Did you know that the main cause of death in pet birds is malnutrition? Cooked and sprouted grains should be fed to parrots five days a week. Whole wheat bread and even pasta and sugar free whole grain cereals can also supplement a parrot's diet. Whole grains which your parrot may enjoy include wheat, brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats.
Sprouted seeds and grains contain a wealth of micro nutrients essential to parrot health and should be included in your parrot diet plans. Most seeds, grains as well as legumes can be sprouted and fed to parrots raw. Lima, fava and navy bean sprouts, on the other hand, should be thoroughly cooked before being given to parrots. Make sure than only fresh sprouts are used and take them out of the parrot cage if they have not eaten within a few hours. Bacteria and molds which can develop on sprouts may be toxic to parrots.
Fruit can be fed to parrots a couple of times a week. Tropical fruits, like mango or pineapple, can be similar to the fruits parrots from these regions foraged on in the wild, but almost all fruits, apples, pears, banana, peaches and oranges, suitable. To prevent any potential toxins being digested, seeds and pits should be removed.
It is recommended to give parrots nuts only a few times in their weekly feeding regime. Parrots can't digest dairy foods but good intestinal flora can be promoted in a parrot's intestines by including a small amount of natural yogurt in their diet every now and then. Just as with people, the odd little treat, like peanut butter on a cracker or piece of whole meal bread is fine for parrots.
A parrot diet should have a varied mix of fresh foods. Pellet feeds do provide the major nutrients but adding vegetables, grains and the occasional treat will improve the overall variety a parrot prefers. A little care and experimentation will make your parrot happier and healthier.
For more on parrot care, feeding and health, visit The Parrot Care Guide and download our free 10 part email course on parrot care today!
