Telephone:    01604 753 823                              Fax:   01604 590 059                           E-mail:   info@parrotcentre.com

Feeding Health and Care

Hand Feeding (not force-feeding)

This is something that the novice bird keeper should not attempt. Having said this, should you be determined for what ever reason we have outlined some of the basic questions that you will needed answered before you proceed.

Feeding:

How many times a day.

By what means it is fed (Spoon or syringe)

What feed/supplement is currently being used?

( Do not make a sudden change)

Our choice would be either Harrison’s or Avi-Plus Hand Rear Parrot/Parakeet. This is mixed with cooled boiled kettle water to a medium batter type mix. This is fed at a temperature between 37C and 40C. Never microwave heat food.  Ensure that the crop has fully emptied before the feed takes place to avoid your bird developing “sour crop”. 

Weaned Birds/Matured Birds

Regardless of the species, your bird will need a mixed diet in order to remain healthy and resilient to sickness. Speak to your supplier about one of the complete foods that are available, our choice would be Harrison’s.  This is a complete food that has been fully tested and contains numerous essential vitamins and supplements not present in a home prepared diet.  In addition seeds, fruit and vegetables should be given daily as well a fresh drinking water.

In an effort to assist you to offer your bird the most varied diet possible we have constructed a short suggestion list.  This will not cover all foods, but should help. A good

diet would consist of three items from the list daily with a little aviary rusk every second day, pulses once a week and egg food once a week.

Some suggested foods that can be given:

Parrot Pulse Soak (Mixed peas, beans, rice’s etc.)

Take a small amount, cover with boiling water and allow to soak for 4/5 hours. Alternately boil in microwave for 4 minutes. Allow to cool. Rinse with clean cold water before serving. This may be stored in the fridge as long as it is rinsed daily before serving. These form a very important part of your bird’s diet and can be given several times a week.

Aviary Rusk’s ( Avi-Plus)

This looks rather like biscuit crumbles.  Add a very small amount of water to moisten and serve with a few items of fruit.  i.e. diced apple, spinach leaves, carrots.  Avoid using the very wet fruits like melon, grapes and oranges as this will sour the rusk very quick.

Egg Food (Avi-Plus)

Egg food has a very high nutritional value.  It is best served slightly moist.  Defrosted sweet corn seems to be the best vegetable to mix.  It is easy to digest and make an ideal food for weaning young chicks as well as a boost to convalescent birds.

Defrosted “Mixed Frozen Vegetables” or sweet corn

(With-out onion and pineapple).

Fresh vegetables should be either cut in blocks or given whole.

Paw-Paws contain digestive enzyme and are especially good for young birds.

Chicken bones (drum stick) are a very good source of protein and no harm will come

 should there be a little meat on the bone.

Sunflower seed may be given with the above-mentioned foods.  This must never make up more that 40% of the bird’s diet. 

Peanuts may be given to your bird, but only in small quantities, as your bird may gain too much weight.  It is recommended that for the smaller type of birds such as the African Grey, Indian Ring necks and Conure only 2 - 3 peanuts should be given daily.  Larger birds such as the Macaw’s can have up to 8 peanuts daily. 

Quick Guide Table

NEVER give your bird Avocados.  This is very hazardous as it contains indigestible enzymes and can cause death.

Supplement Hints

There are a variety of multi vitamins and mineral supplements that can be added to the water, but by feeding with the recommended complete diet this should not be necessary.

ANY QUERIES RING  Lois or Ant. on 01604 753823 or E-Mail info@parrotcentre.com

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