Guide: parrots and exotic birds
What to buy
- ZOO-BOX for budgerigars 750 g: Premium mix for budgerigars.
- food for canaries: Food for canaries.
- Megi Complete mix for parrots: Complete mix for parrots.
In this article
What should I feed a parrot every day?
Food matched to the species and size of the bird, supplemented with washed vegetables and fruit4. The RSPCA states that vegetables and fruit should make up about a quarter of the diet1.
In the shop the foods are described by the size of the bird, e.g. ZOO-BOX for budgerigars or a mix for a large parrot. Choose the portion according to the label.
Give fresh food every day in small amounts, but do not leave it in the cage for long, because it spoils4. VCA recommends removing vegetables and fruit after a few hours at most, especially on warm days2.
How should I give a parrot a seed mix?
A fresh portion every day, in a clean bowl, and always together with vegetables and fruit1,4. Wash the bowls every day in hot water with washing-up liquid and dry them thoroughly4.
The RSPCA points out that parrots pick the fattiest seeds out of a mix1. So do not top up a new portion on top of the leftovers: tip out the husks and give fresh food.
Every day: a fresh portion of food, vegetables and fruit, and clean water.
You will find food for budgerigars, medium and large parrots and canaries in the category food for exotic birds.
How do I feed a budgerigar, cockatiel and canary?
Each species gets food prepared for it, plus an addition of vegetables and fruit1,2,3. VCA states that for a budgerigar and a cockatiel, vegetables and fruit are at most 20 to 25% of the daily diet2,3.
| Species | Food in the shop | Vegetables and fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar | mix for budgerigars | at most 20 to 25%2 |
| Cockatiel | mix for medium parrots | at most 20 to 25%3 |
| Canary | food for canaries | sources do not state |
VCA points out that budgerigars are prone to obesity and iodine deficiency2. Give them millet sprays in small amounts, once or twice a month2.
Canaries and finches often get a seed mix1. In the shop there is food for canaries, and for budgerigars a budgerigar mix.
At domowypupil.pl
-
For parrots
ZOO-BOX for budgerigars 750g
12,20 zł incl. VAT Add to basket -
For parrots
Budgerigar mix
from 8,71 zł incl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
For parrots
food for canaries
9,98 zł incl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Which vegetables and fruit should I give a parrot, and which not?
The RSPCA lists, among others, carrot, broccoli, peas, apples without pips, grapes, pomegranate and blueberries1. Remove apple pips, because they can be toxic to birds3.
- Never give avocado1,2.
- Do not give onion3.
- Very salty snacks, chocolate, products containing caffeine and alcohol are out2.
If you are not sure whether a particular food is suitable for your bird, ask a vet1.
Does a parrot need vitamins and water?
Water always, vitamins only on a vet's advice. Fresh, clean water should be available all the time, and in a bottle with a spout change it every day and check that it works2,4.
Give vitamin and mineral supplements only under the supervision of a vet who knows birds2. If a bird eats poorly, Merck recommends a visit to the vet to rule out illness4.
Wild birds outside your window are fed differently; we write about this in the guide what to feed birds in winter.
Key points
- Choose food to suit the species and size of the bird.
- Vegetables and fruit should make up about a quarter of the diet.
- Never give avocado.
- Wash the bowls every day and change the water every day.
Frequently asked questions
Can a budgerigar eat a seed mix?
Yes, choose a mix prepared for budgerigars and add vegetables and fruit every day. Give millet sprays only once or twice a month, because budgerigars are prone to obesity.
How many fruit and vegetables should I give a parrot?
The RSPCA states that washed vegetables and fruit should make up about a quarter of a parrot's food. For a budgerigar and a cockatiel VCA gives at most 20-25% of the daily diet.
What must I not give a parrot?
Never give avocado. Veterinary sources also list onion, chocolate, products containing caffeine, alcohol and very salty snacks.
How often should I wash a parrot's bowls?
Every day, in hot water with washing-up liquid, and then dry them thoroughly. Change the water in the bottle every day.
Sources
- RSPCA, "What to Feed Your Pet Bird", rspca.org.uk
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Budgies: Feeding", Gregory Rich, DVM, Laurie Hess, DVM, Rick Axelson, DVM, vcahospitals.com
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Cockatiels: Feeding", Gregory Rich, DVM, Laurie Hess, DVM, Rick Axelson, DVM, vcahospitals.com
- Merck Veterinary Manual (owners' version), "Feeding a Pet Bird", Laurie Hess, DVM, DABVP, merckvetmanual.com
Photos: photo: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, crop changed; photo: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, crop changed; photo: Charles Patrick Ewing, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, crop changed.
Prepared by the domowypupil.pl editorial team on the basis of the sources listed above. The article is for information only and does not replace the advice of a vet.
