Welcome to the world of specialized avian nutrition! If you’re a proud owner of parrots or other psittacine birds, you understand the importance of providing a diet tailored to their unique needs. Psittacus Catalonia, a Spanish company founded in 1998, has dedicated itself to pioneering research and development in species-specific foods for psittacine and companion birds. What began with a focus on African Grey Parrots has expanded into a comprehensive line of products designed to meet the distinct nutritional requirements of various bird species throughout their lives.
This guide will delve into the Psittacus Bird Food range, explaining the purpose and suitability of each product to help you make the most informed choices for your feathered companions. We’ll cover everything from maintenance diets to specialized formulas for breeding, hand-rearing, and specific dietary needs.
Understanding Psittacus Maintenance Diets
Psittacus offers a variety of maintenance foods, designed to provide balanced nutrition for pet birds and breeding birds during their non-reproductive periods. These formulas ensure that your birds comfortably cover their nutritional needs during these times.
MICRO and MINI Formulas
The MICRO formula is indicated for small species like cockatiels (Nymphicus), galahs (Eolophus), breeding parrots, and Australian parakeets (ringnecks, moustached, budgies, etc.). The MINI formula is intended for small-sized species such as cockatiels, galahs, conures (Aratinga), and Rosellas (Platycercus), essentially catering to Australian birds. Both are excellent choices for daily feeding when birds are not actively breeding.
MINOR Formula
Designed for small and medium-sized species, the MINOR formula is suitable for birds like lovebirds and kakarikis, as well as small and medium parrots. This versatile option ensures that a broader range of smaller to mid-sized birds receive adequate nutrition.
PARROT MAINTENANCE
This is a versatile formula suitable for several medium and large-sized psittacine species, including Amazona parrots, African Greys (Psittacus), Cockatoos (Cacatua), Macaws (Ara), and Australian Parakeets like Ringnecks (Psittacula). It’s important to note that this formula is not suitable for cockatiels and other small-sized psittacines.
Specialized Psittacus Formulas for Specific Needs
Beyond daily maintenance, Psittacus offers specialized diets to support birds during different life stages and with particular dietary requirements.
EGG FOOD
This product is specifically formulated to supplement the diet of reproductive birds during the chick-rearing stage. It provides the extra nutrients needed to support both the parent birds and their developing young.
OMEGA Formula
The OMEGA formula is designed for medium and large-sized psittacine birds, including Macaws (Ara), African Greys (Psittacus), and various Poicephalus species like Senegals, Meyers, Red Bellies, Capes, and Jardines. This extruded food boasts a highly appealing taste and nutritional value, with a carefully balanced ratio of fatty acids, Omega 6, and Omega 3. It’s especially recommended for periods when parrots have greater nutritional needs.
HIGH ENERGY and HIGH PROTEIN Formulas
For species that naturally consume a significant amount of seeds from oil-rich plants, such as African Greys, Macaws, and Poicephalus, the HIGH ENERGY formula is ideal. Conversely, the HIGH PROTEIN formula is intended for species that primarily consume fruits and seeds with lower-to-moderate fat content, like Amazona parrots, Cockatoos, and various Australian birds. Both are formulated for maintenance periods but cater to distinct energy and protein requirements.
LORY DIET and LORY GEL/NECTAR
Psittacus offers a specialized range for lories and lorikeets (subfamily Loriinae). The LORY DIET is a complete food rich in sugars, containing dried apple and whole egg, suitable for general feeding. When chicks are being fed, supplementing with Frugivorous Neonatal or Lory Special is recommended. LORY GEL is a complete food for adult lories, providing highly digestible ingredients specific to their diet. LORY NECTAR is a complementary product, also high in digestible ingredients, dried fruit, and sugars. Providing Lory Gel and Lory Nectar simultaneously allows lories to self-regulate their intake, meeting their unique nutritional needs.
Hand-Feeding Formulas
Psittacus provides specialized hand-rearing formulas for young chicks, crucial for their healthy development.
MINI HAND FEEDING
This formula is intended for hand-rearing small-sized seed-eating psittacine chicks, including cockatiels, galahs, conures, and Australian parakeets like Ringnecks and Rosellas.
HIGH ENERGY HAND FEEDING
For hand-rearing parrot species with high-fat diets, such as African Greys, Macaws, and Poicephalus, this formula is essential. It contains crude palm oil, a suitable vegetable fat, and papaya to aid digestive transit, from the moment feathers begin to emerge.
HIGH PROTEIN HAND FEEDING
This formula is designed for hand-rearing parrot species requiring low-fat diets, like Amazona parrots, Cockatoos, and various Australian birds. It features high oleic oil for stability and suitability and also includes papaya for digestive health.
Choosing the right Psittacus bird food is fundamental to ensuring the long-term health and vitality of your psittacine companion. By understanding the specific needs of your bird and the unique formulations offered by Psittacus, you can provide optimal nutrition at every stage of their life. For more information on specialized bird care, consider exploring resources on bird adoption and the unique needs of exotic pet birds.
