Many households on the Gold Coast enjoy the lively presence of parrots and cockatoos, birds known for their vocal nature and gregarious personalities. While feeding wild birds is generally discouraged, those who choose to do so bear the responsibility of providing the correct nourishment. Incorrect feeding can lead to significant harm to these fascinating creatures. This guide outlines what to feed and, crucially, what to avoid when supplementing the diet of wild lorikeets and cockatoos.
Feeding Lorikeets: What to Offer and What to Avoid
Lorikeets, a common sight in the region, have specific dietary needs that must be met to ensure their health. A critical warning for lorikeet owners and enthusiasts is to never feed them bread and honey, or water with added honey or sugar. While these birds may find such treats appealing, akin to how children enjoy sweets, they can cause severe damage. The sugar content strips away the delicate hairs on a lorikeet’s tongue, hairs essential for extracting nectar from flowers. Without these hairs, a lorikeet will struggle to feed and may slowly starve. Additionally, avocado is highly toxic to all parrots and cockatoos and should never be offered. Similarly, citrus fruits are also best avoided.
The most appropriate supplemental food for lorikeets is specifically formulated “Lorikeet Wet” or “Lorikeet Dry,” readily available at pet supply stores. The “wet” variety can be mixed with water, while the “dry” version can be offered as is. For dietary variety, you can supplement these with fresh fruits such as banana and apple, ensuring no citrus, onions, or garlic are included. It is vital to remove any uneaten wet food or fruit mixtures left out in the sun for more than a day, as they can spoil and become harmful. To prevent dependence, it is advisable not to feed birds daily. This practice can lead to serious consequences if you are unable to provide food regularly, such as when you are away.
Feeding Cockatoos and Other Parrots
A variety of cockatoos, including sulphur-crested cockatoos, corellas, pink and grey galahs, and parrots like king parrots and rosellas, frequent homes on the Gold Coast. For these species, “Parrot Mix” purchased from pet suppliers is generally suitable. When selecting a parrot mix, ensure it contains very few, or ideally no, sunflower seeds. High oil content in sunflower seeds, particularly the black variety, can lead to health issues such as fatty liver disease, impede growth and development, and potentially contribute to cancer in cockatoos.
You can enhance the nutritional value of parrot mix by adding uncooked fruits and vegetables. Cockatoos particularly enjoy corn on the cob, broccoli, and sweet potato. Again, it is crucial to avoid feeding them avocado, citrus fruits, onions, or garlic.
Understanding and Preventing Beak and Feather Disease
Beak and Feather Disease (BFD) is a serious and contagious illness affecting cockatoos and all parrot species. It is an incurable condition, often likened to leprosy in its devastating effects. BFD is not transmissible to humans or other bird species. For affected birds, the only humane solution is euthanasia to prevent the spread of the disease to other birds.
The initial symptom of BFD can be a long, overgrown beak, though this is not always present. An abnormally long beak significantly hinders a parrot’s ability to eat, inevitably leading to starvation. Feather loss, typically starting on the chest, is another common sign, followed by more widespread feather loss, giving the bird a scruffy and unkempt appearance.
Birds afflicted with BFD are often ostracized by their flock. This social isolation is particularly distressing for cockatoos, which are highly social animals. It is suspected that other birds instinctively sense the contagious nature of the disease and drive the sick individual away to minimize transmission risk. Birds that share feeding utensils are at a higher risk of contracting BFD from an infected companion. This underscores another significant reason to refrain from feeding wild birds or any wildlife, as it can inadvertently facilitate disease spread.
Alternatives to Feeding: Enhancing Bird-Friendly Habitats
Instead of direct feeding, consider installing a bird bath in your garden. This simple addition will attract a diverse array of bird species and provide them with a necessary source of clean water for drinking and bathing. Planting native flowering plants is another excellent strategy to support local bird populations by offering natural food sources. By creating a bird-friendly environment, you can enjoy a vibrant and abundant display of birdlife in your own backyard.
