Seed and pellets
Contrary to popular belief, seed as the sole diet for parrots is not suitable, and far from complete or balanced! Parrots love eating seed because it is high in fat, similar to fast food for humans, and just like fast food, it is low in important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients like protein and fiber. Medium-sized parrots should have no more than 20% of their diet as seed. Fortunately, we now have good quality parrot pellets that provide a more balanced diet. Transitioning birds from a heavy seed diet to pellets is a matter of patience. In the short term whilst you are transitioning them over, consider offering fresh grass seed or sprouting seeds.
Fresh grass seeds can be picked from your lawn in the warmer months, and birds normally love them! Grass seeds are ready for picking once they start to form firm seed heads, and bunches can be hung in the aviary or cage for your birds to forage from. They also make a great environmental enrichment option, promoting natural behaviours. Consider growing some in a pot and letting your birds enjoy them!
Dried seed can also be sprouted, which reduces the fat content and increases the vitamin content. Sprouted seed can be fed once the little sprouts start to turn green, usually in 2-3 days in warm weather.
Fruit and vegetables
Fresh food such as fruit and vegetables is irreplaceable, and should comprise at least 30% of the diet. Suitable fresh fruit and vegetables include pumpkin, sweet potato, leafy greens like spinach, celery, and bok choy, apple, carrot, peas, capsicum, and pear. Avocado, onion, garlic, and ginger are toxic to birds. Fresh food can be cut up into 'chop' which can then be refrigerated for up to a week, or can be fed as whole pieces of fruit and vegetables. Fresh grass seeds are also a great addition when they are in season during the warmer months.
Large or whole pieces of fresh food like pumpkin, cucumber, and cobs of corn with the husk can be fed as-is for a fun activity - parrots love nothing more than to make a mess!
Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts, macadamias, and peanuts are treat foods, and should only be given in small amounts. Medium-sized parrots can have the equivalent of a walnut twice a week. For extra fun, give them the nut unshelled! Other suitable treats include seed sticks, and sweeter fruits like berries, peach, grapes, and banana. Treat foods can be given twice a week. Seed sticks should be removed after an hour, and placed back in the next week, as birds will selectively choose to eat these treats over healthier foods, just like us! Remember to remove seed sticks which have been contaminated with faeces.
