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Most of us know that eating a well balanced diet is a key factor in
living a long, healthy life. This is also true for our pets - not just
dogs and cats, but birds as well. Most medium to large sized pet birds
have natural life spans of 15-60 or more years, and the single most
important thing that you can do to maximize your bird's longevity and
vitality is to feed an appropriate diet.
Unfortunately there are many misconceptions about what our avian friends
should be eating, and there are as many unhealthy packaged diets
available in pet stores as there are healthy ones. Seed-based diets are
high in fat and low in vitamins and other nutrients. People assume that
because songbirds eat seeds that their parrot should too, and this
problem is heightened by the huge availability of seed mixes sold as
'bird food'. Seed diets are well accepted by parrots, cockatiels and
other birds because the high fat content tastes good to them, but they
are not healthy. Eating seed, over time, birds will develop poor feather
condition, skin and beak problems, liver disease and a weakened immune
system. Psittacines, or birds in the parrot family, are not naturally
seed eaters. In their natural environment, they forage for a huge
variety of plant and animal based foods. Most seed-eating parrots will
have a significantly compromised lifespan compared to a bird on a
healthy diet. Some packaged foods are made of a mix of seeds and small
pellets, but most birds will invariably just pick out the seeds and
scatter the rest, so these diets are no healthier.
There are a few very reputable pelleted avian diets that will ensure
excellent nutrition for your bird. They come in a variety of sizes for
budgies to macaws and are formulated for different health needs. There
are even tasty treats available for variety. Weaning a seed eater to
pellets is no small task, but will make a tremendous difference in your
bird's day to day health, and will prevent a number of chronic health
problems. Birds can also enjoy a variety of human foods. Fresh fruits,
vegetables, grains and nuts can be used to supplement a pelleted diet,
though just adding these things to seed does not ensure appropriate
nutrition. Birds should also never have avocado, chocolate, caffeine or
anything cooked on Teflon.
If you are considering getting a young bird, talk to your veterinarian
first about starting the youngster off on pellets and other healthy
foods. If you have a seed eating bird, your veterinarian can also help
you with tips for converting him to a healthy diet. We want you and your
bird to enjoy many happy years together!
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