Natural Vitamins
Making sure that your parrot has a healthy parrot diet and good nutrition is one of the best things you can do to make sure your bird stays healthy. Poor nutrition can mean a life cut in half. It could even be a life full of pain and misery for sure. Even birds that live on an “adequate parrot diet” can end up having a myriad of health problems including liver disease, feather disorders, respiratory problems and other issues.
So many parrot owners believe that bird seed and water is the perfect parrot diet. Seed has been considered the standard for so long that many owners believe that is all it takes to provide a healthy and balanced nutritional diet for their birds. But make no mistake about it – it takes a lot more than that.
Dietary Requirements
What’s the perfect parrot diet made up of for your particular bird? Well that is a matter for debate. The fact is that most research that has been done has been based on poultry. Parrots have not been studied nearly as much as poultry and for good reason. Parrots live in the wild in a wide variety of climates all over the world. It will be a long time before we have sound information on even the common varieties of birds.
Nutritional Disorders
Vitamin A deficiency is the most common problem resulting from a poor parrot diet. Neither seed nor pellet food has enough vitamin A for your bird. The answer lies in leafy greens, green vegetables and most orange fruits and vegetables that have sufficient vitamin A to help solve the problem. You just have to get your bird to eat them.
If you get your bird on a good healthy parrot diet of fruits and greens, the disorder can be easily reversed. Be careful of vitamin supplements that you might find at your local pet store. It’s very easy to overdose your bird on these and cause harmful toxicity. It’s better to load them up on fruits and vegetables. The other common deficiency from a poor parrot diet is low calcium levels. This can cause lowered immunity, seizures and feather picking. Again calcium rich foods like almonds, carrots, kale and watergrass will help. You can get a liquid calcium supplement and add it to the bird’s water a few times a week. I wouldn’t use this unless a veterinarian had tested your parrot and found it had low calcium.
So many parrot owners believe that bird seed and water is the perfect parrot diet. Seed has been considered the standard for so long that many owners believe that is all it takes to provide a healthy and balanced nutritional diet for their birds. But make no mistake about it – it takes a lot more than that.
Dietary Requirements
What’s the perfect parrot diet made up of for your particular bird? Well that is a matter for debate. The fact is that most research that has been done has been based on poultry. Parrots have not been studied nearly as much as poultry and for good reason. Parrots live in the wild in a wide variety of climates all over the world. It will be a long time before we have sound information on even the common varieties of birds.
Nutritional Disorders
Vitamin A deficiency is the most common problem resulting from a poor parrot diet. Neither seed nor pellet food has enough vitamin A for your bird. The answer lies in leafy greens, green vegetables and most orange fruits and vegetables that have sufficient vitamin A to help solve the problem. You just have to get your bird to eat them.
If you get your bird on a good healthy parrot diet of fruits and greens, the disorder can be easily reversed. Be careful of vitamin supplements that you might find at your local pet store. It’s very easy to overdose your bird on these and cause harmful toxicity. It’s better to load them up on fruits and vegetables. The other common deficiency from a poor parrot diet is low calcium levels. This can cause lowered immunity, seizures and feather picking. Again calcium rich foods like almonds, carrots, kale and watergrass will help. You can get a liquid calcium supplement and add it to the bird’s water a few times a week. I wouldn’t use this unless a veterinarian had tested your parrot and found it had low calcium.
