What Do You Feed A Parrot – And More
August 7, 2009 by fts
Filed under Keeping Pet Birds
What Do Parrots Eat – How To Know
Hows it going fellow Parrot owners. Many of you are new Parrot owners looking for the proper diet for your new pet.
To really get an idea of what your Parrots need to stay healthy for there average life span of around 40-50 years, it will be a good idea for you to do some further research on Parrots and their unique eating habits and needs.
Yes, it will take some research -but it will be well WORTH IT!
First of all, you really should know the type or breed of Parrot that you own. I mean, there are so many different species, and certain groups of species require there own, unique eating habits. You see, certain Parrot groups need unique foods that meet there own minerals and vitamin criteria ,if you will.
Overall, there are 3 separate diets that will include just about every Parrot known:
1. Seed-Based Diets – Very simple and left lacking in many vitamins and minerals -but they are always available and will work as a last resort.
2. Formulated Diets (Usually Pellets) – Normally the formulated diet will provide the relevant nutritional needs of all species – but certain species will definitely need added or supplemental foods,like greens and many other such food that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals (Fresh food has a way of keeping all the natural minerals and vitamins)
3. Cooked Diets – Basically these are great diets. Usually you can cook them yourself or buy them already cooked. Precooked foods have
been known to lose there nutritional value if you dont feed them to the Parrot in a relatively short period of time, so it really depends on your parrot and its overall appetite.
What Kind Of Foods Do Parrots Eat
Things To Know When Considering Your Parrots Final Diet
O.K., most times when we buy a Parrot from the pet store, we
should automatically know the species of our new Parrot. Actually, most of the time the Parrots will be from a very popular species – which will ensure that you understand your specific Parrot’s diet and proper foods.
But if you dont know exctly what type of Parrot you own, go to the “Formulated Diet” – With nutritional supplementation. Regardless of your supplementation, make sure you watch closely, as certain species of Parrot, like the Amazon parrots, cockatoos, and Eclectus parrots, are prone to obesity. usually though, its pretty obvious that you own a type of Parrot species like those.
Aside from those Parrots, you have the Eclectus Parrots that do not do well with a formulated Diet – and they should definitely NOT be fed Nuts, as they are completely frugivorous when in the
wild. They can basically survive on nothing but fresh produce or green’s. With a different type of intestinal track, they will absorb more protein, vitamins and other healthy minerals.
But some extra grains and extra legumes will serve as the perfect additions along with the produce ,as they still do require there own bit of proteins.
The Parrots That Should Have A Higher Fat Intake In The Diet
Now on the opposite end of the Parrot species’ are the macaws , Hyacinth macaws ,and conures will always should have a certain level of fat in their everyday eating habits, actually they will need much more fat than the regular formulated diet. Including large numbers of nut’s in the diet is regularly done.
As you can see the question, “What do parrots eat?” -is not an easy question to answer. Most of you will undoubtedly recognize that the range in food and vitamin/mineral levels are very unique from 1 parrot kind to the other.
Having your own Parrot Upkeep and Help guide will be very beneficial to you and to the Training and Upkeep of your Parrot.Train Your Parrots To Stop Biting
Parrots are really outstanding pet’s. Its highly unlikely that any other animal be compared to the Parrot.
Discovering The Perfect Diet For Your Pet Parrot – Why We Must Do Our Research
Its not the Parrot owners fault,but, many people get it very wrong when actually buying food for there Parrots.
But many times, its the companies fault….
See, alot of the time the “recommendations placed on the Parrot
food bags can really mislead you. For some reason the Parrot food company does not actually give recommendations for a species of Parrot -they just describe a size of the Parrot or size of the food or
pellet.
This just doesnt make anything easier for the Parrot
owners. The biggest reason this can be bad for the Parrot is the simple fact that, Parrots are quite unique, and they have different ways of holding and eating there food.
Many Parrots eat the pellets with there claw or some eat the parrot food directly off of the dish with there beak. Some parrot foods or formulated diet foods are exactly the same for budgies and macaws. BUT – a macaw does not eat it’s food the way that the budgie does.
Usually Parrots Find This Quite Healthy
The one thing thatMost of the time we can feel alright about feeding Parrots is the fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. (Cooked is quite alright too) Of course you should always monitor you Parrots eating habits. Some only need small amounts
while other have a larger diet, maybe due to faster metabolism or something to that effect.
Most of the time it is normal to give your Parrot food right off of your dinner table. Of course, it cant be unhealthy or full of salt and fatty acids. But foods that WE find healthy are not only O.K., but can be very good for your pet Parrot. Because there
diet is actually very plain, a tasty treat are actually great for your pet Parrot.Remember, these are Parrots,and
they DO have personality.(even though they seem to just “copy” what we say most of the time;)
Its actually a well known fact that Parrots have diet’s that are still somewhat unknown to many very, knowledgeable people. But paying attention to your parrots species, where the parrot comes from and the type of food that it consumed while in the wild can always help you in knowing the ins and outs for the diet of your Pet Parrot.
