Health and Nutrition

Parrots can live a LONG time.

     Some of the smaller species, such as budgies and conures, can live 5 to 15 years. Other larger parrot species can live beyond 80 years in captivity. If you are thinking of getting a medium to large parrot for a pet, this is a LIFETIME commitment. Parrots owners need to consider their parrots’ future care in their wills, as they are often outlived by their birds.

NUTRITION GUIDE

PARROT NUTRITION

SEEDS: A diet consisting of primarily seeds is deficient in nutrients and is too high in fat. Seeds are considered “junk food”.  We all love our junk food, but it’s not the healthiest choice.  Some birds will pick out their favorite seeds from a seed mix which further reduces the nutritional balance. Birds will often prefer seeds to a healthier choice, and it may be difficult to switch them over to a more balanced food.  

You can start by introducing the new food in with their seeds, and gradually make the transition to a healthier pellet mixture. The pellets can be considered the base of their diet, making up 50 – 60 percent of their diet.  Parrots in the wild naturally forage for food in the morning or evening.  This could be a good time to offer the new food.  

We offer our parrots Harrison’s, Zupreem, and Tropican as these are most readily available and good formulated pellets.  There are many other excellent brands available. 

FRESH FOOD: Fresh food and homemade chop recipes will spoil quickly and should be removed from the cage within a couple of hours. The following is a list of healthy, safe choices to offer your parrot:

VEGETABLES: Broccoli (head and leaves)

Carrots and their tops

Cauliflower

Celery

Collard greens

Corn

Cucumber

Eggplant

Green beans

Leafy greens – kale, turnip greens, swiss chard, beet greens and dandelion greens (all pesticide free)

Parsley

Peppers – yellow, green, red

Radishes

Sweet potatoes 

Sugar snap peas

Squash

Zucchini

Veggies should comprise about 20% of a parrot’s diet.  These are a few of the vegetables you can try for your parrot.  If in doubt if a vegetable is safe, please research it.

SPROUTED SEEDS: Excellent source of nutrition.  They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  

FRUITS: Apples

Apricot

Bananas

Berries

Cherries

Grapes

Kiwi

Mango 

Melons (without the rind)

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Pears

Peaches

Pomegranates

REMOVE PITS/APPLE SEEDS FROM FRUIT.  

Again, if in doubt if a fruit is parrot safe,please do your research.

Fruits should comprise only 5% of a parrots diet as they are high in sugar.

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS:

It’s a good idea to offer a cuttlebone for extra calcium.  If your parrot is on a well 

balanced diet, extra supplements are usually not needed, unless advised by your 

veterinarian.

FOODS TO AVOID: Chocolate

Avocado

  Rhubarb 

Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol

Processed meats or other food high in nitrates

Foods containing MSG

Onions

Sprouted lima, fava, and navy beans

PARROT NUTRITION – Page 3

CHOP RECIPES:

BIRD CRAZY CHOP: Mix together:

Sweet Kale salad – can be purchased at Costco.  Contains:  broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, chicory, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds).  Do not use the pre-packaged dressing!  Add bell peppers, jalapenos, snap peas, cooked red kidney beans, cooked pasta, raspberries, chopped up apple, and blueberries 

THE EVERYTHING CHOP:

Mix together:

6 cups cooked brown rice 

1 cup of uncooked oatmeal

1 bag frozen, mixed vegetables

1 can six bean salad, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked pasta, chopped into smaller pieces if larger pasta noodles are used.

½ cup of hemp hearts

2 tablespoons of very finely chopped nuts (encourages even the pickiest of eaters to try it)

Both recipes can be put into freezer bags and frozen until needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Each bird has difference preferences, so you can adjust the ingredients and it’s 

chopped up sizes to suit your parrot’s preference.