Once your bird has converted away from seeds and seems accostomed to (even enjoying...) his new diet, there is just one more step. Returning the seeds. While an all seed diet is very dangerous for parrots, seeds are not without merit as a dietary additive. Seeds and nuts add oil, fat and protein to a bird's diet that are very helpful in maintaining health. The key is to offer only small amounts every other day or so, or even for a treat. For larger parrots, nuts are usually a better choice. Nuts require exercise and intellect to open up and eat. This way, your bird is doing more than just eating - he is using his mind and strength to do something he'd use those traits for in the wild. Some parrots are more prone to obesity than others. Amazon parrots, for example, tend to "chunk up" more than some other parrots. For birds like this, it is very important to monitor their seed intake. Small, active birds such as flighted budgies, softbills (canaries, finches, etc.) and some conures, require more seed in their diet, as they tend to burn more calories. Food metabolism can vary from bird to bird, just as it can in people. It is important to maintain a good relationship with your avian vet so that he or she can let you know if your bird is too thin or too fat.
1996 - 2009. All Rights Reserved. Please review our Terms of Use, Mission Statement, and Privacy Policy.
