NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Most companion pet birds are seed eaters. In addition to seed, pet birds require iodine, Vitamin A and calcium.
Manufacturers of seed mixes supplement their seed mixtures to provide a balanced diet. Most seeds do not contain enough calcium and rickets can occur if an un-supplemented seed mix is fed. Find out more about food for birds below.
Minerals are very important to birds to maintain their skeleton and can be provided in the form of mineral blocks, cuttlefish bones or oyster shells.
The most important essential fatty acid for birds is linoleic acid – deficiencies can cause skin problems and poor feather development.
During the breeding season when seed eaters are feeding young they may take some higher protein manufactured ‘soft’ foods – many of which are egg based. The protein requirement of birds may also increase during growth, or at moulting time.
Softbills tend to be kept by more experienced bird keepers. These bird species have specific nutritional needs, depending on whether they are insectivorous, carnivorous, nectivorous (nectar feeders), frugivorous (fruit eaters), or omnivorous.
Food for Birds
• loose seeds
• unsupplemented seed mixes
• supplemented seed mixes
• supplemented seed based diets
• manufactured diet
