Bringing a new parrot into your home is an exciting experience, but it can also come with challenges, especially when it comes to their diet. Many new bird owners find themselves navigating the complexities of avian nutrition, often seeking guidance on how to ensure their feathered companion is receiving adequate nourishment. This article delves into common dietary concerns for parrots, focusing on strategies to address picky eating, encourage a varied diet, and support recovery from illness, drawing on expert advice to help you provide the best care for your bird.
It’s crucial to first confirm that any infection has been fully treated by a veterinarian. Additionally, if your parrot has been on antibiotics for an extended period, a check for yeast infections is recommended. Learn more about avian health.
A common issue arises if a parrot was not fully weaned before coming to a new home. Due to regulations in many areas that prevent the sale of unweaned birds, parrots are often weaned at a younger age than they would be in the wild. This premature weaning can lead to food anxiety and the development of poor eating habits. In such cases, a “re-weaning” process might be beneficial. This involves gradually reintroducing a baby bird formula, offered both in the morning and evening, alongside a variety of solid food options.
The “abundance weaning” method is a highly effective approach. Historically used by breeders when parrot breeding was in its nascent stages, this technique involves offering a wide array of foods, along with fresh water, allowing the bird to explore different tastes and textures. While this method may result in some food waste, it effectively teaches the bird to discover diverse food options and builds their confidence in their ability to find and consume sufficient nourishment. A typical abundance weaning diet includes a soft food mix (such as warm cooked brown rice with mixed vegetables), pellets, small portions of fruit, and healthy human foods. You can even thicken some formula and serve it in a small dish for self-feeding. If offering seeds, it’s best to choose foraging diets, as our Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, and Pellet-Berries are formulated with added nutrients that are not lost during consumption, unlike traditional hulled seeds.
Consider consulting your veterinarian about two specialized veterinary diets. Lafeber’s Nutri-An Cakes Recovery & Nutritional Support for Small Birds offers concentrated nutrition, aiding in weight regain after illness. Once the bird reaches a healthy weight, you can transition to Avi-Cakes or other preferred foods. Your vet will need to order the correct formula, as there is also a weight-loss version available. EmerAid for exotics is another option, administered similarly to a hand-feeding formula. Your veterinarian can contact Lafeber to determine if EmerAid is suitable for your bird’s needs.
Parrots naturally grind their food in their beaks before swallowing. While softer foods might feel comforting, akin to a hand-feeding formula, they may not provide adequate nutrition. Loose seeds offer very little nutritional value. The seeds in foraging diets are hulled, ensuring that added nutrients are not lost when the bird eats them. This hull-less design also makes them easier to consume. Prioritizing getting your bird back to a healthy weight is key, after which their eating habits are likely to improve. Hand-feeding formula or EmerAid can be particularly helpful if your bird currently prefers soft foods or liquids. Continue to offer a variety of foods, gently guiding your bird towards the most nutritious options. Soaking pellets to soften them might also encourage increased consumption. Remember to consult your veterinarian with any concerns, to rule out underlying issues and discuss the veterinary diets.
For further ideas on what to offer your parrot, consult our comprehensive Bird Food Guide.
Thank you for reaching out to Lafeber for your avian nutrition questions.
Sincerely,
Brenda
