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Avian Nutrition
By Dr. Anne Gray, Bradshaw Veterinary
Clinic
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!
Contact
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to make an appointment for your exotic pet!
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