PARROT FOOD FULL OF GOODNESS
FRUITS/MELONS/BERRIES
BEANS (Legumes)
NUTS
GRAINS/PASTAS
SEEDS
- Pineapple- Good source of Vit C, Vit B1 and Manganese
- Cherry- Contain Antioxidants
- Grapes- Good for the Kidneys, Vit C, Thiamin and Potassium, Vit B6 & Antioxidants
- Papaya- High in Vit C & contains Papain that helps with digestion
- Mango- Vit A, Niacin, Vit C and Potassium
- Persimmons- Vit C, Iron, Potassium, and Phosphorus
- Kiwi- Potassium and Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium, Copper & Phosphorus
- Oranges- High in Vit C and Potassium
- Grapefruit- Vit C
- Tangerine- Vit C, Beta-Carotene, Vit B1, B2, B3, Magnesium & Potassium
- Peach- Vit A, Riboflavin and Potassium
- Necterines- Vit A and Niacin
- Dates- Potassium and Niacin
- Fig- Iron and Potassium
- Palm Hearts- Iron, Calcium, Vit C, Protein, Riboflavin, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Phosphorus, Manganese & Magnesium
- Apples- Helps keep the Liver and Digestion healthy. Good source of Antioxidants
- Coconuts- Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Protein
- Guavas- Vit A, B, C and Calcium
- Passionfruit- Vit C,A, Iron and calcium
- Horned Melon- Magnesium, Vit C, Iron, and Vit B6
- Starfruit- Vit A, C, Iron and Antioxidants
- Pears- Potassium
- Plums- Vit C, Potassium and Antioxidants
- Strawberries- Vit C and Potassium
- Rasberries- Vit C and Vit A
- Cranberries- Good for the Kidneys. Vit C, Manganese and Antioxidants
- Blackberries- Ascorbic Acid
- Bluberries- Vit C, Manganese, Vit E and Antioxidants
- Watermelon- Vit A, C, Potassium, Thiamin and Phosphorus
- Honeydew- Vit C, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Calcium
- Canteloupe- Vit A, C and Potassium, Vit B6, Folate & Niacin
- Banana- Potassium, Roboflavin and Vit B6
- Pomegranate- Vit C and Great for the Kidneys
- Kale- Vit A
- Mustard Greens- Vit A and Calcium
- Collard Greens- Vit A, C, Calcium, Potassium and Riboflavin
- Dandelion Greens- Vit A, C, Iron and Calcium
- Carrots- Vit A(Beta-Carotene) and Potassium & Antioxidants
- Broccoli- Vit A, Selenium, Riboflavin and Ascorbic Acid & Zinc
- Zucchini- Vit A, Potassium, Niacin and Selenium
- Sweet Potatoes/Yams- Vit A, B6 and Niacin (must be cooked/steamed
- Bell Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals. Helps circulation & promotes Clotting
- Cayenne Peppers- Vit A, C, B-Complex, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Capsicum. Good Anti-Inflamatory and good for Arthritis. Also great for the immune system
- Jalepeño Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals. Helps circulation & promotes Clotting
- Banana Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals. Helps circulation & promotes Clotting
- Cherry Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals. Helps circulation &promotes Clotting
- Tomatoes- Vit A & Ascorbic Acid. Contains Antioxidants
- Tomatillos- Vit A and Vit C
- Cauliflower- Potassium & Vit C
- Corn- Vit A, Amino acids and Lutein. Good for Vision and the Cardiovascular system
- Chard- Vit A, C and Iron. Detoxifies, benefits blood
- Peas- Vit A, Phosphorus, Thiamin, Niacin & Protein
- Pea Pods- Vit A, Phosphorus, Thiamin & Protein
- Escarole- Folate, Vit A, and Vit K
- Okra- Vit A, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Folic Acid
- Beets & Beet Greens- Vit A, Potassium, Thiamin and Riboflavin
- Green/Yellow Beans- Vit A and Potassium, Vit C, K, Manganese, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Niacin, Protein & Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Pumpkin- Vit A, C, Calcium and Iron
- Squash- Vit A, Potassium, Niacin and Selenium
- Spinach- Vit A and Potassium. Use in moderation as too much can "bind" Calcium in the system
- Parsley- Vit A, C, K, Chlorine, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium & an incomplete Protein. Helps to cleanse the Kidneys
- Turnip Greens- Vit A and Calcium
- Asparagus- Folacin, Potassium, Vit C, Thiamin, VitA and Vit B6
- Alfalfa Sprouts- Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Carotene
- Broccoli Sprouts- Contains Antioxidants
- Bean Sprouts-
- Mung Bean Sprouts- Protein, Iron and Vit C
- Adzuki Sprouts- Protein, Iron and Vit C
BEANS (Legumes)
- Soy- Protein, Amino Acids, Calcium, Folic Acid and Iron
- White Northern- Potassium, Protein, Iron and Calcium
- Black Eyed- Protein, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Niacin, Folate, Zinc and Pantothenic Acid
- Pinto- protein, Iron, Potassium, Selenium and Folate
- Butter- Potassium, Protein, Iron and Calcium
- Garbanzo- Folate, Vit E, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Calcium
- Kidney- Folate, Amino Acids, Protein, Manganese, Iron, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium and Vit B1, K
- Lentil- Iron, Protein and Folic Acid
