The basic parakeet diet is a mix of grains and seeds. Ideally, these two components make up 50% of the parakeet’s diet. These grains can be offered as fresh or threshed seeds. However, it is not advisable to feed your bird rolled oats or pearl barley as they contain too much sugar. Also, oats are not suitable if they have been cooked.
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Lafeber products are ideal base diet
The Lafeber Company manufactures a wide variety of pellet-based bird foods that are easy to feed. These pellets contain a combination of vitamins and minerals that provide optimum nutrition to companion birds. The formulas are available in three varieties: Nutri-Meals, which contain a low level of energy, and Nutri-An Cakes, which contain more energy and higher levels of protein. These diets are designed to meet the maintenance requirements of adult companion birds.
The nutritionally balanced formulations in Lafeber bird food products are based on research and detailed information about grain eaters. This helps to improve the health and breeding ability of companion birds. Additionally, pelleted and extruded diets are convenient for pet owners and offer both physical and mental stimulation to birds.
Hard-boiled egg is a tasty treat
Eggs are a great source of protein and fat for parakeets. They help keep their weight in check and provide them with energy. You can offer your parakeet a hard-boiled egg once or twice a week, but only give it small portions. If you don’t have time to boil eggs, simply scramble them and offer them to your bird once or twice a week. However, it is important to make sure the egg is cool before offering it to your birds. Also, avoid giving them a hot egg yolk, as it may pose a choking hazard to your birds.
Birds are also attracted to cheese, but make sure you do not serve the bird a hard or moldy cheese. You can also offer small pieces of pasta, preferably soaked and coated in sauces or strong cheese. Bread has little nutritional value but is fine for your birds if you are offering them small portions. If the bread is stale, you should soak it first to avoid it from choking them. Also, remember to never feed your bird grapes or raisins, as they can cause a serious reaction in them.
Millet, hemp, niger and rape are actually grains
Hemp seed and millet seeds are great for parakeets, but keep them to a small percentage of their overall seed mix. The same health warnings apply to oilseeds as they do to most junk foods. Only give your birds a small amount of these seeds, and make sure they are kept refrigerated. Oilseeds don’t store well, and if they stay around for three months, they will start to go rancid.
Herb seeds are a good addition to parakeet diets. They are not as fattening as the other two, but they are still good for your bird’s health. They’re great for providing essential vitamins.
Oilseeds are the equivalent of burger and fries
Oilseeds are a delicious alternative to regular food, but they are not as healthy as they are supposed to be for your birds. You should limit your parakeets’ intake of oilseeds to 10% of their total seed mix. They don’t keep well, so it’s best to rotate them with other seeds.
Crackers are not a good treat
Despite popular belief, crackers are not a healthy treat for wild birds and parakeets. They contain little nutritional value, and add empty calories that may cause health problems. Crackers are made of carbohydrates and sugar and should only be given in small amounts. They should be offered along with water.
It is also important to avoid using processed foods as treats for birds. They are filled with sugar, salt, and unhealthy trans fats. These types of food have no nutritional value, and are also laced with chemicals that can be toxic to birds. Plain air-popped popcorn and kitchen scraps are much safer for your birds to eat. Leaving raw meat out for birds to eat is dangerous, and could also attract carnivorous birds. In addition, the meat could also attract rats, so do not leave any uncooked meat on your bird’s feeder.
Proper serving of parakeet food
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a parakeet owner is to feed your birds too much junk food. While a small amount of such food will not cause harm, too much of it can compromise their internal organs. Therefore, the best way to feed your parakeet is to avoid caffeinated tea and coffee, alcohol, and fried or fatty foods.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, fruits and vegetables should be offered in moderation, and should be organic and fresh. Orange and dark green leafy vegetables have the highest nutritional punch. Additionally, you can add herbs and spices to enrich their diet. However, don’t give them too much fruit, as they contain too much sugar.