Its fantastic to be an owner of your own pet Parrot, and there really is no limit with pets like parrots. Some say that there is more than just great companionship, but they have been known to live for up to 60 YEARS!Totally awesome – Just take good care of your parrot and show them the type of love that you are capable of giving, you and your parrot will become like part of your family.You AND your children will absolutely love having your own Parrot.
For those of you that want an outstanding Parrot teaching guide that will really show you some more in depth training and Parrot Care information, go ahead and check the “Ultimate Guide To Parrot Upkeeping”
Discover how and why Parrots speak. Learn how to handle a Parrot, without getting “nipped” at. And basically learn the difference in Parrot species and there own separate diets and upkeep methods:
Hand-rearing Pet Birds – Waterfowl and Pheasants
May 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Breeding Pet Birds
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When they are born, waterfowl and pheasant chicks are downy, which keeps them warm, and they are able to move about and feed themselves. (Chicks born in this condition are described as ‘precocial’.) Hand-rearing these ground birds is an established and fairly easy procedure. Before starting out, it is a good idea to visit an aviculturalist who is currently rearing pheasants or waterfowl, as this will give you a good idea of what is involved. Whichever species you intend to rear, find out as much as possible about it, as this can make all the difference between success and failure.
When a precocial chick hatches, the remaining egg yolk continues to nourish it. On the first day, the chick relies solely on the yolk for energy, on the second day it will eat some of the food you put out and by the third day, much of the yolk has disappeared and the chick is feeding independently. However, do not be alarmed if at first the chick eats vry little. These types of bird are easier to rear successfully if you keep them in small groups, because as one chick pecks, it encourages the others to feed. You could try offering them live food such as mini mealworms, but do not give them too much because the worms are addictive and the diet will soon become harmfully imbalanced. Prepared diets, such as chick crumbs, starter crumbs and pheasant pellets, are all available from pet shops.
When precocial birds are Very young, you can rear them in a simple box with a heat source, such as a heat lamp, secured above them. As the birds grow, transfer them to a larger box or brooder and reduce the temperature until it reaches room temperature. After two or three months, you can keep the birds outside if conditions allow.
A vital point to remember is that people often have great success in hand-rearing a few birds, but find that things start to go wrong once they increase the number. If you rear half a dozen chicks in a room in your house, you will most probably encounter very few, if any, bacterial problems. However, once you increase the number of birds in the house, the bacteria level will also increase and this is the root of many problems.
An effective way of keeping the bacteria level down is to make sure that the room is well-ventilated but not draughty. The more chicks you keep, the more hygienic you must be.
Victoria Crowned Pigeons
May 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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The Victoria Crowned Pigeons are the biggest pigeons. They reach lengths between 28 and 30 inches from head to tail feathers.
This bird species lives almost 25 years in captivity.
The Crowned Pigeons are tolerant birds, very intelligent and affectionate. They like to spend time with other bird species and they are easy to train and tame.
The body is covered in blue feathers and the breast is maroon. They also have red eyes and a lighter shade of blue on the wings and tips of their feathers on the tail.
Like any other bird, The Victoria Crowned Pigeons like to eat many grains, seeds, fruits, and also small invertebrates. In captive The Crowned Pigeons
African Grey Parrot
May 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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Also known as the Timneh African Grey or the Congo Afican Grey, this bird originates in Africa, just like the name suggests.
These birds are considered to be large birds. They grow to about 12, 13 inches from beak to tail feathers and this is why they need a lot of space to exercise and play.
The African Greys live for many years if they are taken care of. Their average life span is up to 50 years. Sometimes, rare specimens sometimes live to be 75 years old.
Many breeders say that the African Greys are extremely clever and very affectionate to their owners and all the family members. They get very sweet if they receive the right amount of attention and love. But if they are neglected, they get bored and can become unsociable and have a destructive behavior.
The name says everything about this bird
Senegal Parrots
April 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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The Senegal Parrots can be found in West Africa, in the woodlands. Their length is around 25cm (10 inches) and they can get to be 50 years old.
The Senegals who are handfed, are quite amazing pets. They are colorful and very comical. They love to entertain the audience and they are able to talk and mimic. They are relatively small and some people consider them to be rather quiet. Most of the Senegals parrots that have been socialized and tamed are very friendly personalities. But you should be aware that sometimes they tend to be egoistical and be a
Hyacinth Macaw Parrot
April 17, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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The Hyacinth Macaw is also known under the name Blue Parrot and they can be found in South America. Hyacinths typically grow to around 40 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail. Usually, they weigh in at 2 to 3 pounds.
In captivity they live beyond the age of 60 years depending on the quality of care they get.
In contrast to their physically appearance, the Hyacinths are quite affectionate by nature and they are known as “gentle giants”. This type of bird can be trained easily, and it has a tendency to connect strongly with their human owners.
