Nutrition for Psittacines
by Kashmir Csaky,
Forest, Va*
Aviculturists have made significant advances in recent years in determining what constitutes proper nutrition for psittacine birds (includes cockatiels, parakeets). There are many different species of parrots that are kept for companionship and these birds have different dietary requirements. Similarly to humans, t he dietary requirements for birds change as the birds mature and go through different phases of life. For example, an egg laying hen would have greater nutritional needs than a geriatric male. Therefore, it is important to continue to research the needs of different species and their changing dietary needs. This paper will not comment on the nutritional requirements of different species, except casually.
Water is one of the most important and frequently over looked components of a good diet. Birds can live longer without proper nutrition than they can without good quality water. if the water is of poor quality or dirty then the risk of illness is significantly higher. Food and water bowls should be washed once or twice a day Should the bowls become soiled, it will be necessary to wash them more frequently. Note that when vitamins are added to the water, the bacteria count will increase by 100% in 24 hours, If tap water is of poor quality then it will be essential to use bottled water,
Poor water quality can be due to:
- 1. A high bacteria count, This often occurs in well water
2.Too many chemicals When the water quality in an area is already
- poor chemicals may be used as an attempt to make the water drinkable
3. A salt content of 0.5% or more
Vitamin A. This is an essential vitamin for pet birds, for it helps the body fight off infections. Many birds that suffer from reoccurring disease may have a vitamin A deficiency.
Foods high in vitamin A include alfalfa, apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, Swiss chard, Dandelion greens, garlic, kale, mustard, papaya, parsley, peaches, red peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, spirulina, pumpkin & yellow squash, turnip greens and watercress. Some foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots must be cooked for the vitamin A to be digestible. If a vitamin A supplement is added to the food and it comes into contact with minerals such as calcium it will oxidize very quickly and becomes useless.
Vitamin D3 is important for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and
phosphorous. It is especially important for the normal development of bones and egg shells.
It is also important to note that birds may suffer from vitamin D3 toxicity, when fed pellets or formula that is not intended for them. Certain pellets are designed to be fed to breeding birds or feeding babies. These pellets are not meant to be fed year round. Hand feeding formula is fast growing babies and should not be fed to to birds that are juveniles or adults. Sources for vitamin D include alfalfa, eggs. oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. Unfiltered sunlight helps convert vitamin D3 in the body.
Vitamin E improves circulation and repairs tissue. It has been found to be helpful in many
birds that feather pick. Good sources of vitamin E include whole grains, dark leafy vegetables,
nuts and seed, legumes, dried beans (cooked), brown rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, sweet
potatoes and wheat germ.
 Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. Conures and Mini Macaws appear to require
more vitamin K than other species It is found in alfalfa, broccoli, dark green leafy
vegetables, soybeans, blackstrap molasses Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, oatmeal, and wheat.
Iodine is important to proper thyroid function. When most birds were on an all-seed diet.
Iodine deficiency was more common, This mineral is only needed in trace amounts
Protein builds strong muscles. The amount of protein needed for different species
seems to vary greatly. White Cockatoos especially need high levels of protein While
Macaws and Black Cockatoos can easily get too much protein in their systems.
Foods high in protein include beans, beef, chicken, nuts and texturized vegetable protein.
Salt is needed for proper water and blood pH H balance. It is also important to nerve,
muscle and stomach function. It is unlikely that a bird will have a sodium deficiency
If foods are 35% or higher in salt they considered to be toxic. However foods may still cause
problems with levels lower than 35%. In is possible that many birds who feather pick are
sensitive to salt and can only tolerate small amounts of salt in their diet.
Foods to avoid: Avocados, chocolate, coffee, foods high in cholesterol, peanuts, and persimmons,
* Kashmir Csaky is a speaker at many conventions and a writer in magazines. She and her husband are breeders of Scarlet and Hyacinth Macaws, and she is a great friend of Bird Clubs of Virginia, where she has presented this topic at public seminars.
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