Suppertime With the Flock

Well, the baby Sun Conures have all found new homes.  We are still hand-feeding one, but it has a deposit on it.  I believe that all three are going to have good forever homes and that is very important to us.  We like to meet the families that our birds are going to and try to ensure that they know how to care for their new babies.  After we spend so much of our love and time with a baby, I like to try to make sure that it is going to the right home.  I know that you can't ever guarantee that, but most times after you sit down and talk to people for awhile, you can tell if they are serious, or if the bird is just going to be a passing fad. 

We always try to emphasize that a parrot is a long-term commitment, you can't just buy it this week and then forget about it next week.  Birds of all kinds are very social creatures.  They need interaction with their "flock" in order to live happy and healthy lives.  Once you add a bird to your home, you become their "flock".  They need daily time out of their cage with the family, being part of the family.  Playing with you on your computer, watching TV with the family or even eating supper right along with the family.  Many parrots eat supper with their families.  My Jenday Conure Mischief eats with us every night.  (Just be careful what they get to eat!)   There are many recipes online for Birdie Bread and articles to explain how to sprout.  Do a search and check some of them out.

We wean all of our babies onto ABBA feed and Zupreem FruitBlend.  This is what we believe is the best staple nutrition.  But there are many other foods that are good for birds as well.  They do not eat the same exact food day in and day out in the wild.  I am going to give you some ideas on some of the good things to feed your parrot first.  (In addition to it's staple diet.)  Then, we will go into the No-Nos.


Birds need a lot of proteins to maintain their maximum good health.  These proteins can be found in such foods as:  eggs and other animal proteins, garbanzo beans, lentils, soy beans, pinto beans, red kidney beans, split peas, and white kidney beans.  Other sources of proteins include chicken and fish. Yogurt and cottage cheese (in moderation) and meats can be fed as sources of protein as well.
Nuts are high in fat and proteins.  These are perhaps the best "snack food" that we can give our friends.  Mischief loves his cashews, and Miss Kitty and Lil' Bit love pistachios.

Birds also love fruits and vegetables.  However, do not let this comprise a large part of their diet.  Broccoli, carrots, celery, cooked potatoes, corn, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, squash, banana, plums, melon, apricots, papaya, pineapple, grapes, mango and peaches are all good to feed to your bird.  You can feed greens, such as kale, dandelion, endive, spinach, collards and other leafy greens of deep color.  However, feed greens in moderation and check the stool for diarrhea.


There are many foods that your parrot friend can eat with you, be sure to check on the Internet or ask your avian vet if they are safe first.


Now the No-Nos:

Most parrot people already know that birds CAN'T have avocado and chocolate.  Avocado can cause cardiac distress and eventual heart failure in pet birds.  Chocolate poisoning first affects the bird’s digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. As the condition progresses, the bird’s central nervous system is affected, causing seizures and eventually death.

The core and seeds of the apple have trace amounts of cyanide in them.  I have even heard issues on TV about the trace amounts of cyanide in apple juice.  Make sure that you carefully wash and core any apple that you give your bird.

Excessive consumption of onions causes vomiting, diarrhea, and a host of other digestive problems. It has been found that prolonged exposure can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, which is followed by respiratory distress and eventual death.  Never give your bird onions.

Alcohol depresses the organ systems of birds and can be fatal. Make sure that your bird stays safe by securing him in his cage whenever alcohol is served in your home.

Caffeinated drinks, such as sodas, coffee and tea, can be extremely hazardous to your bird. Caffeine causes cardiac malfunction in birds, and is associated with increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyperactivity, and cardiac arrest. Instead, share a nice fruit drink with your bird. It is better for you and him.

Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and have been known to cause digestive upset in companion birds. Caps and stems of some varieties can cause liver failure. All sources say to stay away from mushrooms.

Tomatoes, like potatoes and other nightshades, have a tasty fruit that is fine when used as a treat for your bird. The stems, vines and leaves, however, are highly toxic to your pet. Make sure that any time you offer your bird a tomato treat it has been properly cleaned and sliced, with the green parts removed, so that your bird will avoid exposure to any toxins.

Too much salt can lead to a wide variety of health problems in birds. Including excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and death. Be sure to limit the amount of salty food that you give your bird. (Example – Junk Food)

This is by no means a complete list. If you are unsure, read the label, seek more information from the maker, or consult your Avian Vet. When in doubt, do not use!

 In a life-and-death situation when every minute counts for an animal, you can call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour emergency information at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). Website: National Animal Poisoning Control Center  http://www.napcc.aspca.org/