Homemade food for baby parrots

Homemade Food and Treat Recipes Your Bird Will Love » Recipets

If you’re like most bird owners, you probably want to give your feathered friend the best diet possible. A good diet helps keep them healthy and happy. Parrots, like all other animals, require a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. But what food is in a good diet for a parrot?

In general, parrots eat a diet that is heavily fruit-based along with nuts, vegetables, seeds, sprouts and flowers. The balance of food will vary depending on the breed of parrot.

My family has kept and bred parrots for over 70 years and my Father is one of the UK’s leading experts. Together we have put together this information for you.

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Broadly speaking, parrots may be divided into grain eaters (including seeds, nuts, and beans) like budgerigars and parakeets; fruit eaters like most Amazon and Eclectus parrots; and specialist nectar eaters (lories and lorikeets). ( Parrot Society)

This article focuses on the popular pet fruit-eating parrots; African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Senegals, Eclectus.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to your parrot’s diet. The most important is to make sure they’re getting a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients they need. This means feeding them a variety of foods, including fruit, grains, seeds, vegetables, eggs, and oils that are suitable for their breed.

You can also give them homemade food and treats using our carefully researched recipes your bird will love.

African Grey sharing an apple

Balancing your parrot’s diet

Fruit-eating parrots come in many varieties from African Greys to Amazons, and although their diets are similar, there are some variants, which I’ve explained below.

You might think that you should feed your parrot mainly on seeds, and you’d be very wrong. Although they eat seeds, these parrots thrive on a fruit-laden diet. In fact, peanuts and sunflower seeds are high in fat and deficient in calcium and vitamin A. Feeding your parrot on these as a staple can lead to malnutrition very quickly. Seeds should be a very small part of your parrot’s diet.

Many health problems with pet birds come from poor nutrition so it’s important that you get your parrot’s diet right.

Parrots will select food items according to colour and taste, although they have far fewer taste buds (approx. 350) than do humans (around 9000).( Science Focus)

Commercial ” parrot mix” is a one-size-fits-all and should be avoided as you’ll find your bird will pick through and only eat their favorites, which may well be unhealthy. Better to offer a selection of carefully chosen nuts and seeds in a separate bowl to their fruit and veg.

Go one step further, and offer the fruit and veg in the morning when they are hungry, and add their nuts and seed bowl in the evening. Remember to remove any uneaten food and clean their bowls every day with hot soapy water, as well as providing fresh, clean water.

Fats for parrots

Fats are required as an energy source and for fat-soluble vitamin utilization and storage. Parrots require 2% – 4% of their total diet in fats. Watch out as African Greys and large Macaws will gorge on high-fat nuts like palm nuts if offered.

Did you know? Sunflower seeds are an incredible 20% fat and loved by parrots (especially African Greys) – think of them as the ‘junk food’ for your bird and don’t feed them daily!

Carbohydrates for parrots

Carbohydrates which are the sugars & starches in a diet provide a rapidly metabolizable energy source. Your parrot will need these in moderation and the exact quantity will depend on what temperature your bird is kept at, how much physical activity your bird has, and their fat reserves.

Protein for parrots

Proteins are the body’s “building blocks,” and your parrot needs them for building muscles, as well as all other body tissues, including growing feathers.

10% – 15% of your parrot’s daily diet should be protein. We recommend increasing protein levels to 20% at times of rapid growth – like when raising chicks, if your hen is are laying, or your parrot is recovering from illness or molting.

Seed-based diets are deficient in protein and, as a result, parrots will eat excessive quantities of them to try and meet their daily protein needs. Unfortunately, this also means they’ve consumed too much fat and carbohydrates.

Foods high in plant protein suitable for parrots are

broccoli
quinoa
soybeans (edamame),
legumes/beans
nuts
sprouts

We also feed our parrots on unseasoned scrambled eggs (crush the shells up too).

Vitamins for parrots

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K are all needed by your parrot. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in the body in the liver, which can lead to potential over-load if too much are present in the diet. Too much Vitamin A and D can lead to kidney damage.

Vitamin A is found in dark green foods (kale, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, peas and beans), carrot, sweetcorn peppers, and mango.
Vitamin C is found primarily in apples, oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and rose hips. It is also synthesized by the bird in its liver, so deficiency is rarely a problem. It does, however, enhance the absorption of iron, so too many vitamin C-rich foods may be a problem in birds susceptible to iron-storage disease.
Vitamin Bs include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, pyridoxine (B6), biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline and cyanocobalamin (B12). These are generally obtained from wheatgerm (wholemeal bread), dark greens, eggs, and sunflowers.
Vitamin D is manufactured by the bird in its skin and preen gland, in response to ultraviolet radiation, but is also present in egg yolk, fish oils and milk. Many pet parrots are not exposed to sunshine and therefore are unable to make their own Vitamin D, so you can buy a specific UVB bird light to help with this.
Vitamin E is obtained from spinach, apples & pears, mango, almonds and walnuts, sweet potatoes, sunflower kernels, pine nuts, and wheatgerm.
Vitamin K supply comes from green vegetables and eggs, as well as bacteria in the gut. ( source: Parrot Society)

Calcium

Calcium is probably the most important mineral for your bird, and is present in dark green foods, natural mineral sources such as oyster shell or cuttlefish bone, eggshells, cooked chicken bones, oranges, chickpeas, bread or toast, and milk or milk products such as cheese. Calcium is required for bone formation, feather production, eggshell manufacture, and normal nerve and muscle function.

Now, you’re going to say that you shouldn’t give your parrot milk as it is lactose intolerant, which is sort of true. Parrots don’t have the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, but all that happens is that your bird will have runny poop. In fact, in emergency hard cheese is a great treat and provides your bird with calcium and protein if they need a boost.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is also required for bone growth and development. The calcium to phosphorus ratio should be around 2:1 in your bird’s diet. Phosphorus can be found in most food including seeds and vegetables, but not dry seeds.

Iron

The pigment in red blood cells is hemoglobin and iron is essential for the production of these cells. Found in fish, meat, and wholemeal bread. Too much iron is a problem for your parrot and will eventually lead to kidney issues.

Popular pet parrots and their specific dietary needs

African Grey

In the wild, African Grey parrots eat a wide range of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and greens. They forage for food by climbing amongst the branches of the trees and using their strong beaks and feed to maneuver around. They love the fruits of the African oil palm tree that is indigenous to their natural habitat.