- Adzuki-Protein,magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc copper, manganese and vitamin B3, potassium
- Mung- Protein,Vit C, Vit K, Riboflavin, Folate, Copper, Manganese, Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Vit B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassiumino Acids,
NUTS
- Almonds- Calcium, Vit B6, Phosphorus, Protein and Potassium
- Cashews- Copper, Magnesium, Amino Acids, Protein and Phosphorus
- Pistachio- Vit A, Potassium, Calcium, Thiamin, Protein and Phosphorus
- Walnut- Vit A, Protein and Potassium
- Palm- Vit A, Vit E complex, Protein
- Pecan- Vit A, Protein and Calcium
- Brazil- Phosphorus, Potassium and Protein
- Macadamia- Potassium and Protein
- Filberts/Hazelnut- Protein, Amino Acids, Iron, Calcium and Vit C
- Pine- Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Vit E, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Iron
GRAINS/PASTAS
- Whole Wheat Breads- Thiamin, Folic Acid, Iron and Niacin * High in Sodium
- Barley- Iron, Thiamin, Niacin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin and Protein
- Oats- Protein, Iron and Calcium
- Oats Groats- Protein, Iron and Calcium
- Buckwheat- Manganese, Amino Acids and Magnesium
- Quinoa- Phosphorus, Iron, Protein and Riboflavin
- Brown Rice- Protein and Iron
- Pearled Red Wheat- Protein, Essential Fatty Acids, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc, Vit B6, E, Folate, Vit K, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Beta-Carotene & Lutein
- Pearled Durum Wheat- SEE Pearled Red Wheat
- Wheat Pastas- Protein, Iron and Vit A
- Pastini- Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Iron
- Thin Egg Noodles- Protein, Folic Acid, Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin, Iron & Calcium
- Couscous- Protein, Iron and Vit A
- Whole Wheat- Iron and Protein
- Wheat Berries- Iron and Protein
- Rye Berries- Iron and Protein
- Pasta(assorted durum semolina)- Niacin, Folic Acid, Iron, Thiamin, and Riboflavin
- Amaranth- Protein, Amino Acids, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Vit C
- Kamut- Protein, Amino Acids, Vit E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zic, Pantothentic Acid and Copper
- Spelt- Manganese, Phosphorus, Niacin, Magnesium, Protein and Copper
SEEDS
- Pumpkin- Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Amino Acids, Iron, Calcium, Copper, Vit K, Zinc & Protein. Good Gland Healers
- Sunflower- Vit E, B1, B5, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Amino Acids, Selenium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Folate. High in Fat
- Flax- Protein, Iron, Calcium and Essential Fatty Acids
- Millet Spray- Niacin, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium & Zinc
- Canary Grass Seed-
- White Millet- Niacin, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium & Zinc
- Hemp Seed- Essential Amino Acids, Essential Fatty Acids, Vit E, Iron, Calcium, & Zinc VERY NUTRITIOUS
- Safflower Seed- Protein, Iron, Thiamin, Vit B6, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese
- Thistle
- Poppy
- MEATS, Etc ( use in moderation, some species need more than others)
- Hard-boiled Eggs/With Shells- Protein, Vit A, D3 and Calcium
- Chicken Breast- Protein and Zinc
- Yogurt- Calcium, Protein and beneficial Bacteria
- Turkey Breast- Protein and Zinc
SUNFLOWER PARROT MIXES - THE FACTS
Sunflower seeds have earned a bad reputation in the aviculture world. These seeds are labeled as fattening, and often blamed as the leading cause to serious health problems (like Nutritional Disorders, Fatty Liver Disease, Thyroid Dysplasia and Obesity) in parrots.
We often get advises from experienced aviculturists, telling us to avoid feeding sunflower seeds to our parrots, because these are unhealthy and lacks in nutritional value. Are sunflower seeds really bad for parrots?
I decided to find about the nutritional fact of sunflower seeds. I was totally dumb-founded with my findings.
Do you know sunflower seeds are excellent sources of various vitamins and minerals?
Sunflower seeds are actually a good source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iron and Zinc and a very good source of Vitamin E
1. Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
Vitamin E (also known as Alpha Tocopherol) is actually a fat soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is also an important element in reproductive hormones. Deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to health problems in parrots like poor fertility, appear lethargic, muscle disorders, poor skin and plumage conditions.
2. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine) is a water soluble vitamin helps in the break down of proteins. Deficiency in Vitamin B6 can lead to poor growth, loss of appetite and poor egg production.
3. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Vitamin B1 (also known as Thiamin) is also a water soluble vitamin in the vitamin B complex group. It helps to maintain a healthy nervous systems in parrots. Deficiency in Vitamin B1 can lead to loss of appetite, lethargy, seizures and even death.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium serves several important functions in parrots. It helps in the relaxation and contraction of the muscle. An important element for the production of proteins, and converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. Deficiency in Magnesium can lead to poor growth, lethargy and even death.
5. Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral for proper growth. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Deficiency in Potassium can result in poor growth rate and kidney disorders.
6. Phosphorus
Phosphorous is an important mineral needed for proper growth and bone formation. Deficiency in Phosphorous can result in bone problems.
7. Copper
Copper is an important mineral that helps in the formation of red blood cells and also keeping the blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones healthy. Deficiency in Copper can lead to anemia and bone deformities.
8. Manganese
Manganese is an essential mineral that helps in the formation of strong healthy bones. Deficiency in Manganese can lead to bones problems.
9. Selenium
Selenium helps create antioxidant enzymes that helps preventing and repairing damage cells. Deficiency in Selenium may impair the reproduction system.
10. Iron
Iron is an important mineral needed to make the oxygen-carrying proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin. Deficiency in Iron can result in anemia.
11. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral. It plays a vital role in wound healing, regulation of blood-sugar and strengthening the immune system. Deficiency in Zinc can lead to slow and poor growth, and poor feather conditions.
Other than vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of protein and dietary fibre. Traces of linoleic acid are also found in sunflower seeds. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid. It is an important element for proper growth, wound healing and reproduction.
Although sunflower seeds are high in fat, if we learn to offer sparingly and cautiously at limited amounts, it can be an ideal supplement to the parrots’ daily nutritional needs without affecting the health.
We often get advises from experienced aviculturists, telling us to avoid feeding sunflower seeds to our parrots, because these are unhealthy and lacks in nutritional value. Are sunflower seeds really bad for parrots?
I decided to find about the nutritional fact of sunflower seeds. I was totally dumb-founded with my findings.
Do you know sunflower seeds are excellent sources of various vitamins and minerals?
Sunflower seeds are actually a good source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iron and Zinc and a very good source of Vitamin E
1. Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
Vitamin E (also known as Alpha Tocopherol) is actually a fat soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is also an important element in reproductive hormones. Deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to health problems in parrots like poor fertility, appear lethargic, muscle disorders, poor skin and plumage conditions.
2. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine) is a water soluble vitamin helps in the break down of proteins. Deficiency in Vitamin B6 can lead to poor growth, loss of appetite and poor egg production.
3. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Vitamin B1 (also known as Thiamin) is also a water soluble vitamin in the vitamin B complex group. It helps to maintain a healthy nervous systems in parrots. Deficiency in Vitamin B1 can lead to loss of appetite, lethargy, seizures and even death.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium serves several important functions in parrots. It helps in the relaxation and contraction of the muscle. An important element for the production of proteins, and converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. Deficiency in Magnesium can lead to poor growth, lethargy and even death.
5. Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral for proper growth. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Deficiency in Potassium can result in poor growth rate and kidney disorders.
6. Phosphorus
Phosphorous is an important mineral needed for proper growth and bone formation. Deficiency in Phosphorous can result in bone problems.
7. Copper
Copper is an important mineral that helps in the formation of red blood cells and also keeping the blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones healthy. Deficiency in Copper can lead to anemia and bone deformities.
8. Manganese
Manganese is an essential mineral that helps in the formation of strong healthy bones. Deficiency in Manganese can lead to bones problems.
9. Selenium
Selenium helps create antioxidant enzymes that helps preventing and repairing damage cells. Deficiency in Selenium may impair the reproduction system.
10. Iron
Iron is an important mineral needed to make the oxygen-carrying proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin. Deficiency in Iron can result in anemia.
11. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral. It plays a vital role in wound healing, regulation of blood-sugar and strengthening the immune system. Deficiency in Zinc can lead to slow and poor growth, and poor feather conditions.
Other than vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of protein and dietary fibre. Traces of linoleic acid are also found in sunflower seeds. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid. It is an important element for proper growth, wound healing and reproduction.
Although sunflower seeds are high in fat, if we learn to offer sparingly and cautiously at limited amounts, it can be an ideal supplement to the parrots’ daily nutritional needs without affecting the health.
