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3. MEAT
Less than 5% of the diet should be comprised of meat ( for protein and fat).
Suggestions: beef, chicken, tuna, other fish, hard-cooked or scrambled eggs, peanuts, navy beans, kidney beans.
4. DAIRY
Although birds will enjoy small amounts of yogurt, cottage cheese and hard cheese, overdoing is not suggested. The calcium needs must be met, especially if the bird is still consuming a lot of seeds.
Suggestions: cuttlebone, oyster shell, mineral block, calcium supplements added to food or water.
FRESH DAILY, CLEAN WATER MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES!
Some other food items that can be a source of fun for birds are:
whole nuts, berries, buds and leaves, pine cones, corn on the cob, coconuts.
Many people like to feed things fresh from the garden and yard. It is very important to remember to rinse these items thoroughly and to make sure they are pesticide and fertilizer free!
GRIT-There's still a lot of controversy as to whether or not a pet bird should be allowed grit. For most birds it is probably not necessary but a little now and then won't hurt.
INSECTS-Many finches and even larger birds will enjoy some live insects in their diet.
Finches, especially enjoy mealworms. Insects are a protein and fat source so make sure not to overdo.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS-The above information is designed for the most common pet birds, but there are others species that have very specific dietary requirements, such as, lories, lorikeets, toucans, mynahs and pekin robins. For these types and other special needs birds, please follow their own food guidelines.
CAGE-A clean cage is also very important for the health of your bird. Birds love to play with things they should not, including rotten food and their own droppings. The floor of the cage should be covered with something safe and easy to clean, such as:
paper towels- which can be changed daily and a good way to monitor the droppings for health changes
Carefresh shavings- a recycled virgin newspaper, which can be changed weekly and droppings and spoiled, soiled food removed daily.
Bird Country- rolled wheat grass pellets, which can be changed weekly and droppings and spoiled, soiled food removed daily.
We do not recommend corn cob bedding, which can, if moist, grow a fungus that can be very unhealthy for the birds' lungs.
IF THESE ITEMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WHERE YOU ARE, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO MAIL THEM TO YOU. JUST GIVE US A CALL.
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