Calcium and vitamin A insufficiencies, as well as obesity, are common in African greys. Feeding a balanced diet will aid in the prevention of these problems. ( Source: Lafeber)

Cockatoo

Cockatoos get bored easily and should always be kept in pairs in large aviaries where they have plenty of stimulation, but this isn’t often practical. One of our tips to keep them occupied feed them on tiny seeds such as millet. Cockatoos have amazing dexterity with their beaks and tongues and will spend hours cracking every single seed. Just watch!

Nuts such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds and legumes; garbanzo beans, lentils, soybeans, pinto beans, red kidney beans, and split peas will satisfy the protein required for cockatoos. Just remember that nuts are also high in fat, so the portion must be considered when feeding a cockatoo.

Balanced diets protect cockatoos against diseases like gout, vitamin D toxicity, or iron toxicity.

Macaws

Some parrots, like Hyacinthine Macaws, need extra protein sources, like nuts (plain and unsalted). Good nuts to offer are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and their favorites are also palm nuts.

Macaws love nuts!

What foods can parrots eat?

Fruit and vegetables are essential as I’ve discussed above. The percentage you give to your bird will depend on the species of your parrot and you’ll need to dig into that deeper or this article is going to turn into a book! ( might not be a bad idea).

As a guide, at least 40% of your parrot’s diet should be composed of fresh ingredients.

Ideally you should buy organic produce and make sure you wash everything before preparing it for your bird.

Fruits for Parrots

Parrots love fruits and like humans, they have their own preferences so offer your parrot different fruits and keep trying, even if they don’t like it the first time, they might on the 3rd or 4th try!

Of the fruits, in general, tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, bananas, and passion fruit have higher levels of ‘good’ nutrients (especially vitamins).

Can I feed my parrot some dried fruits?

Dried fruits are very popular with parrot owners and although usually are a healthy option bear these points in mind:

1. Dehydration can boost sugar concentration, so serve smaller amounts of dehydrated fruits than you would fresh ones. The nutrient value will be equivalent.

2. Sulfur is present in many dehydration processes. It isn’t good for birds, so any dried fruits you buy should be sulfur-free.

3. Dried fruits do not have the same amount of water as fresh fruits, so be sure to provide your pet bird with extra water.

He loves a coconut!

Parrot Safe Fruit list

Safe Fruit	Safe Fruit	Feed in Moderation
Apples	Mango	Figs
Bananas	Papaya	Raisins
Blackberries	Passion fruit	Grapes
Blueberries	Pineapple	Oranges
Cherries ( pit removed)	Pomegranate	Grapefruit
Citrus fruits	Peaches	Tomatoes
Coconut	Strawberries
Cranberries
Kiwi

Example Parrot Safe Fruits

Never feed avocados, they are toxic to birds.

Tangy Tropical Fruit Parrot Bread

Looking for a delicious and nutritious parrot bread recipe? Look no further than this Tangy Tropical Fruit Bread! This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients that your parrot will love, including organic flour, yellow cornmeal, cinnamon, and of course, lots of tropical fruits! This recipe is perfect for fruit loving parrots, like Amazons, and can be made in just 35 minutes. So why not try it today? Your parrot is sure to love it!

Check out this recipe

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Vegetables for Parrots

Vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients for your bird providing vitamins, fiber, protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Offer your bird freshly washed organically grown vegetables every day and remove any leftover or spoiled foods each night. You can put most of them raw into your parrot’s daily chop – or cook them lightly and add to your parrot mash.

Parrot Safe Vegetable list

Safe Vegetables	Safe Vegetables	Safe Vegetables
Artichoke	Courgettes	Watermelon
Beets	Cucumbers	Cantaloupe Melon
Bell peppers	Green Beans	Winter Squashes
Broccoli	Hot peppers	Kale
Butternut Squash	Mustard Greens	Okra
Carrots	Radish	Sweet Potatoes (cooked)
Cauliflower	Spinach	Parsley
Collard greens	Swiss Chard	Pumpkin
Corn-on-the-cob	Cabbage	Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower	Chicory	Parsnip

Some of the vegetables safe for your parrot – including seeds.

Nuts for Parrots

All parrots adore nuts, some more than others( macaws I’m looking at you!). Unsalted, unroasted and ideally in their shells choose from the list below and see what your bird prefers! Remember to feed them occasionally as treats rather than a mainstay of their diet as they are high in fat

A point to make is that some kinds of nuts are more difficult for smaller parrots, such as Amazons or Eclectus, so unshelled nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, may be preferable for these parrots.

Parrot Safe Nut list

Nuts	Nuts	High in Fat Nuts
Pine nuts	Hazelnuts	Macadamia
Walnuts	Cashews ( cooked only)	Brazil Nuts
Pecans	Pistachios	Almonds

All should be raw and unsalted unless otherwise stated

Nutty Delight Parrot Bread

Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add variety to your parrot's diet? Look no further than Nutty Delight Bread! This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, apricots, raisins, strawberries, and oats. And your parrot will love the nutty flavor. So why not give Nutty Delight Bread a try today? You and your parrot won't be disappointed!

Check out this recipe

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Peanuts and Parrots

I wouldn’t recommend feeding your parrot peanuts. Peanuts aren’t actually nuts (did you know that?). Unfortunately, peanuts are often contaminated with a fungal toxin (aflatoxin) Aspergillus, which when either inhaled or ingested can lead to lethal diseases in parrots.

But strangely enough, the concentration of aflatoxin is much lower in peanut butter! Make sure it’s just peanuts though, organic( goes without saying), and no additives. So go on share a nibble of your peanut butter on toast with your bird in the morning as a treat!

Seeds, Grains and Pulses for Parrots

Seeds used to be the main parrot diet, or so we thought. More recently, however, it’s becoming more and more clear that seeds shouldn’t be the main component of your parrot’s diet. There are a few main reasons for this:

Seeds lack essential nutrients, especially calcium (Werquin, De Cock & Ghysels, 2005).
Seeds are high in fat. Because our domestic parrots don’t get nearly as much exercise as wild parrots (even if they’re out of the cage all day or in an aviary), they simply don’t need this much fat in their diet. Obesity is a real issue.
Many seed mixes contain large amounts of filler seeds that are even higher in fat than others. Oilseeds like sunflower and safflower seeds are a good example.
The seeds that can be found in seed mixes don’t actually mimic wild parrot diet. A few species do naturally feed on grass seeds, but many go for completely different options.
Commercial seed mixes are not available in the different stages of development that they would be in nature. If you scroll back, for example, you’ll see that cockatiels favor soft and young seeds rather than dried.

