Many people have the mistaken belief that birds should eat an all-seed diet. The reality is quite different. Birds require varied vitamins, minerals, and protein sources to thrive––as other animal species. An all-seed diet harms them and will cause their health to decline. In this guide, we’ll examine the problems with an all-seed diet and reveal how to feed pet birds properly.
All-Seed Diets Don’t Benefit Pet Birds
All-seed diets are a big no-no for bird owners. There is a common but mistaken belief that birds don’t need to eat anything else. In the wild, they’ll eat insects, nuts, seeds, vegetation, and even smaller animals. Don’t forget that seeds contain high levels of carbohydrates and fats. They make a great treat for your feathered friends, but they shouldn’t be a core component of their diet. Too many seeds can cause obesity, heart problems, and vitamin deficiencies.
Many experts believe it’s better to completely avoid giving seeds to larger birds like scarlet macaws. This is because they’ll instinctively eat the seeds with the highest fat content. Outside of domestic settings, this makes sense because they need many calories to fly long distances. This isn’t necessary in captivity and can cause long-term problems.
Don’t worry about leaving seeds outside for wild birds, including finches and sparrows. They’ll likely draw from other food sources in addition to the seeds you provide.
Birds Enjoy Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Food Sources
A pet bird’s appropriate diet will depend on its species and size. High-quality pellets will form the core of its diet. This specially formulated base contains more nutrients and less fat than plain seeds. You can easily find bird pellets at your local pet shop as well as some hardware stores. Meanwhile, you can supplement your bird’s diet by giving it fruit and vegetables. Blueberries are an excellent choice because they contain high concentrations of vitamins and taste delicious. Deseeded apples and carrot slices are also great options.
Avoid giving avocados to birds because it’s very toxic for them. Smaller birds will enjoy some seeds but don’t overdo it; seeds should only comprise one-tenth of their diets. It’s crucial to do the research before bringing home new pets. Investigate the correct food for your specific species, so that they enjoy a healthy start to life in your care.
Signs Your Birds Are Eating Too Many Seeds
There are many signs that your pet birds may be eating too many seeds. Rapid weight gain is a big sign that there’s something wrong. Seeds contain high levels of fat, so there’s a significant obesity risk if you feed them too many. However, in some cases, the birds may suffer weight loss. This is because they’re not getting enough nutrients and need a more diverse diet. Dull feathers are another symptom. This usually means they’re lacking in Vitamin D3 and key amino acids. The feathers don’t have their regular vibrancy but are also less waterproof and incapable of flight.
Poor grooming is another sign of dietary problems. The birds may have a disheveled appearance or even suffer feather loss because they don’t feel healthy. You should also check your birds’ stools each day because this can indicate if they’re sick or not. If any changes last for more than a couple of days, you should bring them to an experienced avian vet.
All-Seed Diets Can Cause These Health Problems
All-seed diets can cause many health problems in birds, including:
- Obesity. This is one of the most common bird health issues and causes many further problems. The bird may become lethargic and suffer liver, kidney, and heart issues. In serious cases, it can even have fatal results.
- Nutritional deficiencies. Birds need many nutrients to stay healthy. For example, their feathers need a balance of amino acids and vitamins. These help them to stay waterproof and to fly. Seeds don’t provide these.
- Iodine deficiencies. Another common result of all-seed diets is iodine deficiencies. They cause swollen glands in the chest cavity. Known as goiter, this is a serious issue that changes the bird’s sound and can cause breathing problems. They may also regurgitate their food because it’s painful to swallow. You can counteract this by adding iodine to their water during the recovery period. Then, transition to a balanced diet!
How to Change a Bird’s Diet
It can be tricky to change a bird’s diet because they’re creatures of habit. They may resist it at first because the seeds taste like candy to a child. When altering their diet, sprinkle the new food over a mirror. They will see the reflected bird and may try to compete with it. You may also experiment with different pellet brands. Your pet parrot or cockatiel may have a stronger preference for one flavor.
It’s common for birds to regurgitate or ignore new food in the beginning. Don’t worry too much about this at first but keep track of their weight. Owners could also disguise the food with something tasty they already like such as peanut butter. It may take up to a month for a bird to transition to a new diet.
How Often Should I Feed Pet Birds?
Most people will feed their pet birds twice per day. For example, parrots will eat in the morning before roosting throughout the day. Then they’ll eat again in the evening. There could be ten to twelve hours between their meals. Don’t forget that there should be clean, fresh water available at all times for your pet bird regardless of their species. Pellet diets typically make birds thirstier, so be mindful. Seeds should only make a maximum of fifteen percent of a small bird’s diet – if you give them at all. Avoid giving them to bigger birds because there are healthier alternative treats.
