The best diet fоr bіrdѕ hаѕ bееn a subject оf debate for mаnу years now. Thе growing рорulаrіtу of реt bіrdѕ has сrеаtеd a mаrkеt for ѕресіаl foods, frоm ԛuісk-сооk pasta mіxеѕ to реllеtѕ. Mаnу оwnеrѕ feel bоmbаrdеd wіth соnflісtіng information. Thеіr veterinarian says fееd juѕt pellets, but a friend who brееdѕ hundrеdѕ оf beautiful раrrоtѕ ѕауѕ seeds, frеѕh vegetables, and whоlе grаіnѕ аrе thе best diet. So what is the ideal dіеt fоr уоur реt bіrdѕ? When аѕkеd thіѕ ԛuеѕtіоn, I always trу tо соnѕіdеr whаt these birds wоuld еаt naturally in the wild. While thіѕ іѕ nоt аlwауѕ роѕѕіblе tо knоw еxасtlу, it саn gіvе some indication аѕ to what wоuld be gооd іngrеdіеntѕ to аdd tо your pet's dіеt. Thіѕ аrtісlе deals wіth general guidelines since mаnу species have ѕресіfіс dіеt rеԛuіrеmеntѕ (ѕuсh аѕ lоrіеѕ and lorikeets whо nееd a nесtаr-bаѕеd diet). Bе sure to rеѕеаrсh the ѕресіfіс nееdѕ оf уоur type оf bіrd.

Originally published in hardcover, 2004.

Choosing the right diet for your parrot is crucial to its overall health... The right diet can have a massive impact on your bird's overall health and improve their quality of life significantly. This book takes you through various topics with the most up-to-date information on avian nutrition and points out some important facts that every parrot owner should be aware of. Dr Karen Becker, DVM, explains the importance of feeding your pet bird a species-appropriate diet, and why it is best to closely mimic a bird's native diet and include an abundance of fresh, live, whole foods. Dr Jamie Abete, DVM, helps you understand why some veterinarians can be reluctant to recommend fresh foods. She walks you through the dietary needs of certain species of birds such as macaws, lorikeets and lories, eclectus, as well as explaining how important is to keep your parrot's gut bacteria in balance and the effects of supplementation with probiotics. Dr Stephanie Lamb, DVM, explains the importance of protein in your bird's diet, and how feather disorders are linked to a parrot's inappropriate diet. She describes the essentials of plant oils, why different vitamins and minerals are required in a bird's diet to ensure adequate health and longevity, and helps you understand the implications for any deficiencies and excess. Learn more about feeding fruits to your birds. Discover the nutrition profiles of parrot-safe nuts, grains, seeds, legumes and edible flowers in a handy nutrition list. Power up your bird's bowl with soaked and sprouted seeds and grains, and discover how to grow your own microgreens. All this is complemented with over 30 wholesome recipes that are both quick and easy to make, so you don't have to spend too much time in the kitchen. Preparing, deliciously healthy foods for your bird has never been easier!

Easily structured seven-day meal planner that will teach you how to prepare fresh, nutritious and diverse meals for your pet bird; show you step by step how to grow sprouted grains, seeds and legumes; and help you understand the health benefits of soaking nuts and grains for your bird.

Seeds and pellets are not adequate for most pet birds; a well-balanced diet will increase the health, happiness, and lifespan of these beautiful, intelligent and long-lived creatures. It is important to introduce variety into your bird's diet, and this cookbook will help you do just that. Sections include potato and starch recipes, vegetables, entrees for you and your bird and -- of course -- treats.

More than 170 recipes for chicken, eggs, turkey, duck, goose, and small birds, plus proper storage, handling and preparation.

Avian experts continue to see poor nutrition as the cause for many serious illnesses, even death, in parrots. This book offers articles from experts on the importance of raw, whole foods, the nutritional powerhouse of soaking and sprouting, avian teas, safe and toxic foods, pellets: pros and cons, a nutritional list, and over 60 healthy recipes.