ARE PELLETED DIETS BETTER THAN SEED?

There is no single answer as to what is the best diet to feed a pet bird.  Over the last 15 years, I have seen more and more birds on pelleted diets and fewer birds having nutrition problems.  Birds on a seed only diet may be prone to obesity, high cholesterol, infections due to a weakened immune system caused by vitamin A deficiency, or bones that break more easily from inadequate vitamin D and calcium.  Most people agree that a formulated diet for dogs is healthier than feeding them table scraps, and so it makes sense that a formulated diet could be created for pet birds that would give them a better balance of nutrients than would come from seeds alone.  In the wild, many birds eat almost no seeds; instead, they eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts, and even insects.

In my own flock of 85 parrots, only 10 or so were on pelleted diets when I obtained them.  All of them now eat pellets, along with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and some seed.  The pellets comprise about 80% of their daily diet.  I have converted birds as old as 25 years of age off of their seed diet.  The method I recommend for changing their diet varies depending on the species and health of the bird.  If you have a small bird, such as a finch, canary, parakeet, or cockatiel, I suggest giving them their regular seed diet twice daily early in the morning and late in the evening for 30 minutes each time, and leave pellets in the cage the rest of the time.  For larger birds, you can give them the seed just for 30 minutes before bedtime.  I do not recommend trying to change the diet of a sick bird without consulting your veterinarian first.

If you have a bird that doesn't seem interested in fruits or vegetables, try offering the same food repeatedly.  Make it fun for them by hanging the food with a clothespin or with a fruit hanger found in some pet stores.  Try cutting it into different sizes and shapes.  Let the bird see you eating some, but be sure not to offer the bird any that has your germs on it, since the bacteria that humans carry is much different from what birds normally have.  Pet birds can eat almost anything we eat, except for chocolate, avocados, caffeine, or alcohol.  Some birds, like cockatiels and parakeets, may not like the wetter foods, so try dark green leafy veggies like spinach or broccoli, or dry breakfast cereals.

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Burge Bird Services

Julie Burge, DVM

13833 S. 71 Hwy

Grandview, MO 64030

(816) 356-4700

http://BurgeBirdServices.homestead.com