Tip: If you want to have seeds on hand, be sure to go for a high-quality mix without sunflower and safflower seeds.

Using Seeds for Training and Enrichment

We like to use seeds for training, or enrichment (see the note about Cockatoos above). Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are our birds favourites.

Seeds for parrots

safflower seeds
millet seed,
hemp seed
thistle seed
chia
flax

Seeds are usually high in fat and offer little in the way of other nutrients – unless they are sprouting.

A seed consists of four parts: the germ, the cotyledon, the endosperm, and the hull. What you buy in the shop are ungerminated seeds, which your parrot hulls so they can eat the germ, the cotyledon, and the endosperm. We like to sprout the seeds and feed those to some of our parrots. This is easy and provides a lot more nutrients. Be mindful that you need to follow a process to safely sprout seeds.

Grains

There are many different types of grains that can be fed to parrots, and they offer a range of benefits. Grains are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re also relatively low in fat, making them a healthy option for your bird.

Grains can be used to provide enrichment for your bird, and they’re a great way to help keep your bird’s diet varied and interesting. Some of our favorites include rice, quinoa, and amaranth.

Parrot safe grains

Grains	Grains	Grains
Amaranth**	Barley	Buckwheat
Corn	Farro	Kamut
Millet***	Oats	Quinoa (all colors)
Rice (Brown, Black, Red or Wild)	Rye	Spelt
Teff	Triticale	Wheat Berries
For sprouting, buy whole grains, not pearled, polished, or steel cut.	**Amaranth grain is safe sprouted or cooked, but should not be fed raw.	***Never soak or sprout Sorghum, also known as Milo, Mega Millet, or Super Millet.

Parrot Safe Grains

Pulses

These are leguminous plant fruit bodies, including peas and beans in their many types. They are high in protein and several vitamins, and we often feed them during breeding season to help our hens lay eggs and rear their chicks.

Pulses are dried when you buy them so need rinsing, soaking for at least 24 hours or cooking, before offering them to your bird. If you want to sprout them, lay them on some damp kitchen roll on a tray and after about 3-5 days in a warm room ( like your kitchen) they’ll begin to sprout and form shoots. Sprouted pulses offer higher protein and vitamins for your bird.

Parrot safe beans and legumes

Adzuki Beans
Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Lentils (All Varieties)
Mung Beans
Peas (All Varieties)

Note: Dried beans require either soaking & sprouting, or soaking & thorough cooking. If you are sprouting, buy whole legumes, not split.

Feeding Meat, Bones & Eggs to parrots

Too much protein in your bird’s diet can lead to future kidney problems. Saturated fats and cholesterol are also found in high quantities in meat, and neither of these is good for your birds. Also, the antibiotics and hormones injected into meat such as chickens pose a serious risk to your pet parrot so are best avoided.

Although, parrots can eat meat, like chicken, occasionally, but it should not be a major portion of their diet. A cooked chicken drumstick bone can be a real treat for your bird, maybe once a month.

Parrots can eat eggs and eggshells. Eggs can be a source of protein for your pet, and eggshells are a good source of calcium. They also contain the essential amino acids that your parrot needs. Scrambled are best and make sure to let them cool off before feeding.

Wild Weeds, Flowers and Foraged Foods for Parrots

Wild parrots spend up to 80 percent of their day foraging and there’s no reason why your pet bird should not enjoy similar activities for enrichment at home.

Sprinkle nuts and seeds in a tray of pebbles, so your bird has to pick out the food from between the rocks.
Put food in a bird-safe cardboard box so your bird has to tear it apart to get to its meal.
Hang food off branches in your aviary
Use these handy clips to hold fruit and veg on the bars of your cage.

Wild foods your parrot can eat:

Chickweed
Dandelions
Sow thistle
Blackberries
Sloes
Hawthorn berries
Plantain
Fat hen plant
Cotoneaster berries

Tea for Parrots

The benefits of carefully prepared blends of herbal tea for birds is not a new idea, but we are a fan. Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions (tisanes), are made from the leaves, seeds, fruit, or other parts of edible plants. They are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is harvested for caffeinated black, green, oolong, and white teas. There are hundreds of varieties, so we’ll just give a few examples of the health advantages that each one may provide. Every tea has its own distinct flavor and offers something different in return, therefore here are some samples of the health benefits that these plants may provide.

Chamomile – One of the oldest medicinal herbs with a high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, which help fight illnesses. It’s popularity stems from its soothing effects, which aid anxiety and irritation while also preventing inflammation and infection.

Dandelion Leaf – Not many of us were aware that this plant, which we commonly refer to as a weed, is actually nutritious and frequently used in natural treatments. It’s high in vitamin A, fiber, and other vitamins including K & C, functions as a natural diuretic, and aids liver health.

Milk Thistle – Milk Thistle has been used for centuries to heal and detoxify the liver. It acts as a natural liver protector and detoxifier, removing toxins produced through the liver that might cause damage or reverse medication-induced damage.

Calendula Flower – The flower of the calendula plant was utilized in cosmetics, medicine, and even as a garnish in salads for many years. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, can help wounds heal, and contains antimicrobial and antiviral compounds.

Hibiscus Flower – This lovely, deep crimson tea is well recognized for its ability to reduce high blood pressure. It may also aid in cholesterol and blood sugar reduction. It is high in antioxidants that fight free radical damage as a result of poor diet.

Parrot Chop and Mash

Any fruit and vegetable can be used in chop and mash. Just avoid a lot of mashes or stewed fruit because of fat and sugar.

Chop – refers to chopped up raw fruit and vegetables
Mash – refers to cooked fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses

Foods NOT To Feed Your Parrot

What you must avoid is salty, fatty sugary, fried human foods, tea, coffee, alcohol.

Foods never to feed your parrot include:

Chocolate

Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine which is toxic to most animals including your pet bird. Found in cocoa, theobromine cannot be metabolized correctly by parrots. There have been many reported parrot deaths related to chocolate. If you suspect your bird has ingested chocolate, an immediate trip to the vet is necessary.

Onion

Keep all types of onions away from your birds. Onions are members of the Allium plant family, which also contains shallots and garlic. Avoid giving your birds any cooked, raw, and dehydrated onions.

Garlic

Garlic is in the same plant family, Allium, as onions and is not safe for your parrots. It can cause digestive distress even in small quantities.

