Protein and your Parrot
Kaja By Paulina Szajek
Some cooked chicken, a chop bone or pieces of cooked meat and/or fish will provide your feathered friend with the animal protein they need.
Nuts are most needed by Macaws but all parrots will benefit from a few in their diet. Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Pine nuts, Almonds and hazel are all suitable but they must be suitable for human consumption. Remember too much salt is bad for your bird so no salted nuts!
Nuts are most needed by Macaws but all parrots will benefit from a few in their diet. Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Pine nuts, Almonds and hazel are all suitable but they must be suitable for human consumption. Remember too much salt is bad for your bird so no salted nuts!
Chicken Strips (Rarely as a treat)
Chicken is usually relished by African Greys. Roasted in its own juices like these breast fillets I prepared for my greys or boiled is a healthy way to add amino acids to your parrots diet! These breast fillets are great foot size peices but you can tear large chunks from any cut of chicken, just be sure to remove any small bones. =)
Fish
Cooking fish fingers for the kiddies? Some white boneless fish- baked or boiled is a fantastic way to add amino acids to your parrots diet! A baked fish finger is great and just the right size for you parrot to hold & nibble on!
Microwable bags of mixed veg & rice
Although fresh veggies probably contain a bit more goodness, these microwable bags of mixed veg & rice make a great quick fix meal for parrots- great as trial sizes for fussy eaters & saves on preparation time, so no excuses for not having time to prepare a healthy diet for your bird!
FEEDING PARROTS PEOPLE FOOD
Not only do most birds absolutely love sharing dinner with their human flock, fresh foods offer unsurpassed variety and nutrition as compared to commercial bird diets.
Unlike cats, dogs, and other pets, "human" food is actually good for pet birds, when prepared and fed correctly. In order to safely and successfully add fresh foods to your bird's diet, however, it'simportant to remember a few guidelines:
Raw is better than cooked. When feeding fresh fruits and vegetables to a bird, offer them raw. Cooking drains the food of precious nutrients that could benefit your feathered friend.
Unlike cats, dogs, and other pets, "human" food is actually good for pet birds, when prepared and fed correctly. In order to safely and successfully add fresh foods to your bird's diet, however, it'simportant to remember a few guidelines:
Raw is better than cooked. When feeding fresh fruits and vegetables to a bird, offer them raw. Cooking drains the food of precious nutrients that could benefit your feathered friend.
- *Skip the seasonings. Although a little crushed pepper usually doesn't hurt, salt some other seasonings can be extremely harmful to a pet bird. It's best to leave the flavor as nature intended it -- your bird will love it!
- *If cooking, cook wisely. If you do choose to feed your bird a cooked dish, pasta, for example, make sure to prepare it in cookware that does not have a non-stick coating. Stainless steel is preferred, as it won't contaminate the food.
- *Make sure the foods you offer aren't poisonous to birds. There are, in fact, some "people foods" that are toxic to pet birds, and should never be offered, not even as a treat. Be sure to know what these foods are so that you never serve them to your feathered friend.
- *Introduce fresh foods slowly. Some pet birds, particularly those used to seed and pellet diets, may not be interested in fresh foods right away. When introducing new foods, be sure to offer your bird his regular diet as well, to prevent possible weight loss and illness.
- By keeping these tips in mind, you should be able to safely incorporate a variety of fresh foods into your bird's diet. Your bird will benefit from the extra nutrients, and sharing meals with your pet can be a great bonding exercise, to boot.
- *If you find that your bird won't try fresh foods at first, don't be discouraged. Eat some of the food in front of your bird, and try being very expressive about how good it is. Once your bird notices how much you enjoy what you're eating, it will only be a matter of time before he or she is ready to take a bite. Cook safely, and happy dining!