Their feathers are colored blue, with patches that are bright yellow around the beak and the eyes.
In the wild, these loving birds mostly eat nuts, fruit, and clay. In captivity, they do well on a diet of fruit, vegetables, and plenty of nuts. Give them nuts because they must eat a high quantity of carbohydrates. Also, there are on the market different supplements with specially formulated pellets that are very good for the Hyacinths.
Hyacinth Macaws have a wingspan of 4 feet so give them the adequate time and space to exercise. They love a big room where they can have a good stretch. It is a good idea to give a Hyacinth a minimum of 1-2 hours of time on a play gym or other safe area per day. Besides that, they require toys to chew on and maintain their beaks and jaws strength.
These big beautiful birds require a little bit more time and attention than other birds. Even if they allure, intelligence and sociability is tempting, they are not just for anybody. Resist the temptation to get a Hyacinth home without thinking it through!
Keep in mind that its beak can snap through metal, so they should be taught at an early age not to “mouth” their human owners. It doesn
Electus Parrot
April 17, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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Their scientific name is Eclectus roratus and their name depends on the subspecies. They can be called Vosmaeri or Yellow Sided, Blue Bellied or Dusky, or Red Sided, or Solomon Island Eclectus.
They can be found in Australia, Solomon Islands and New Guinea. This bird species can grow between 40 and 50 cm (17 to 20 inches) from the tail feathers to the beak and they live up between 30 and 50 years.
This species is a highly intelligent one that likes to spend time with the owners and they are very friendly. They get sad if for some reason they are left alone and socialization is not part of their daily routine. They have no problem interacting with both human and other types of bird and they are perfect for multiple birds household. Sometimes, they can show some jealousy tendencies and this is why you have to give him the proper amount of time and affection when you bring him home and introduce him into the aviary.
Eclectus are sexually dimorphic so the color of the feathers reveals the sex of the bird. The male Eclectus is green colored, with beaks that are orange and bits of blue and red under their wings. In contrast, the females Eclectus are mostly red, with beaks that are black and markings that are purple on their tails and chests.
The Eclectus has a digestive tract that is specialized, different from a lot of other bird species. That’s why their nutrition has to contain both fibers but also vegetables, fresh fruits, and carbohydrates from pasta that is cooked. Be careful about giving seeds and pellets. Do that with moderation because of the mixes which contain artificial dyes and other artificial substances. By giving the Eclectus the wrong type of food you could cause him to loose its beautiful color!
These birds need a lot of space to exercise. These birds should have enough room to a big play stand if it’s possible, and an area that is safe for birds. They love to explore and climb and you will be amazed of how active they can be. The exercise will help the Eclectus keep its mental and physical health. Allow him the time to exercise and you will have a happy pet.
An Eclectus is all the time impressive. Its color is eye-catching, and they are intelligent and sociable. The Eclectus birds are captivating that make for great pets. Their talking ability, beautiful colors, and great personalities have made them win a lot of points in the heart of the owners and breeders and they are very popular.
They appreciate companionship, especially human and a person who wants to adopt an Eclectus needs to think if they have the needed time to spend with the pet. Because these birds are so clever, they are extremely sensitive, so they can become stressed easily if they begin to feel unwanted or neglected.
Some breeders even say that the boys Eclectus are a bit more agreeable and trainable than the girls. But this could be an advantage for people who don
Caique Parrots
April 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Breeds
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Some of the names used for the Caiques are Black Headed Caique, Seven-Color Parrot, White Bellied Caique, Dancing Parrot and Yellow Thighed Caique.
The length of the Black Headed Caique is around 25cm (9-10 inches) from the tail feathers end to the beak. The Caiques are found in the Amazon Rainforest and you can expect them to live up to 20 years.
This species is known for the bond it forms with other humans. In this case, if you want a new best friend, this could be the species for you. Caiques are little birds that are comical and playful, enjoying activities and the posibility to explore. You will be surprised to learn that many Caiques, with proper attention, learn to say a couple of words, other than the already known “bird speak”. Caiques are usually very friendly, especially with the ones from their own species. Be careful that if you place them in the cage with a bird from another species, there is the posibility that they will become quite aggressive and they will bite hard.
They usually have black heads with cheeks that are orange, with a streak of green under the eyes. The wings and upper tail feathers are green, and they also have an abdomen colored beige, with gray beaks and legs. The Caiques that are White Headed have yellow and orange heads, green tails and wings, horn colored beaks, white abdomens and pink legs.
The Caiques love to eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. Add a quality diet of pellets that are extruded and they will be very happy. Also, just like any other bird, every day they need clean, fresh water.
These birds are active and the difference between them and other birds is that they rather prefer to e walk than to fly. The normal time to exercise outside the cage is at least one hour outside each day. They will hop around and exercise their strong leg muscles, while exploring. Don