Mushrooms

Many mushrooms are toxic, so we recommend you avoid feeding your parrots any mushrooms.

Can parrots eat crackers?

Crackers intended for human consumption frequently have a lot of salt or sodium, which is fine for people but too much for birds. Occasionally, unsalted crackers may be given as a special treat.

How much should you feed your parrot, and when?

Portion size and control will vary depending on what parrot you own and we’d advise you to speak to your avian vet for guidance.

As a general rule, never offer more than 10% than the bird will eat. If there’s a lot of food left in the bowl, you’re probably offering too much.

In the wild parrots will forage early in the morning, late afternoon, and early evening about an hour before dusk. We feed our parrots at these same times during summer, but in the winter, only the morning and dusk feed times as the days are so much shorter.

We feed the main fruit and veg in the morning, grains and beans in the late afternoon, and offer scrambled eggs( with shells) before dusk. Nuts and seeds are kept for training so these are fed sparingly during the day on the days that training takes place. We account for the extra fats from the nuts in their daily portions and adjust them accordingly.

Weighing your bird every day and recording their food helps monitor their condition too and you can easily increase or decrease their food to balance it out.

You can also keep a close eye on what they are actually eating, as opposed to just what they are offered.

Will my bird have any different needs throughout its life?

Birds that are extremely young stressed, injured, laying eggs, or raising young may have certain special nutritional requirements. There are pelleted foods specifically formulated available for birds with these types of unique nutritional requirements. Consult your veterinarian regarding these situations. ( source: vcahospitals.com)

Does my bird need gravel, clay or grit?

Parrots, such as African greys, do not need gravel or grit. Grit helps some birds(like budgies) that consume whole seeds (hull and kernel) grind and digest the seeds in their gizzards (part of the stomach).

Grit is frequently attached to sandpaper perches in order to keep nails short. Parrots though, can pick grit off of these perches, resulting in intestinal problems. As a result, even sandpaper perches should be avoided for this reason. (Source: vcahospitals.com)

Why do some parrots eat clay?

In the wild, some parrots cling to cliff faces and lick the clay to assist them in neutralizing toxins from plants they may have eaten. Clay supplements intended to aid in the removal of pollutants are also available for captive birds but should only be used under veterinary advice.

What do baby parrots eat?

Baby parrots eat regurgitated food received from their parents based on the diet of that particular parrot species. For example, a baby macaw (also known as a hatchling) eats a mix of regurgitated fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.

Things to remember when feeding parrots

So if you made it this far you are now more familiar with the wide variety of foods your parrot can enjoy so now it’s time to get chopping, mashing and cooking with our recipes!! But here’s a few reminders about general feeding of your pet:

Always monitor the amount of food eaten every day by each bird.
Offer fresh water every day.
Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day along with nuts, seeds and pulses.
Clean all food and water dishes daily with hot soapy water, and let them dry thoroughly before using them.
A bird saying no to a food item one day does not mean no forever – KEEP TRYING!

Recipes to make for your parrot

Nutty Delight Parrot Bread

Check out this recipe

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Tangy Tropical Fruit Parrot Bread

Check out this recipe

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Other Parrot Diet & Foods FAQs

Can parrots eat eggs?

Can parrots eat oatmeal?

A spoonful of well-cooked, plain, and unsweetened oats is acceptable for larger parrots only as a treat. You may serve it with fresh fruit or raisins, to keep your parrot occupied while you’re at work or school. Make sure to let it cool after cooking to avoid burning your parrot’s tongue.

Can parrots eat honey?

Pasteurized honey is safe for your parrots but not recommended. Raw honey should be avoided due to the presence of high levels of botulism and bacteria that can be fatal to a small animal such as your pet. Only offer tiny amounts very rarely, if at all.

References:

Gilardi, J. D., & Toft, C. A. (2012). Parrots eat nutritious foods despite toxins. PloS one, 7(6), e38293. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0038293

Mellor, E. L., McDonald Kinkaid, H. K., Mendl, M. T., Cuthill, I. C., van Zeeland, Y., & Mason, G. J. (2021). Nature calls: intelligence and natural foraging style predict poor welfare in captive parrots. Proceedings. Biological sciences, 288(1960), 20211952. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1952

Cannon, C. E. (1984). The diet of lorikeets Trichoglossus spp. in the Queensland-New South Wales border region. Emu, 84(1), 16-22.

Galetti, M. (1993). Diet of the scaly-headed parrot (Pionus maximiliani) in a semideciduous forest in southeastern Brazil. Biotropica, 419-425.

Jones, D. (1987). Feeding ecology of the cockatiel, Nymphicus-Hollandicus, in a grain-growing area. Wildlife Research, 14(1), 105-115.

Ndithia, H., & Perrin, M. R. (2006). Diet and foraging behaviour of the Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis in Namibia. Ostrich-Journal of African Ornithology, 77(1-2), 45-51.

Renton, K. (2001). Lilac-crowned Parrot diet and food resource availability: resource tracking by a parrot seed predator. The Condor, 103(1), 62-69.

Werquin, G. J. D. L., De Cock, K. J. S., & Ghysels, P. G. C. (2005). Comparison of the nutrient analysis and caloric density of 30 commercial seed mixtures (in toto and dehulled) with 27 commercial diets for parrots. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 89(3‐6), 215-221.

Wirminghaus, J. O., Downs, C. T., Symes, C. T., & Perrin, M. R. (2002). Diet of the cape parrot, Poicephalus robustus, in afromontane forests in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Ostrich-Journal of African Ornithology, 73(1-2), 20-25.

Wyndham, E. (1980). Environment and food of the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus. Australian Journal of Ecology, 5(1), 47-61.

How To Take Care of A Baby Parrot (from Hatchling To Juvenile)

(Last Updated On: March 13, 2023)

Caring for baby parrots (chicks) requires knowledge, patience, and consistency. Ideally, baby parrots should be weaned by their parents to reduce the risk of health and behavioral problems.

Some wild parrots, like macaws, care for their young for about 12 months, teaching them survival skills, such as learning to fly and feed independently.

Parrots learn to fly (fledge) before weaning, where they develop the necessary skills to find and eat food. During the weaning process, baby parrots will transition from crop milk (or formula) to solid foods.

Adults hold their young in position with their feet and beaks to assist with weaning. So, you can replicate this process by finger-feeding baby parrots moist and warm food, such as cooked carrots and yams.

