Nutritional needs for different species

The foods that birds eat in the wild vary from region to region with each type of food having a different nutritional value. The following information is given purely as a guide for the different nutritional needs of different species of birds. However, like people, a healthy varied diet is the key to good health. If you feed a wide variety of healthy foods your bird will be getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs to keep him healthy. It is always recommended that before putting your bird on a specific diet that you check with your avian vet beforehand.

Amazons

Amazons may have a tendency toward Vitamin A deficiencies. They need to have a diet that includes squash, pumpkin, spinach, red chilli peppers and other foods rich in Vitamin A. Amazons also have a tendency to be overweight so they need a diet of foods that are lower in fat. They should also be fed a diet that is lower in protein.

Eclectus

It is believed that Eclectus may have a higher need for Vitamin A in their diets Vitamin A can be found in most fruits and yellow or green vegetables. It’s also found in liver, carrots, squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, dandelion leaves, red chilli peppers, broccoli, peaches, egg yolk and peas.

African Greys, Cockatoos and Cockatiels

Greys, Cockatoos and Cockatiels are known as powder birds and may need diets that are rich in calcium. Good sources of calcium are dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dried beans and peas, bone meal, cuttlebone, kale, and tofu.

Macaws

Macaws may require a diet that is higher in fat. They also need a diet that consists of a wide variety of nuts, and some species need a diet that is lower in protein. Hyacinth macaws are specialised eaters in the wild. They eat mainly the nuts from the Scheela and Atalea Palms. They need to be fed macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, coconuts, pecans and other nuts. They need more fat and carbohydrates and less protein in their diets. Good sources of carbohydrate for birds are wheat, oats and rice. Small amounts of fats are needed in bird diets, it’s necessary to keep the skin soft and the feathers in good condition. Fats should only be fed in limited amounts because too much can lead to obesity. As the high fat content in the diet increases, so does the cholesterol level. High cholesterol levels can lead to blocked arteries and heart disease. High fat diets are one of the causes (but not the only cause) of fatty liver disease.

Conures

Conures require a diet that is higher in fat and lower in protein. Conures should be given vegetables that are rich in vitamin K. Conures are prone to Conure Bleeding Syndrome, which could be caused by lack of vitamin K. Vitamin K can be found in mainly in green vegetablesincluding broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, peas, green beans, and spinach. It’s also produced by bacteria in the bowels. Vitamin K is known as a water soluble vitamin and therefore must be replenished continually.

Lories and Lorikeets

Lories and Lorikeets need a diet that is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein. Their diet should contain no more than 15% protein. The primary diet of is fruit and nectar. They should not be given seeds because their gizzard are weaker than other birds and cannot grind up the seeds. Lots of fruits and fresh greens should be given as a supplement to their diet.

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Adapted from the Healthy Bird Cookbook by Robin Deutch