Dinner Time*
The most important statement we can make here is �Parrots do not live by seed alone!� This is the biggest mistake novice parrot owners make. Most parrot species eat a wide variety of foods. Most avian vets agree that pellets PLUS fruits, veggies & grains make a well-balanced diet. Try to stick to 1/3 seed, 1/3 pellets, 1/3 fresh fruits & vegetables & grain (rice, barley, etc)
Unless your parrot eats only pellets (which would be kind of boring for so intelligent an animal), they must have DAILY vitamin supplementation. Calcium supplementation once a week (more often if they are breeders). Powdered vitamins that you sprinkle on soft foods or wet veggies are the best kind to use, as the type you put in their drinking water can quickly grow some really nasty bacteria. If you must use the water soluble vitamins you should also use Saniclens in the water and should wash water dishes thoroughly with soap and water daily. Note: Birds from Australia (parakeets, cockatiels, cockatoos, and some finch species) also need iodine supplementation (LiquiKelp) in their water. A good source for bird vitamins, Saniclens, LiquiKelp, etc., is www.birds2grow.com.
(Liquid vitamins from pet stores are considered practically worthless by most avian vets, although Prime powder which is carried at some stores is considered a good vitamin. Possibly your avian vet can supply good vitamins & calcium supplements.)
You may think vitamins are not important, but if you compare birds that are given vitamins and those who aren't, their feather condition is remarkably different, and many behavioral issues are caused by nutritional deficiencies. Adding vitamins to your bird's diet is not very much extra expense or work, so please keep your bird in tiptop health by giving it proper nutrition and vitamin supplementation.
Some foods your parrot will enjoy are:
� Brown rice
� Barley
� Oats
� Pasta
� Beans (especially soy which are very healthy)
� Broccoli
� Carrots
� Sweet potatoes
� Brussels sprouts
� Apples
� Oranges
� Cooked chicken
� Boiled eggs & shell
� Cheese & yogurt
Some good treats:
� Unsalted popcorn
� Pine nuts
� Unsalted peanuts (These nuts should be given sparingly as they are high in fat).
� Walnuts
POISONOUS to your parrot:
� Milk
� Sugar
� Salt
� Avocado
� Many fruit seeds
� Broad or runner beans
� Mushrooms
� Parsnips
� Caffeine
� Carbonated Drinks
� Chocolate
This is by no means a complete list of what a parrot can or cannot eat. It is a start until you have time to continue your reading. Just remember, if you want your parrot to live as long as possible, you must feed him properly or you will injure his health and shorten his life.
* This advice pertains to all parrots except Lorikeets. They require a somewhat different diet than other hookbills.
(Lists of poisonous foods & plants plus some other dangers are at the end of this booklet.)