If feeding is withdrawn prematurely (known as force-weaning), behavioral and health problems can arise. This can lead to stress-related sickness, hyperresponsivity, and highly-strung behavior.

Parrot Growth Stages

There are 5 development stages of a baby parrot’s growth:

Neonate (hatchling).
Nestling.
Fledgling.
Weanling.
Juvenile (pre-adolescent).

Neonate

During the first stage of life, newly-hatched parrots (hatchlings) are born with closed eyes. They’re also naked, blind, and deaf, so they rely on their owners.

In the wild, hatchlings are fed food that their parents regurgitate. Without a mother and father, owners must give chicks a special hand-rearing formula through a syringe.

Nestling

When the baby parrot reaches the nestling stage, it opens its eyes but remains dependent on its owners.

Imprinting occurs during stage 2. When the chick first opens its eyes, it bonds deeply with its parents. If another parrot isn’t present, the baby parrot will imprint on its human owner.

This stage is vital for development because it needs visual, touch, and sound stimulation.

Fledgling

The fledgling stage is when a parrot learns how to fly.

Some parrots start to lose weight as they’re more preoccupied with flying than eating. As a result, they’re dependent on their parents (or owners) for food.

Weanling

In the weanling stage, parrots consume solid foods independently. Weaning parrots learn to forage and develop skills, enabling them to care for themselves.

Juvenile

Parrots become pre-adolescent and can fend for themselves. They’ll eat solid foods without the need for formula. They’ll be independent of their parents but won’t have reached sexual maturity yet.

Juvenile parrots won’t have their full adult color at this stage, which develops after the molting season.

The parrot should be at least 8 to 12 weeks old before it’s given a new home.

What Do You Feed Baby Parrots?

Hagen Avicultural Research Institute artificially incubated psittacine eggs, and babies without parents were hand-fed for 3-5 months.

To do this, mix a hand-rearing formula in boiled water that had time to cool. Stir out all the lumps and bumps to form a smooth, thickened mixture.

When hand-feeding baby parrots, the temperature of the food must be below 45°C before feeding; if the food is under 40°C, there’s a risk of it fermenting and causing infection.

However, most chicks will be cared for by their parents during their initial life stages.

Once the parrot has reached the weaning stage, it needs these foods:

Soaked and sprouted seeds.
Cooked sweet corn kernels.
Soft vegetables.
Fresh fruits.
A selection of greens, including chickweed and dandelion leaves.

It takes a while for a baby parrot’s digestive system to become robust enough to cope with dried seeds and pellets. However, leaving a small dish of pellets for parrots to forage through is safe.

Baby parrots shouldn’t be given water as they can drown.

They receive sufficient hydration through regurgitated foods and hand-rearing formula, so they only need water bowls once they move onto solid foods at about 4 weeks old.

Baby Parrot Feeding Schedule

According to VCA Hospitals, the amount and how often you feed a baby parrot is age and growth rate-dependent. Young birds need regular feeding and eat more often than older birds.

The following guidelines set out how much food the average baby parrot needs. All feeding should be carried out between 6 am and midnight:

1-2 weeks: Feed 6-10 times daily, every 2-3 hours.
2-3 weeks: Feed 5-6 times daily, every 3-4 hours.
3-4 weeks: Feed 4-5 times daily, every 4 hours. The bird can be put into a cage with a low perch and a shallow water bowl at four weeks old.
5-6 weeks: Feed twice daily. Soft seeds, fruits, vegetables, and pellets can be added to the cage.
7 weeks: Place the bird in a large cage with pellets in cups scattered across the floor.
8 weeks: The weaning process should be over. Then, provide nutritionally complete pellets.

After feeding, examine the crop. While the bird has few feathers, you can see if the crop is full. However, an examination using the thumb and index finger enables you to check the crop’s fullness.

Healthy parrots should respond well to every feed, and the crop should empty between feedings. They should also produce regular droppings.

How To Keep A Baby Parrot Warm

When a parrot is old enough to live in a cage, the ideal temperature is 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 40 degrees are dangerous for birds, leading to health problems.

Similarly, temperatures above 85 degrees cause heat stress, and parrots also need appropriate ventilation to remain cool and comfortable.

Keeping young chicks warm is more complicated, as the slightest temperature change can be life-threatening. Without parents, you must provide the baby parrot warmth to ensure it survives.

To keep a baby parrot warm, follow these steps:

Make A Brooder

You’ll need a container for a baby parrot to live in. You can get a commercial brooder or make one with a plastic container. Opt for metals or plastics that are easy to sanitize.

Choose a brooder that allows a baby parrot to move about as it grows and develops.

Fill It with Substrate

Cover the floor of the container with a substrate. Small parrots do well with folded-up newspaper on the bottom of the brooder, but you can use paper towels.

Avoid wood shavings or cat litter, as curious chicks will eat it.

Heat The Brooder

If you’re using a commercial brooder, it’ll already have a thermostatically controlled heating function.

If you’ve made your own, line it with a heat mat. Ensure the chosen heat source has a thermostat so you can adjust the temperature.

You can also use a desk lamp over the brooder, which uses a red bulb that won’t disturb the chicks. The temperature inside the brooder should be:

1-5 days: 96°F.
Days 5-10: 95°F.
From 10 days until they’ve developed some feathers: 91°F.
When they’ve most of their down feathers: 84-89^°F.
When the wings and head are mostly covered by feathers: 78-82^°F.

Once the chick reaches 3 to 4 weeks of age, it can regulate its body temperature.

At this stage, you can remove the heat source. To keep a baby parrot warm, ensure the room’s maintained at the right temperature.

Do Baby Parrots Sleep A Lot?

The majority of parrots are either tropical or subtropical.

They live near the equator, which gets 12 hours of darkness each night. So, parrots are awake from sunrise to sunset and need between 10 to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each day.

Baby birds need more sleep (up to 20 hours) due to growth and development. Although it’s hard to know how often they’ll sleep, chicks will rest as much as they need to.

It’s not uncommon for baby parrots to only wake up when fed, sleeping at all other times of the day.

How To Set Up A Parrot Cage

Parrots live in cages from around the age of 7 weeks. As they’re still growing, selecting a cage that’ll provide enough room for them to be comfortable when fully grown is important.

Follow the cage setup advice below to get started:

Bar Spacing

Parrots can get their heads stuck or escape from cages if the bars are set too far apart.

Small parrots, like budgerigars and parrotlets, need bars spaced 1/4″ to 1/2″ inch apart.
Medium-sized birds, like cockatiels and Senegals, need bars spaced 1/2″ to 5/8″ inch apart.
Large parrots, like Amazons and Macaws, need 1 to 1.5″ inches between the bars.

