Psittacines or parrots are a group of birds mainly from the tropics that are commonly kept as pets. They are characterized by bright colors and large, strong beaks. These birds are challenging pets but can be equally rewarding if given proper care. Psittacine birds encompass many species including budgerigars (common parakeets), large macaws, Amazon parrots, and African grey parrots. Because each species has its own specialized care, we will just touch on two main topics: nutrition and enrichment.
An all-seed diet should never be fed as the main staple of a parrot's diet. In the wild, parrots access an ever-changing array of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and proteins. The seeds they eat change throughout the year as different plants bloom. If a parrot is fed seed mixes, they will often pick out the less healthy but tastier bits and leave the healthier pieces behind. Seeds are high in fat and low in minerals and vitamins. Birds fed all seed diets tend to become ill and risk premature death.
Pellets are an ideal food and should represent about 75-80% of the parrot's diet. The remainder of the diet should be comprised of fresh fruit and vegetables, with seeds and nuts only offered as treats. While transitioning a seed-eating bird to a pellet diet can take weeks to months to accomplish, and can sometimes be difficult, it is worth the effort and time. It is important that owners wean a seed-eating bird onto a pellet diet slowly. Speaking to a vet that understands bird nutrition and behavior can be helpful in converting a stubborn bird from an unhealthy seed diet to a healthy pelleted diet.
Parrots are intelligent, curious creatures that require mental stimulation to keep them happy and content. Some studies suggest that the average parrot's intelligence is equivalent to a five-year-old human child! However, their emotional stability is that of a two-year-old human child. For this reason, it is critical that parrots lead enriching lives and are not just confined to a cage by themselves.
This can be accomplished by allowing your bird to learn to forage, and by setting up a roosting cage. In the wild, parrots work hard both physically and mentally to find their food. When offered food in a bowl, it is not mentally stimulating. Wild parrots usually rest in a small safe area each night called a roost. When the parrots wake, they go out foraging for food. This type of behavior can be recreated in captivity.
First, the parrot owner should have two cages. The first should be a smaller cage in a quiet dark area away from nighttime activity where the bird can sleep. A basic water bowl and small food bowl are fine for this habitat. The second cage should be much larger with a water bowl, toys, and a place to set up a foraging station. Having two cages helps the bird know when it is time to sleep and time to forage and play. It will also allow the owner to handle and interact with them daily. Parrots can be trained to forage in small steps, starting by hiding some treats in a food puzzle or paper wrapping. Over the next few months, the parrot owner can slowly transition them to eat not just treats in the foraging stations, but the main diet as well, with the end goal being 100% of the diet being foraged. This can be challenging for both owner and parrot, but the end result will make for a much happier pet and owner!
In summary, all-seed diets are not ideal for parrots; they should feed primarily on pellet diets with fresh vegetables and fruit. Foraging and roosting are excellent ways to help enrich your parrots' daily routine, allowing them to live long happy lives.
Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone at 845-876-6008, or by e-mail at [email protected].
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With warmest regards,
Your friends at Rhinebeck Animal Hospital