A first-time pet bird owner may be overwhelmed by the vast assortment of seeds, seed treats and other items that are sold on the market as "bird food". The fact is, birds need more than seed-type "bird seed" to stay healthy.

Although the specific nutritional requirements for all pet species have not been determined, it is known that birds require basically the same nutrients in their diets as other animals do. The task of properly feeding a bird can be simplified if one takes into account the Basic Four Food Groups that have been developed as a guide for human dietary habits. Using altered proportions, one can select representative food products from each of the Basic Four Food Groups for birds.

Pet birds are most often fed diets that are deficient in vitamin A. Some foods that are of particular value to include in the diet are suggested.

1. BREADS AND CEREALS [GRAINS] GROUP 

Approximately 50% of the daily food consumption may be selected from this food group that includes seeds. Because many B vitamins are contained in the seed hulls (which the bird does not eat), other foods from this Group are also valuable to provide. Cooked brown rice Other whole grain products Whole grain bread Commercial monkey biscuit

2. FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUITS GROUP VEGETABLES alone may account for approximately 45% of the dietary' intake. Vegetables with high vitamin-A content include: Broccoli, Pumpkin, Endive, Winter Squash, Carrots, Collard Greens, and Sweet Potatoes.

Fruits can be offered in limited amounts. Fruits, in combination with the remaining two Food Groups (Protein and Dairy), make up approximately 5% of the daily intake. High vitamin A-containing fruits include: Papaya, Cantaloupe, Apricots

3. PROTEIN GROUP 

Beef, Tuna or other fish, chicken, peanut butter, peanuts or other mature legumes (e.g., cooked navy beans, kidney beans) Hard-cooked egg (boil egg for at least 20 minutes to kill any Salmonella bacteria the egg may contain. Put entire egg, including shell, into a blender and chop well. The egg shell is a good source of dietary calcium.

4. DAIRY GROUP 

Excessive consumption of milk products by birds is not advised, so the calcium needs must be provided through other means (although birds do enjoy small amounts of yogurt, cottage cheese, and hard cheeses). The greater the consumption off seeds in the diet, the higher the need for supplementary calcium. This is most easily met by mineral supplements in the form of: Mineral block Cuttlebone Oyster shell If a bird refuses to eat the above items, calcium supplementation (crushed tablets, liquid or powder) may be mixed with other foods.

* Gradually reduce the total volume of seed offered as consumption of other foods increases.

* For adult birds, try offering cups of fresh food twice daily for 15-20 minute time periods rather than leaving food in cage all day.

* ALL food and water cups should be cleaned daily and spilled food removed from the cage.

* Supplemental vitamins may be recommended by your avian veterinarian

* Some food forms can occasionally help provide sources of activity for the bird (i.e. whole nuts, berries, buds and leaves, corn on the cob, pine cones, coconuts)

Pelleted bird diets are appealing alternatives for busy families who have little time to prepare fresh foods daily for their pet birds, or for birds that resist eating a large variety of foods. Converting a bird that is accustomed to a seed diet to pellets must be done with care as a pellet may not be immediately recognized as a food source. Once the conversion is accomplished, pellets have the additional advantage of being dust and hull-free, and are available in medicated forms should your bird ever get sick. Your veterinarian can recommend a reliable commercial producer of formulated diets for birds.

DR. SAM VAUGHN DOES NOT RECOMMEND FOR ANY GRIT TO BE GIVEN! SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Lories, lorikeets, and related species require specialized diets in captivity, one of which simulates nectar. Alternately, a formula mix that contains known essential nutrients can be offered dry or moist, and can be supplemented daily or several times a week with fresh fruits and vegetables, pollen, seeds, meal worms, and branches with fresh leaves and blossoms.

Toucans and mynah birds appear to require higher levels of protein than parrots, thus they may need more supplementation from the Protein Group. Currently, commercial pellets for mynah birds are not thought to adequately meet their nutritional needs.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863