Bird |
Diet |
|---|---|
| Budgie | Budgie Seed |
| Canary | Canary Seed or Finch Seed |
| Cockatiel | Cockatiel Seed or Small Parrot |
| Love Bird | Small Parrot Seed |
| Galah | Parrot Seed or Wild Bird Seed or Parrot Pellets |
| Lorikeet | Lorikeet Wet Diet or Lorikeet Dry Diet |
Feeding your bird the right food is one of the most important ways to keep them healthy and happy. Wondering which types of seeds to feed your bird? Or what diet do they need?
Let’s dive into a simple guide to help you understand your bird’s basic dietary needs, along with some helpful tips on what to feed, what to avoid and how to keep your bird’s feeding routine fresh and nutritious!
What to Feed Your Bird
What to feed your bird depends on its species, but it’s a common myth that seed alone is a healthy diet. In reality, feeding only seed is not natural and can lead to long-term health issues. Most pet birds thrive on a balanced diet that includes species-specific pellets, fresh vegetables, some fruits, and access to clean water.
Are Pellets Better Than Seed For Birds?
Pellets are generally considered the best choice for daily feeding. They offer complete and consistent nutrition in every bite and help prevent selective feeding, something birds often do with seed mixes. Seeds can still be included in the diet, but only in small amounts and not as the main food source.
Most avian veterinarians recommend feeding your bird a diet made up of approximately 60% formulated pellets and 40% fresh vegetables, with seeds and fruits offered occasionally as treats. This more natural balance supports your bird’s overall health, energy and feather condition!
At Petstock, we offer a wide range of high-quality pellets and seed blends, and our team can help you choose the best option for your bird.
What Do Birds Eat?
How to Improve Your Bird’s Diet
Give fresh food daily
Birds often eat the inside of seeds, leaving the husks behind. This can make it look like their bowl is still full when it’s actually empty. Make sure to check and change their seed each day.
Clean water – always
Birds can be messy eaters and will often dirty their water with food or droppings. Refresh their water daily to keep it clean and safe to drink, and to reduce algae build-up.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Most birds will benefit from a small amount of fresh produce in their diet.
Grated carrot, chopped apples (seeds removed), broccoli, sprouts and leafy greens like kale are all good options.
Avoid iceberg lettuce, as it’s mostly water with little nutritional value. And never feed avocado – it’s toxic to many birds.
Offer variety
Birds are natural foragers, and they love exploring different foods.
Mixing things up with safe fruits, veggies and grains keeps feeding time interesting and encourages natural behaviours.
Use foraging toys
Try placing fruit or veggies in a foraging toy or hanging feeder.
This can keep your bird entertained, support mental stimulation and help reduce boredom.
Bird Treats
Like dogs and cats, birds love the occasional treat! There are lots of bird-safe treats available, such as:
- Millet spray: Especially loved by finches, budgies and canaries.
- Seed cones and fruit bars: Fun to nibble and hang in their cage.
- Foraging treats: Hideable treats that encourage activity and natural feeding instincts.
Hot Tip
Limit the number of sunflower seeds you feed, especially for parrots. While they love them, sunflower seeds are high in fat and can contribute to obesity and health problems if consumed in excess. Birds may also become picky and avoid healthier food if sunflower seeds are available.
Bird Pellets
What is a pellet diet for birds?
A pelleted diet for birds is made up of small, uniform pieces that pack in all the nutrients your bird needs, like grains, seeds, fruits, veggies and added vitamins. Unlike seed mixes, every bite of a pellet has the same balanced nutrition, so your bird gets everything it needs without picking out the tastiest bits.
Benefits of pellets for birds
Balanced nutrition
Pellets are created to include all the essential nutrients birds need to stay healthy. This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies that can occur with selective eating.
Reduces selective feeding
Many birds pick out their favourite seeds and leave the rest. With pellets, every bite has the same nutrients, which helps ensure your bird gets a well-rounded diet.
Supports their long-term health
A pelleted diet can help support your bird’s overall health, including its immune system, energy levels and feather condition. It is often recommended by avian veterinarians for this reason.
Easier to manage
Pellets tend to create less mess than seed mixes, as they do not leave behind husks or excess waste. This makes it easier to monitor how much your bird is eating and keep their enclosure clean.
Fruits and Vegetables for Birds
Can birds eat lettuce?
Birds can eat lettuce, yes. However, it's best for your bird's health to avoid iceberg lettuce, since it's mostly water with little nutritional value.
Safe vegetables for birds
- Corn
- Carrot
- Sweet potato
- Beans
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Beetroot
- Capsicum
How often should I change my bird's food?
Change your bird's seed daily to ensure it is always fresh. Even if the bowl looks full, it may be filled with empty seed husks your bird has already eaten. Daily refills help prevent spoilage and supports their health! Also, make sure to change your bird's water every single day.
Ready to upgrade your bird's diet? Shop Petstock's wide range of bird feed and bird feeders today.