Find a cage that allows a parrot to roam freely without too much restriction.

Perches

Parrots are always on their feet, even while sleeping. Therefore, perches are an essential part of the cage’s setup. In the wild, trees and branches provide resting spots of all shapes, sizes, and widths.

Allowing a parrot to adjust its feet to the widths of the perches ensures it stays supple and flexible, preventing health problems like bumblefoot (pododermatitis) later.

Rope perches can be adapted to fit the cage. Also, add a Pedi perch to the cage for a couple of days per week so the parrot can keep its claws filed down to a comfortable length.

When adding perches to the cage, space them out to provide options. Parrots prefer high perches and tend to ignore all others in the cage.

Food and Water Bowls

Most cages have at least 1 food and 1 water tray. However, with trays that rest on the bottom of the cage, parrots drop their food. So, adding a couple of upright feeders to the cage is a good idea.

Substrate

Line the bottom with a substrate like newspaper or paper towels to make cleaning a parrot’s cage easier.

How To Train A Baby Parrot

You’ll need to perform training to get a parrot accustomed to your presence and promote positive behavior. To successfully train a baby parrot, follow these steps:

Start Handling The Parrot

A parrot will need to become comfortable with you touching and holding it.

Always stand above the parrot so that it knows you’re in control. Then, encourage it to move onto your finger by placing it against its lower breast. You can begin to add commands such as “step up.”

When the parrot does what you want, reward it with a treat to reinforce the message.

Once you become comfortable around each other, practice laddering with your hands, which involves moving your hand to a higher position while encouraging the parrot to step up onto it.

Don’t Overfeed Treats

If you feed your parrot treats too often, it won’t associate them with training. There’s too much potential for over-feeding, and your bird may reject its regular food.

Discourage Biting

Parrots shouldn’t be allowed to bite or behave aggressively. Biting differs from a gentle nibble, where the parrot will use its tongue to touch your skin.

Also, many parrots use their beaks to balance and may use human hands to coordinate themselves. If the parrot moves toward your hand, don’t assume it’ll bite, or it may become nervous.

Don’t shout at the bird if you get nipped. Instead, remain calm and say “no” firmly, placing your hand (palm facing forwards) in front of the parrot’s face as a stop gesture.

If the parrot bites and refuses to let you go, blow on it with a sharp puff of air to make it release. Then, place it back in its cage without a treat.

How To Entertain A Baby Parrot

As parrots spend a significant amount of time in their cage, you must provide entertainment and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

There’s plenty you can do to keep a parrot occupied, including:

Toys

The first stages of a parrot’s life are crucial to its environmental awareness and development. The bird could develop behavioral problems if it isn’t nurtured. This can be avoided with the following:

Puzzles.
Toilet paper for parrots to shred.
Paper sticks.
Chewable objects.
Ladders.
Preening rope.
Bangles.
Building blocks.

Regularly rotate the toys and games to keep the parrot alert and entertained.

Exercises

Let the parrot out of the cage daily for a change of scenery.

Parrots that spend too much time in their cage may become withdrawn and reclusive. Allow them to walk around the house to stretch their legs and wings.

Assign time each day to interact, which will help you form a lasting bond with the parrot.

Parrot Playlist

Create a music playlist for the parrot to listen to when you need to leave the house.

Current Biology confirms that parrots can process the sound of music. They also spontaneously move to music, meaning they can dance. A study by Dr. Franck Péron found that Parrots seem to enjoy:

Pop music.
Rock music.
Folk music.
Classical music.

Avoid high-tempo electronic dance music because it leads t distress.

Signs A Baby Parrot Is Sick

Wild parrots avoid showing signs of sickness. Sick birds are the first to be attacked by predators if they sense the parrot is weak and easy to kill. As a result, it’s hard to tell when chicks are unwell.

That said, many symptoms indicate when a parrot is sick:

Poor feather quality.
Unusually fluffed feathers.
Changes in appetite or eating habits.
Changes to drinking habits; drinking more or less often.
Weakness and lethargy.
The crop isn’t emptying.
The crop isn’t getting full.
Vomiting.
Drooped wings.
Refusal to move.
Increased sleeping.
Inactivity.
Depression.
Bleeding or signs of injury.

If you notice one or more of these affecting the baby parrot, take them to an avian vet.

When Can Baby Parrots Leave Their Mother?

In captivity, baby parrots are normally ready to leave their mothers at around 7 to 8 weeks of age. Once a chick hatches, it matures quickly and, once weaned, is ready to leave the nest at around 8 weeks old.

Some breeders prefer to wait until 12 weeks before allowing a baby parrot to go to its new home.

Why Is My Baby Parrot Shaking?

Baby parrots shake and shiver when cold, scared, excited, or sick.

The most common reasons why a baby parrot would shake include the following:

Cold

Baby parrots must be housed in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The baby parrot will shiver to generate heat if the room is too cold.

A parrot shakes after having a bath. A parrot’s muscles contract involuntarily to generate heat and keep it warm. As soon as the parrot is warm, it’ll stop shivering.

Hot

The parrot will lift and shake its feathers to move cold air around its body to cool itself down. It isn’t technically shivering, but it appears that way.

Scared or Stressed

After moving the baby parrot to its new home, it might shake out of nervousness or stress, especially when it’s away from its mother for the first time.

Birds are sensitive to their environments, meaning small changes can unsettle them. Speak gently and move slowly to avoid frightening it further.

Unwell

Baby parrots hide their sickness, so it’s difficult to determine whether they’re unwell. Parrots can’t tell us when they’re ill and rely on us to pick up on it through their behavior and body language.

My Baby Parrot Is Scared of Me

Understandably, baby parrots take a while to adjust, especially after moving to a new environment.

As prey animals, they’re hardwired to fear their surroundings until they know you don’t pose a threat. Until that time, they’ll be wary and fearful of you.

Some parrots don’t enjoy being handled and never will. Attempting to win a parrot’s trust by touching it more often is unlikely to help and will only make it more scared when you’re nearby.

However, baby parrots can adjust to your presence if you avoid the following:

Don’t make loud noises.
Let it live in a quiet, neutral room.
Don’t handle them too often.
Keep other pets away.
Avoid disturbing them while sleeping.

Over time and with care and attention, a baby parrot should start to trust you, allowing you to begin building a bond with your new pet.

