Feeding & Nutrition

Introduction

What to feed caged birds has been a source of discussion and some controversy for bird owners, breeders and retailers. In the 1970s and early 1980’s, seed-only diets were popular, causing health problems for wild caught birds due to missing nutrients. Manufacturers introduced pellet options to try to provide a more varied, nutritionally complete diet, but these also led to health problems when fed exclusively.

Today, experts agree that birds kept in captivity require a varied diet that approximates what they would eat in the wild. Birds that eat a variety of foods stay healthier and live longer, sometimes up to twice as long as those fed only seeds. Depending on species, pellets mixed with some seeds or seeds mixed with some pellets should make up the majority of the diet, supplemented by vegetables, fruit, whole grain products and other healthy foods that are safe for birds.

Dairy products, fatty meats (such as beef and pork), salty and sugary foods, and those that contain caffeine or alcohol should never be fed to birds. Chocolate, avocado, and fruit pits and seeds are poisonous to birds.

for a series of pop-up windows on feeding and nutrition requirements for birds.