Inadequate
diet is the most common cause of disease for pet and aviary birds.
For the better part of the twentieth century, many birds were primarily
fed seed-only diets. Unfortunately, a seed-only diet can be deficient
in the minerals and vitamins that birds require. Birds are very
selective about what they eat. They cautiously pick through seed
mixes picking out the seeds that meet their fancy based mostly on
color, size and consistency. This behavior can lead to a number
of nutritionally-based diseases including obesity as well as protein,
Vitamin A or calcium deficiency diseases.
Pelleted Diets Are a Nutritious
Alternative
Today there is an alternative to seed diets for your feathered friend:
pelleted feeds. Many of the newer feeds incorporate the latest in
avian nutrition research. Pelleted diets are made from a variety
of foods including grains, seeds, vegetables and fruits. They are
fortified with vitamins and minerals and baked into a pellet or
a variety of other extruded shapes.. When these formulated foods
are used, birds are forced to consume all the nutrients they require
for a long and healthy life.
Unfortunately, pelleted diets,
although well balanced, may not provide the variety and stimulation
that many pet birds crave. In other cases, pet birds simply refuse
to abandon their daily ration of seed. If a pelleted-only diet is
just not going to happen at your house, pellets may be considered
the "base" of the bird's diet, comprising 50-60 percent
of what the bird eats.
Building a Complete Diet
So what should the remainder of the diet be? The best way to determine
that is to reference all you can from reliable sources about the
natural diet that your species thrives on in the wild. You should
find out the genus and species (scientific name) of your bird and
do some scientific investigating. Not all species of birds will
eat or can eat the same diets. In general, however, variety is the
key to health.
The following are nutritious
foods that can be routinely offered to pet birds:
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* Seeds
and grains
* Dark yellow and leafy green vegetables
* Other vegetables: green beans, sweet peppers, cauliflower,
broccoli and peas
* Fruits. Many birds love fruit and will overdo it, so limit
fruits to a fairly small portion of the overall diet.
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Foods to Avoid
What kinds of things should you definitely keep out of your pet's
beak? Chocolate, avocado and rhubarb should not be fed. Of course,
do not give any beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Avoid
processed meats or other foods high in nitrates, nitrites, sulfites
or monosodium glutamate (MSG). Onions, sprouted lima, fava and navy
beans, fruit pits and apple seeds should also be avoided. Stay away
from junk foods and any foods high in fat, salt or sugar. Birds
are also lactose intolerant so milk products should be limited to
small amounts of hard cheese and yogurt.
With today's new, formulated
foods and the knowledge to offer a properly varied diet specific
to your bird's species, you can extend the life and health of your
beloved pet.
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