When you’re looking for some other options for feeding your parakeets, you may be wondering what to feed them besides seeds. Here are some suggestions:
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Fruits
Fruits are another wonderful way to feed your parakeet. Grapes are a fine addition to its diet, but smaller birds may find it hard to get to the flesh. Grapes are sugary, and too much can cause obesity in parakeets. Fresh grapes are safe, but keep the amount limited to one or two per day. In addition to seeds, other fruits can be offered, too.
Strawberries are an excellent source of nutrition, but some people warn that stray strawberries can be harmful to parakeets if eaten in large amounts. Blueberries are a healthy choice, and they contain antioxidants and vitamin C. Grapes are readily available in grocery stores year-round, and parakeets seem to enjoy the taste of grapes. During the winter, you can add peanut butter to your parakeet’s diet.
Legumes
Aside from seeds, you can give your parakeet a variety of different legumes. These include peas and lentils. If possible, give them in whole form, or sprout them. Although they’re packed with protein, you should avoid giving your bird too much, since it could result in breeding problems. Many types of beans are toxic to birds, so be sure to choose the right ones before giving them to your parakeet.
Pellets are often offered to parakeets, but they don’t stimulate digestion enough, and their bodies will eventually reject them. Pellets can cause health problems, particularly for your bird’s kidneys and liver. A wide variety of foods will provide your bird with a variety of flavor and taste, essential oils, vitamins, and other nutrients. You should always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving them to your pet.
Nuts
When you’re first starting out, you’ll be wondering what to feed your new pet. Although there are a few options available, most small bird pellets will suit your new pet perfectly. Seeds, on the other hand, are densely packed with calories, fats, and sugars, leaving little room for a balanced diet. Besides, seeds are often difficult to measure accurately and can throw your bird’s balance off.
Aside from seeds and pellets, you can also give your parakeet other fruits and vegetables. Grapes and grapefruit are great sources of vitamin K, copper, and magnesium, and you can get seedless varieties at most grocery stores. While grapefruits and mandarin oranges have seeds, these fruits should be cut up into small pieces. Likewise, if you’re feeding a caged bird, you can also add spiced food.
Spray millet
If you have a parrot, you probably know how important it is to provide nutritious food for your pet. Aside from seeds, spray millet is also a great alternative for your parrot, as it is highly digestible and low in fat. It can be purchased at any pet store and is relatively simple to prepare. When you first begin feeding your bird, make sure that it is readily accessible to it. Hang the spray millet from the top of the cage or tie it to a sturdy object.
A good starting point for feeding parakeets is 50% pellets and 25% seeds. You can also feed them 100% pellets with a few seeds. It may take some time for your parakeet to adjust to these new foods, so don’t rush. Try to give your bird a small amount of each food at first. This way, they won’t be overwhelmed and won’t have to eat a large amount at once.
