In the group of birds, there is one in particular that stands out for its extraordinary beauty, colorful plumage and for its special quality to produce imitation sounds of human speech, this species is the parrot, and what keeps them so vigorous day Every day is food, so in this article we will provide all the information to learn even more about What Parrots Eat, so we invite you to continue reading.
What do Parrots eat?
The answer to the question about what parrots eat is very interesting, because the first thing that usually comes to mind is seeds and fruits, but it is not the only thing, these omnivorous birds need a diet that provides them with all the nutritional values, for what is ideal is the supply of a variety of foods that includes vegetables, nuts, legumes and the protein present in grains to cover all these requirements of parrots, especially when they are kept as pets.
In this sense, to guarantee a good diet for the parrots, it is also necessary to provide them with a source of vitamins and minerals. One option for this is specialty poultry food that you can buy in stores, but you can also get these supplements with certain types of vegetables like Swiss chard, cabbage, parsley, and other leafy greens. Therefore, below, we will specify each of the foods that should constitute a healthy diet for this species.
Seeds
For most birds, and especially parrots, a predominantly seed-based diet is low in nutrients, especially vitamin A and calcium, and somewhat high in fat. This is not to say that the seed has no place in the meals of these species, but many birds prefer it to the exclusion of other healthy options and can be a bit difficult when it comes to trying other types of food, which is why it is generally recommended that seeds make up only 25 percent of the daily diet.
- Chia seeds can be fed sprinkled on your birds' food, they are a healthy source of calcium and protein for your pet parrot and provide Omega-3 fatty acids.
- This component is also present in the recommended flax seeds, which is the beneficial food to achieve the brilliance of the plumage of these birds.
- As for sunflower seeds, it can be mentioned that it is white, striped and black. Birds prefer white. They are the favorite food of pet birds. However, crowding should be handled with caution as it is high in fat, which usually leads to obesity, especially if the bird does not get out of the cage much for exercise.
Fruits and vegetables
These kinds of foods provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Also, they are low in fat. Always wash all the products you feed your bird well and buy organic whenever possible, although fruit intake should be somewhat controlled due to its high sugar content. Of the fruits that you can offer, there are basically bananas or bananas, mangoes, papayas or papayas, pomegranate, peaches, apples, grapes and citrus fruits, among others, so we detail some below:
- Kiwi: it is a good source of vitamins C, K and E. It also provides your parrot with plenty of fiber and antioxidants. These birds love this fruit, which you can give them cut into small pieces depending on the species of parrot. While some like to eat the fleshy part of the fruit, almost all parrots seem to like the seeds better.
- Granada: This fruit is rich in vitamin C, phosphorous and calcium. The seeds are also safe for parrots to consume, after cutting off the top and separating into large or small portions depending on the size of the bird you want to feed.
- Coco: They are rich in protein, calcium and fiber. They contain vitamins C and E, as well as many minerals. Birds can eat the inner part and drink water.
- Oranges and grapefruit: they are very acidic fruits for parrots and can be offered occasionally and in small portions, they are rich in vitamin C, so they are excellent antioxidants and strengthen the bird's immune system. They also contain calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, folic acid, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, malic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid.
- Figs: Due to its high sugar content, parrots can be fed this fruit, but in moderation. They are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and can be safely eaten by your bird in both the seeds and the pulp of the fruit.
- Bananas: Among the foods that parrots eat is this fruit, since it is healthy and your pet can enjoy it. They are naturally free of sodium, fat, and cholesterol, and provide vitamins and protein for your avian companion. Larger parrots may enjoy peeling the fruit themselves and it will provide an enriching foraging experience. To feed smaller birds, cut a few pieces and serve them in a bowl or on a skewer.
For their part, among the vegetables they can eat are carrots, corn on the cob, asparagus, beets, peppers, broccoli, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, among others. Since all these foods are essential, it is important to supply them in the right amounts and combinations, for the greatest satisfaction of the parrot. Here are some of these beneficial foods:
- Radish: it is diuretic, contains fiber and a high level of vitamin C. Among its mineral contributions are iodine, sulfur and magnesium. These birds eat all parts of the vegetable, that is, its roots and the leaves themselves.
- Broccoli: fresh or lightly steamed it is an excellent choice as a fresh vegetable for your parrot. The stems and crowns are readily accepted by many birds and are an excellent source of vitamins A and E, among other vitamins and minerals.
- cauliflower: You can feed your parrot with this vegetable raw or cooked. It is a great source of vitamin C, as well as many other nutrients that benefit your pet. The leaves of the plant are also safe for your bird to eat.
Nuts
To find out even more about what parrots eat, we inform you that they can also consume nuts, as they are protein foods with a high fat content that are widely accepted, believe it or not as part of the daily meals of parrots, but yes, feed it in small amounts, especially parrots love walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts, shelled peanuts and pistachios.
Cereals
Both quinoa and rice are healthy grains for birds because of their protein content, quinoa is said to have more than twice the protein of corn or rice. Cooked cereals with fresh vegetables can be a food option for parrots, of course in very small quantities and not frequently. In this regard, it is worth noting that, on these foods there are many differences in criteria, on whether or not they are relevant for the consumption of these animals.
What kind of animal are Parrots?
In addition to being a very affectionate bird, it can emit words, phrases and sounds, so this quality will make you live and share some really fun moments. The parrot is a bird from South America. We can say that one of its great advantages is its adaptability, but in the same way it represents a danger to its reproduction, which is considered a real threat to these species. However, this beautiful bird can be adopted as a pet, due to its ability to interact with humans.
Parrot care for good nutrition
Now that you have more information about what parrots eat, it is important to be aware of the water they drink, so it is necessary to change it at least once a day to keep them hydrated and to have the cleanest possible vital liquid. . In accordance with health, the cages or any space where it is found, must be cleaned of food residues, to avoid any contamination. In addition, it is recommended that you always check if the parrot is eating well, so you can do this by observing if it has bright eyes and feathers and if it presents an active posture.
On the other hand, it should be noted regarding the topic discussed in this article, that you should not give him chocolate, fried foods, salty or sugary foods, as well as any food that contains milk. As for celery, although it has many nutrients, the fibrous part can cause constipation to the bird. It is also not recommended that parrots, although they are omnivorous by nature, consume meat since their digestive systems can easily process vegetable fats, but they have more problems with animal fat, causing a lot of damage to your pet.
As part of the general care, mention is made of the proper prior washing of fruits and vegetables and other foods that require it in order to give them to the parrots, and especially to eliminate any waxy substance that some vegetables bring when they are bought and used. so that they are kept in good condition for much longer considering that they are perishable products, an example of this is cucumbers, which is why some experts indicate that they should be peeled.
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