What Should I Feed My Bird?

Birds require fresh fruits and vegetables daily, in addition to a vitamin supplement and fresh, clean water. A seed only diet is cheap but it does not contain the nutrients that your bird needs to stay healthy. Excellent foods to feed your bird include:

Fruits (All fruits and vegetables must be pitted and seedless as both are poisonous to birds)

Apple, apricot, banana, berries (strawberries, blue berries, black berries, raspberries, cranberries), cherries (make sure to remove the pit!), coconut, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon, mango, melon, nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pear, pineapple, plums, pomegranates, and raisins.

Vegetables

Asparagus, corn, beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn on the cob, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, yams, and zucchini.

Grains

Whole wheat bread, cereal, (wheat, rice, corn,) pasta (cooked or uncooked,) brown rice (cooked,) oatmeal (uncooked,) unsalted crackers, seeds and nuts (in moderation: walnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia, and Brazil), matzoh, bagels, cereals (that are low in sugar), low-salt pretzels, and noodles.

Dairy

Cheese (not string,) Yogurt, and Egg whites

DO NOT FEED YOUR BIRD THE FOLLOWING:

DO NOT feed your bird chocolate or avocado. They are poisonous to birds and will kill your bird regardless of the amount ingested. Feeding your bird foods that are high in sugar or salt will cause your bird to become overweight and will cause digestive problems. Many foods have food dyes, artificial coloring, or preservatives. Avoid these at all costs. Other foods to never food your bird include alcohol, junk food (potato chips, cookies, etc.) caffeine products, rhubarb, mayonnaise products, and dairy products. (Dairy products should be fed sparingly and in small amounts. Birds are lactose intolerant.)

A vitamin supplement for the food and a mineral treat inside your bird's cage will keep your bird healthy and strong.

Birds need a balanced diet. Feeding them a seed only will not provide your bird any nutrients that it needs. To ensure that your bird is eating a balanced diet, provide it meals with 5% seed, 35% pellets, 45% fresh fruits and vegetables, and 10% nuts, whole grains, and dairy products like egg whites for protein.

One of the best ways to get your bird to eat the healthy food is to provide it with interesting ways of eating said food. If you have a wooden skewer, you can put corn on the cob, broccoli, carrots, and other foods onto the skewer and then place the skewer somewhere the bird will be able to access easily. This also helps stimulate the bird's natural instinct to forage for food.

By feeding your bird will a well-balanced diet or fruits and vegetables, as well as pellets and the occasional seed and nut, you are not only being a very responsible bird owner, you are providing your bird with a very nutrient-rich and healthy lifestyle that will keep your bird strong and energetic for many years to come.