Wild birds can benefit from the nutrients in parakeet food, but it should be supplemented with other bird-friendly foods to maximize their nutrition.
Wild birds feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes. This variety of food keeps them healthy and content.
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Pellets
Wild birds rely on a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs. Pet birds also have complex dietary needs and may experience health issues if not fed the correct amounts of food.
Parakeet food typically consists of processed pellets and seeds designed to provide a balanced diet. Depending on the age of your pet, it may be best to mix this type of food with fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplements in order to guarantee they get all the essential nutrients they require.
Seeds should make up at least 25% of your pet’s daily food intake. Common seeds to feed your bird include niger, hemp, rape and millet.
Seed
Wild parakeets feed on a variety of seeds and grains, as well as fruits, flowers, and insects.
Seeds are the ripened ovaries of plants, protected by a protective covering. Within them lies an abundant store of food that’s ready for consumption once the ovule has matured and formed an embryo.
Seeds not only contain the ovule, but they are also a source of protein and essential vitamins. Plus, they often house probiotic bacteria – beneficial for digestive health.
Maintaining your pet birds’ health is best achieved through a balanced diet that contains various fruits, vegetables and other foods. Be sure that the foods you feed your parakeets are fresh and free from chemicals or pesticides that could harm them.
Fruit
Fruits provide energy and can be an ideal addition to the diet of any bird. Furthermore, they’re packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Parakeets can be introduced to a wide range of fruits in captivity, provided the fruit is ripe and has a soft center. Depending on the species, they may chew the skin, drink the juice, or even swallow it whole.
Some fruits, such as watermelon and peaches, contain toxic pits which must be removed before giving them to your pet. Cherries should also be served without pit or seeds since they contain cyanide which could be hazardous if left inhaled by your bird.
Vegetables
Parakeets primarily feed on seeds and grains, but they also need vegetables for all the vitamins they require. Green leafy veggies such as kale, dandelions leaves, spinach and sprouted seeds provide excellent sources of vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin and feathers.
Fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, mango, pineapple, coconut, apricots, pears, grapes and persimmons make excellent parakeet foods. Always offer these in small amounts and make sure to remove any pits or seeds before feeding your bird.
Parakeets are omnivores, meaning they can eat meats and other foods. However, it’s best to keep their diet free of toxins. Therefore, avoid giving your parakeet chocolate, avocados, garlic, onions, apple seeds, peanuts or mushrooms.
Hard-Boiled Egg
A hard-boiled egg is an ideal way to increase protein in a parakeet’s diet. They’re easy to peel and provide essential vitamins.
However, overcooking eggs can result in a thin green iron(II) sulfide coating on the yolk. To prevent this, cook eggs gently and avoid using water with high levels of iron.
Birds in the wild typically consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as some human foods like eggs or chicken. Avoid giving them chocolate, fruit pits, apple seeds, avocado and foods high in fat, sodium and sugars.
