Feeding is a very important aspect of pet care. If we choose to adopt an exotic animal as a pet, feeding becomes fundamental, so pay close attention, because we will reveal everything you need to know about feeding parrots.
First of all, keep in mind that parrots are animals that commonly live in warm or tropical climates, so you will need to look for foods that are characteristic of the area from which the animal comes. Also, you need to know that you can't give him anything: some foods could be harmful to their health.
Proper nutrition is directly proportional to the vitality shown by the animal, as well as to the appearance of the plumage and beak. Although parrots are long-lived animals, a correct diet will guarantee the animal a life as healthy as possible, as it will allow it to better tolerate environmental changes and reduce or avoid the risk of developing certain diseases, since the immune system , the internal organs and cells of the organism will be stronger.
What is the parrot diet
This varies considerably depending on the species, although, in principle, it is based on various types of fruit, vegetables and seeds; however, some specimens even hunt mammals, reptiles and small birds. For pets, dry food is generally used, such as feed.
Recommended fruit
Before feeding your parrot with a fruit-based diet, you must keep in mind the glucose content it contains. For example, melon or banana are fruits that can be consumed in very careful doses, no more than twice a week, as the glucose content is very high. The same is true for fruits with a high sucrose content, as glucose and fructose (for example, mango or cherries) would occur.
Considering the recommendation above, you can give your parrot any kind of fruit. But don't forget that you have to offer him a varied diet, otherwise he might get bored eating the same foods. We also advise you to vary the color of the fruits: it is a way to be aware that we are providing them with different types of vitamins and nutrients. It would be preferable to prepare portions containing three different types of fruit. Some of the fruits most suitable for your parrot are: apples, pears and oranges.
You can also give him some vegetables, of which they are greedy, such as peppers and tomatoes. The important thing is never to feed him the avocado: it could be fatal for him.
Recommended vegetables
In their natural environment, parrots supplement their food by eating different vegetables, which you can choose based on color. They are usually greedy greens, such as spinach, broccoli or chard. You can also give lettuce, but in moderation: frequent consumption of this vegetable could cause diarrhea.
Carrots, celery and cauliflower are also suitable for feeding the parrot. Avoid giving him the tubers often, as they may be difficult to digest.
Feed
There are different brands of feed for your parrot on the market. We advise you never to miss it in your pet's diet, even if this does not mean that it is a strictly necessary food. In their natural habitat, parrots usually consume small amounts of mud, clay or small stones, which facilitate digestion. For animals that live in captivity, these can be replaced with feed. Remember that there are specific feeds for each species and, above all, you must also consider the size of the animal to choose the most suitable one.
Other foods
Other types of foods that you can add to your parrot's diet, even if not frequently, are pasta and some legumes (although they might be difficult to digest for him) that we recommend serving with feed, cereals, wholemeal bread , chicken with strips or cooked fish, without seasoning.