PHYTONUTRIENTS
Buddy - Mohsin Khan, India
Vegetables, fruits, grains and seeds contain phytonutrients. These are neither vitamins nor minerals but are instead pigments with names like "anthocyanins" that give foods their color. It is being proven in clinical trials that these phytonutrients boost the immune system and help the body to heal itself and to prevent or possibly to cure some cancers.
Scientists are finding that foods once considered to be low in nutritional value are actually packed with powerful antioxidants. In numbers of studies, these antioxidant pigments have been found to reduce heart disease, cancer, and other ailments that are the result of oxidative damage.For example, anthrocyanins, the pigment found in berries such as blueberries, plums, and cherries, are believed to relieve arthritis and to boost brain power. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, helps to prevent prostate cancer. Alpha and beta carotenes that occur in orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, and cantaloupe ward off lung cancer. Zeaxanthin, which is found in egg yolks, spinach, and corn protects vision. Another pigment which has been found to preserve eyesight is lutein which occurs in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens.
So what does this have to do with birds?
Birds (other than strictly carnivorous or insectivorous species) in the wild eat a large variety of fresh plant material. They eat lot of colorful fruits and berries from tropical trees, young green leafy shoots, tree bark, tubers etc. that vary from season to season. Birds often fly great distances to search out seasonal fruits. Gut contents from birds caught in the wild show that they eat a large variety of such foodstuffs. I guarantee you there are no pellet trees in the wild. Pellets are processed food, no matter the brand, no matter how organic, no matter how they are stored, no matter WHAT! Processed food has all the life oxidized, ground, heated, pressurized, and extruded out of it. Often synthetic vitamins are added to give these pellets "nutritional value" so that these vitamins can be listed on the label to reassure the consumer that the birds will be getting complete nutrition. Sure, these pellets will probably keep the bird alive but do they provide complete nutrition? It is strongly believed that they DO NOT and CANNOT! Phytonutrients boost the immune systems of people and birds and help us to ward off illness (bacterial, fungal, and viral), degenerative disease, and to keep our organs functioning well, thus helping us to live longer!
There have been some studies that have shown that organisms often considered pathogenic can be found in healthy appearing wild-caught birds. Why don't these "bad organisms" cause disease in these wild birds? The difference between wild birds and captive ones is that the wild ones are eating fresh natural foods that contain the phytonutrients they need to keep their immune systems healthy and able to repel infections.
Scientists are finding that foods once considered to be low in nutritional value are actually packed with powerful antioxidants. In numbers of studies, these antioxidant pigments have been found to reduce heart disease, cancer, and other ailments that are the result of oxidative damage.For example, anthrocyanins, the pigment found in berries such as blueberries, plums, and cherries, are believed to relieve arthritis and to boost brain power. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, helps to prevent prostate cancer. Alpha and beta carotenes that occur in orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, and cantaloupe ward off lung cancer. Zeaxanthin, which is found in egg yolks, spinach, and corn protects vision. Another pigment which has been found to preserve eyesight is lutein which occurs in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens.
So what does this have to do with birds?
Birds (other than strictly carnivorous or insectivorous species) in the wild eat a large variety of fresh plant material. They eat lot of colorful fruits and berries from tropical trees, young green leafy shoots, tree bark, tubers etc. that vary from season to season. Birds often fly great distances to search out seasonal fruits. Gut contents from birds caught in the wild show that they eat a large variety of such foodstuffs. I guarantee you there are no pellet trees in the wild. Pellets are processed food, no matter the brand, no matter how organic, no matter how they are stored, no matter WHAT! Processed food has all the life oxidized, ground, heated, pressurized, and extruded out of it. Often synthetic vitamins are added to give these pellets "nutritional value" so that these vitamins can be listed on the label to reassure the consumer that the birds will be getting complete nutrition. Sure, these pellets will probably keep the bird alive but do they provide complete nutrition? It is strongly believed that they DO NOT and CANNOT! Phytonutrients boost the immune systems of people and birds and help us to ward off illness (bacterial, fungal, and viral), degenerative disease, and to keep our organs functioning well, thus helping us to live longer!
There have been some studies that have shown that organisms often considered pathogenic can be found in healthy appearing wild-caught birds. Why don't these "bad organisms" cause disease in these wild birds? The difference between wild birds and captive ones is that the wild ones are eating fresh natural foods that contain the phytonutrients they need to keep their immune systems healthy and able to repel infections.