| Proper nutrition is an extremely important aspect | | | | consists primarily of seeds, insects, invertebrates, |
| of proper parrot care. Because of their need to | | | | and some fruits. And, lastly, the lorikeets are |
| explore the world around them with their beak | | | | known for having a diet that consists mainly of |
| and claws, a varied, well balanced diet that is both | | | | nectar, pollen, some insects, and seeds. So, as |
| nutritional and exciting is necessary for a parrot's | | | | one can see, each classification of a parrot's diet |
| health and happiness. By providing him with the | | | | varies considerably. |
| right balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, and | | | | Formulated foods, such as protein pellets should |
| seed and nut mixes for their specific breed, | | | | make up a large portion of a parrot's diet. In |
| owners can be assured they are doing all they | | | | addition to protein pellets, fruits and vegetables |
| can for the nutritional well being of their pet. | | | | should be integrated to provide both physical and |
| A parrot's dietary needs will vary depending on | | | | mental stimulation. Depending on the research |
| their breed. It is important that owners be aware | | | | acquired and classifications as shown above, |
| of their diet requirements when purchasing a | | | | dietary requirements even within the classifications |
| companion. Doing research and discussing with the | | | | will vary. Research must be done on the specific |
| breeder the dietary recommendations for a | | | | breed to ensure a proper balance of formulated |
| particular breed and the previous owner's | | | | foods, fruits and vegetables, and seed mixes. |
| nutritional plan is important. Depending on the bird | | | | Depending on the breed, the fruit and vegetable |
| dietary classification, parrots can either be a | | | | diet will be slightly different. However, regardless |
| florivore, granivore, frugivore, omnivore, or | | | | of parrot breed, the diet should never include |
| nectarivore. | | | | avocado, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, fruit pits, |
| Parrots such as the military, gold, blue, and red | | | | persimmons, table salt, mushrooms, apple seeds |
| macaw are considered to be florivores. This | | | | or onions. These foods are considered to be toxic |
| means that in addition to a diet of protein pellets, | | | | to all parrot breeds. For the health and safety of |
| they enjoy seeds, nuts, berries, bark, and roots. | | | | your bird, they should be avoided entirely. |
| A cockatiel's diet classifies them as granivores. | | | | Regardless of the bird breed chosen, the diet is a |
| This means that they enjoy grains and seeds. | | | | very important, very large aspect of their lives. |
| The blue throated and green winged macaws are | | | | Proper research and open communication with a |
| considered to be frugavores, meaning their diet | | | | veterinarian is key in ensuring that the diet is |
| consists mainly of fruit and flowers and some | | | | what it should be. A proper diet plays a major |
| seeds and nuts. Cockitoos and red tailed Amazon | | | | role is a parrot's health, happiness and longevity. |
| parrots are omnivores, which means their diet | | | | |