic For most birds, it must therefore be avoided.
- Large quantities of citrus fruit : Citrus fruit can cause digestive disorders in some birds if they are consumed in excess.
- Onions and garlic : Both vegetables are also toxic to birds.
D. How to offer fruits and vegetables:
Wash the fruits and vegetables carefully before offering them to your bird. Cut them into small pieces adapted to the size of your bird and remove the kernels and seeds from the fruit (for example, apple seeds contain traces of cyanide).
4. Additional protein: for good muscle health
Birds, especially those that are active or during moulting, may need Additional protein in their diet. Even granivores and frugivores may benefit from protein intake.
A. Protein sources:
- Cooked eggs : Hard or scrambled eggs are an excellent source of protein for birds. Crush them finely before offering them to your bird.
- Vegetables cooked : Beans, lentils and peas are rich in vegetable proteins. Be sure to cook them properly, as some types of raw beans can be toxic.
- Insects : Dried insects (such as flourworms) can be a good source of protein for omnivorous and insectivorous birds (e.g. certain species of canaries or wigs).
5. Food supplements: to prevent deficiencies
Even with a varied diet, some birds may need Food supplements to meet their specific nutritional needs. This may be the case for birds during breeding, moulting or those with health problems.
A. Calcium supplements:
Calcium is essential for bone strength and egg formation. The cuttlebone or calcium blocks are essential, especially for laying females.
B. Additional vitamins:
If your bird does not eat enriched granules, you can add some Vitamin supplements to his diet. Talk to an avian veterinarian to determine the specific needs of your bird.
6. treats: as a moderate complement
The treats are appreciated by birds, but they must be given in moderation. They can be used as a reward for dressing or simply to diversify the diet.
A. Fatty seeds (to be given in small quantities):
- Sunflower seeds : Birds love it, but they are rich in fat, so to offer in small quantities.
- Nuts : Almonds, macadamia nuts or Brazil nuts are very rich in nutrients, but should be given in moderation due to their high fat content.
B. Commercial sticks and snacks:
- Seed sticks : Make sure you choose good quality seed sticks, without additives or added sugar. They must remain an occasional treat and must not replace the main meals.
7. Errors to avoid in feeding birds
A. Inadequate human food:
- Processed foods : Processed human foods, such as biscuits, chips, chocolate, or products containing added salt or sugar, are: harmful for birds.
- Beverages : Never give your bird alcohol, coffee or sweet drinks.
B. Monotonous feeding:
Feeding your bird only with seeds or granules without adding fruit, vegetables or other foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies. A varied diet is the key to good health.
Summary table of foods to be preferred for pet birds
| Type of food | Recommended foods | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | Millet, alpist, flax seeds, sunflower (small quantity) | Daily basis |
| Granules | Granules enriched with vitamins and minerals | Daily basis |
| Fruit | Apples, pears, berries, bananas, mangoes, papayas, apricots | 3-4 times a week |
| Vegetables | Spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, red peppers | Daily |
| Proteins | Cooked eggs, cooked legumes, dried insects | 1-2 times a week |
| Calcium supplements | Seiche bone, calcium blocks | Always available |
| Food | Sunflower seeds, nuts, seed sticks | Occasionally (in small quantities) |
By offering your pet birds a balanced diet and varied, you assure them a long and healthy life. Prefer foods rich in nutrients, while completing their diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Avoid excess candy and be sure to meet the specific needs of each species to ensure their development.