What to feed a budgerigar? - Sami with Mustache

Most people who have budgies for the first time start out feeding them only grains. But the diet of birds should be varied: you need to include fruits, vegetables and even branches in it.

The second common mistake when feeding a pet is to give him human food, such as cheese or bread.

What products can be included in the pet menu, and which ones can be abandoned forever, we will consider in this article.

Grain mixtures

Cereals are the basic food for birds. This is the easiest answer to the question of how to feed a new friend.

Grains normalize the work of the digestive tract. Make sure your pet has constant access to food.

You can buy grain mixture at the pet store or make your own. The food is available in transparent and opaque packages. The advantage of the former is that you see the composition and quality.

In the second case, it is worth buying from trusted manufacturers. Grains must be sold in vacuum bags.

The best option is to make your own mixture. Optimal ratio of grains (in percent):

yellow millet - 50;
red millet - 25;
white millet - 15;
shelled oats - 10.

It is necessary to monitor the state of the mixture. If she has grown old, mold has appeared or bugs have started, you can’t feed the parrot with this.

The healthiest fruits and vegetables for parrots

Budgerigars' favorite treats are fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins, trace elements and fiber, which are necessary for birds. It is recommended to add these products to their menu all year round.

Cabbage. The main vegetable for a parrot in winter. It is stored for a long time, contains many useful trace elements. Give the leaves raw, without the stalk. Broccoli, white cabbage or Beijing cabbage are allowed.
Carrot. Cut into small pieces or rubbed on a grater. Use only fresh vegetables. Bird from carrots receives vitamin C and beta-carotene. You can mix carrots with other vegetables.
Cucumbers. Helps to better assimilate the rest of the products. Quench thirst, contain vitamins E, microelements.
Tomatoes. In the summer season, be sure to include them in the bird's diet. Tomatoes contain vitamin B, ascorbic acid. Give the pulp only ripe fresh fruits. Unripe tomatoes are contraindicated for birds.
Beets. Contains a large amount of antioxidants. It, like cabbage, is given raw all year round. In addition to saturating the bird's body with vitamin A and C, beets normalize digestion.

Zucchini is a storehouse of fiber. Be sure to give it raw. Helpful for proper bowel function.

From fruits and berries, you can give a feathered pet:

bananas,
apples,
pears,
peaches,
pineapples,
kiwi,
citrus fruits,
pomegranate,
cherry,
raspberries,
strawberries,
strawberries.

In summer, the parrot can be fed with melon and watermelon.

Fruits and berries must be peeled and pitted. Cut large fruits into pieces. In winter, fresh fruits are replaced by dried fruits, such as raisins or dates.

And now let's take a closer look at the vitamin and mineral composition of fruits:

Bananas are rich in potassium. This microelement is necessary for pets as well as people.
Apples contain many vitamins and enzymes useful for poultry. The use of these fruits normalizes the digestive system. It is advisable to give them every day.
Pear contains pectin, carbohydrates, iron and phosphorus. Thanks to it, the pet's body is saturated with minerals, energy, and the digestion process improves. When choosing, give preference to hard fruits.
Peaches improve digestion, contain copper and iron. These fruits are given to weakened birds to stimulate their appetite.
Pineapples strengthen the muscular and vascular systems. It is recommended to give in canned form.
Give kiwifruit to pets during beriberi (end of autumn, winter, beginning of spring). The fruit will strengthen the immune system and protect against diseases.
Pomegranates will ensure the healthy functioning of the budgie's cardiovascular system. The maximum daily allowance reaches 1/6 of the fruit. A few grains are enough for a bird.
Of the citrus fruits, oranges are recommended: they contain carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants. Like kiwi, a great immune boosting food.

It is worth refraining from persimmons, mangoes, papaya and avocados. What harm they bring to birds, we will understand further.

Herbs and greens

Some types of greens can harm the pet's body. Do not give him parsley, dill and green onions. It is strictly forbidden to feed the budgerigar with tomato tops.

Will bring benefits:

horse sorrel,
arugula,
celery,
plantain,
clover leaves.

Wild plants cannot be collected near the roadway.

Do not let the parrot peck at houseplants and bouquets - they are toxic to the bird.

Twigs of trees - how to give?

If you have had parrots before, you probably know how they love to “nibble” everything. Therefore, it is worth placing branches of fruit trees in a cage. They will be both a toy and food.

Choose trees away from roads, industrial areas. Check the branches for resin.

After pruning, the branches are soaked in water for 4 hours, washed and doused with boiling water. Branches of what plants can be given to a parrot?

apple trees,
birches,
willows,
rowan,
viburnum,
sea buckthorn,
hazel.

You can also cut a bush of currants, raspberries.

Kashi

Porridge will give the parrot the necessary minerals, normalize metabolism. When cooking, only water is used, without the addition of oil, salt, sugar. Do not use instant cereals.

Cook for your pet only from high-quality buckwheat, oatmeal, lentils, barley. Grains should be boiled for 10 minutes.

You can also give rice and wheat porridge. Their cooking time is 20 minutes.

Germinated sprouts

It is necessary to include sprouted grain in the diet of a parrot so that its body receives vitamins E and B2.

How to cook sprouts at home?

Fill the bottom of a deep dish with grains, fill with water to cover them a little.
Change fluid every 4 hours and rinse beans.
After a few days, sprouts will appear. For a parrot, a shoot up to 2 mm in height is enough.
The sprouts are dried before being given to the bird.

Before the first molt, small chicks are given 1 tsp. sprouts 2 times a week. Then once a month.

Mineral additives

The key to feeding a parrot is mineral supplements. For example, a bird will benefit from feed chalk saturated with calcium. You need to buy special chalk for birds, because intended for rodents can harm the health of a parrot. Other sources of minerals:

Combined mixtures. Those sold in pet stores contain a 70:30 ratio of shell rock to chalk. Manufacturers often add small amounts of eggshells and charcoal to them.
Stones. They come with iodine, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium. These elements are responsible for the health of the skeleton, endocrine glands.
Sepia (cuttlefish shell). Rich in Na, K, Mg, P, which protect the beak from deformation. Give preference to sepia white with a slight yellow tinge.
Organic sand. Consists of crushed shells. Promotes the grinding of food in the goiter.
Chicken eggshell. Due to the content of potassium, it strengthens the skeleton, creates a protective layer of the shell when laying eggs
Birch charcoal. Storehouse of calcium and iron. It will be a detox for your pet.

