Animal Diagnostic & Wellness Center

  11816 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617

813-985-2889     

 close to I-75,  University of South Florida, and New Tampa

board-certified specialist in dog and cat practice

 special interest in ferrets, rabbits, small mammals, and birds

Birds

NUTRITION

Specific dietary requirements for all species of companion birds have yet to be determined.  Some species have unique nutritional needs. For example, Quaker and Amazon parrots should have diets lower in fat and cholesterol; African Grey parrots and Conures have special calcium needs; and Macaws require a higher concentration of fatty acids as found in certain nuts (almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, and pecans).

Most pet birds are herbivores or granivores. This means that their digestive systems is specialized to extract protein and nutrients from plant material.   Animal proteins, such as meat and fish, may be harmful.  Insects are a complicated food item, not just protein but highly fibrous; and having gut contents containing vegetable matter, trace elements and vitamins.   Overloading with protein, especially animal protein, will lead to severe kidney dysfunction, gout, calcium/phosphorus imbalance, reproductive disorders, feather-picking, and death.

SEED DIETS are an unbalanced source of nutrition.  Seed has up to 58% fat, it is low in calcium, as well as sodium, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium, high (or low) in iodine, little or no Vitamin A, no vitamin D, low in vitamin K, riboflavin, niacin, B12 and pantothenic acid. There is an incorrect mineral balance for a bird’s needs and a high fat to protein ratio. Seeds also have a reverse calcium/phosphorus ratio which leads to decreased calcium absorption.  Reduced levels of vitamin A, a common problem with all-seed diets, alter the immune system and make a bird susceptible to severe bacterial, viral or fungal infections.   Seeds are very high in fat and low in almost every other nutrient.  Seeds should only be given as a treat, not as the primary diet.

PELLETED DIETS are readily available.   Some diets are designed to be a 50% diet (e.g., Scenic or Zeiglers). These should be fed as 50% of the diet and the other 50% should include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  
Diets such as Roudybush,,   LaFeber’s Nutri-An or Harrison’s Bird Diet   are designed to be fed as the sole diet.
They are believed to be nutritionally balanced and complete requiring no supplementation.  
GRIT OR GRAVEL  has been recommended in the past for minerals but is not is not necessary for most pet birds and may cause digestive problems and death.  Most current research has concluded that larger psittacine birds do not require grit at all. Their ventriculus or gizzard is very muscular and able to grind hulled seeds easily. Budgies and cockatiels may be offered a small amount of grit 2-3 times per year. The best sources of minerals (and vitamins) are a balanced diet and leafy greens.                            
If your bird is on a seed diet  DO NOT attempt to convert them to a different diet without consulting a veterinarian. Birds may not eat at all, become prone to infection, and can die if diet is changed suddenly.  
Never allow a bird to eat from your mouth. The natural bacteria in a bird’s mouth and a human’s mouth differ, and human bacteria are always pathogenic to birds.  Birds will greatly enjoy sharing dinner with their owners. They can eat most things that people should eat (healthy foods).  Never give "fortified" items with extra vitamins or minerals; especially human foods that have additional zinc. Some human enriched-products already have zinc levels that can be toxic to pet birds. Safe suggestions include: air-popped popcorn, toasted oat cereal, puffed wheat cereal, unsalted baked crackers, plain rice cakes, cooked rice or pasta.                                                 
                                                                                      

Birds have an elaorate respiratory system which makes them particularly susceptible to inhalants and fumes.  AVOID cigarette smoke, smoke, termite fumigation, hairspray, fireplace, window cleaners and other household cleaning products, perfumes and colognes, dryer fabric softener sheets, scented detergents, scented candles, art supplies (fixatives, pigments), new carpeting, carpet fresheners, new paint, aerosol sprays of any type,  and air fresheners.

                                   If you don't find what you're looking for try one of these links:   Avian Biotech     Pet Education

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