Large solid minerals are attached to the bars of the cage, the mixture is poured into a plate.

Rehydration for parrot

Water is an essential element for all living things. When caring for a pet, make sure that the water in the drinking bowl is clean and fresh.

Change fluid every day. Its temperature should be 15-20 degrees. It is better to pour water in small portions.

However, water is not the only way for a parrot to replenish its water balance. There is another one - juicy fruits, vegetables and grass. He receives part of the necessary liquid from these products.

Periodically, to protect against a fungal infection, the parrot is given water with 2-3 drops of lemon vinegar or lemon juice. This amount is calculated for 100 ml of liquid.

Juices are useful for birds, but only cooked at home. From the list of allowed fruits and vegetables, prepare freshly squeezed juices. They can be diluted with water.

Natural products spoil quickly - make sure that the juice does not ferment, otherwise it will harm the pet.

Prohibited products for budgerigars

In some sections of the article, products that are prohibited for parrots have already been mentioned. In addition to them, you can not give your pet:

salt and sugar;
nuts of any kind;
seeds and stones of certain fruits and berries;
onion and garlic;
meat products, fish;
mushrooms;
coffee, tea;
dairy products;
soda;
alcohol;
chips, crackers and other fast food.

For chicks aged 3 to 4 months, a boiled egg and cottage cheese are added to the diet. After the first molt, these products are excluded.

The most dangerous foods for a budgerigar that can lead to his death are avocados, alcohol, chocolate and salt.

Let us consider in more detail why it is forbidden to give the rest of the products from the list.

Herbs such as dill and parsley are high in essential oils. These substances, toxic to the bird, eventually lead to disruption of the functioning of its internal organs.

Opinions differ on spinach. It contains a large amount of oxalate, which binds calcium and other trace elements. Because of this, useful substances are not absorbed, and oxalates are deposited in the form of kidney stones.

Spinach can be given to birds with healthy organs, but in a minimal amount. If in doubt whether your pet has kidney problems, refrain from this greenery.

It is imperative to peel and pit fruits and berries: apple, pear, and cherry seeds contain cyanide, and pesticides accumulate in the skin of fruits.

Fresh onions and garlic can sometimes be given to your pet as a prophylaxis against parasites and fungi. But in small quantities. Excessive consumption of these vegetables will lead to hemolytic anemia, and subsequently to the death of the animal.

Coffee and tea contain caffeine, an overdose of which will cause a bird to have a heart attack. This is also the danger of energy and carbonated drinks.

If your parrot is sick, feels weak, it is permissible to give him weak tea: the drink will have a tonic effect.

Mushrooms cause indigestion, and some of their species - liver failure.

Finally, a few more restrictions:

The nuts are too fatty.
Sorrel causes kidney problems.
Mango and papaya are supplied unripe and therefore contain toxic substances.

The body of a parrot is designed to digest grains, tree bark, fruits and berries. If your pet gets all this, he will be healthy and cheerful.

What to feed a budgerigar (except food) at home

Library / Birds / Nutrition / What to feed a budgerigar?

In order for the budgerigar to be healthy and cheerful, you need not only to follow the rules for keeping and caring for the bird, but also to choose a complete diet. In their natural environment, parrots eat greens, flower seeds, herbs, grains, do not disdain small insects and juicy berries. What to feed budgerigars living at home? - let's figure it out.

Food and grain mixtures

There are a lot of grain mixtures for budgerigars in pet stores, often including different varieties of millet, canary seed, oats. Be sure to control the quality of the feed, it is better to purchase mixtures from trusted manufacturers in sealed packages, with a detailed annotation.

Sesame seeds, meadow grass seeds, flax seeds, Abyssinian nougat seeds, hemp seeds, raw sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds can also be given to pets. You can’t often give nuts to a bird - they are too fatty, once every two to three weeks you can give a piece of hazelnuts, walnuts or cashews.

What can you feed a parrot besides food?

Vegetables . It is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the bird. All vegetables should be fresh, thoroughly washed, and chemical-free if possible.

In addition to food, the budgerigar can be given:

Carrots - finely chopped or grated, given only raw, can be mixed with food, crackers, boiled eggs;
Pumpkin and turnip - cut into small pieces, they contain a lot of sugars, trace elements and vitamins;
Squash, zucchini - they contain sugar and fiber;
Cucumbers - a source of vitamin E and trace elements, improves digestion;
Tomatoes - they contain carotene, vitamins B and C, acids, vegetable oils. A parrot can only be given ripe fruits;
Dairy corn - it contains protein, starch, carbohydrates, fiber;
Beets - great for winter feeding, contains fiber, vitamins, sugars;
Cabbage - you can grate the stalk and finely chop the leaves, but Beijing cabbage is given only the upper part of the leaf;
Bulgarian pepper - it has a lot of vitamins, acids, carbohydrates and minerals.

You can also give milk beans, green peas, lettuce, spinach, a little watermelon and melon. Do not give eggplant, potatoes, radishes, garlic, onions, spicy vegetables.

Fruit . They should be washed and peeled, placed in a separate feeder. You can give pears, apples, tangerines, kiwi, grapes, plums, bananas, apricots, cherries, cherries, peaches, a little pineapple, pomegranate. Berries are also useful (they can be dried and given to parrots in winter) - blueberries, cranberries, mountain ash, lingonberries, strawberries, wild berries, sea buckthorn and others. You can not give persimmon, avocado, mango, papaya - they contain substances that are not perceived by the parrot's body.

Green . Grass should be cut outside the city, it should be fresh, washed under running water. You can give plantain leaves, vine, lettuce, nettle (they are scalded with boiling water), quinoa, spinach, oats, wheat, knotweed.

Do not give spices and fragrant herbs - celery, parsley, dill, cilantro and others.

Tree branches . Parrots sharpen their beaks on them, gnaw on buds and bark. Freshly cut branches should not be given immediately: they are soaked for 5-7 hours in cold water, and then doused with boiling water. You can give branches of fruit trees (but without resin), alder, mountain ash, chestnut, willow, aspen, linden, birch, currant, hawthorn, mountain ash, viburnum, beech and others.

Coniferous branches are produced very rarely, mainly in winter, because they contain resins. Also do not give branches of lilac, oak, bird cherry, elder, acacia. Many breeders also give the leaves of some indoor plants: hibiscus, aloe, bamboo, Kalanchoe, dracaena, Tradescantia, Crassula and others.

Minerals and vitamins . This group includes: