We recommend feeding a variety of foods, not just a cup of seed or pellets. Our seed mixtures are a good start for a good diet. Our seed mixes come with a variety of things in them and all of them have some pellets mixed in so there is no need to buy extra pellets unless you feel the need to. A good diet should consist of many types of food. Choosing the right seed mix for your bird is the first step. Most bird cages come with 3 cups and all of them should be used. One for water, one for their seed, and the last for their fresh foods. Make sure all fresh foods are washed properly, many have pesticides on them. Organic is also a good choice. Make sure everything is good enough for you to eat.
Different birds prefer different fresh foods; but you should always try to incorporate different fruits and veggies.
Do NOT Feed:
Avocado, chocolate, rhubard, onions,apple seeds, or cherry, plum, apricot, or peach pits.
Water:
Fresh water should be available all of the time.
Pellets:
Pellets are great, a really good source of supplemental food for nearly all birds. Please notice the word supplemental, no bird should be put on a single type of food. We offer Zupreem and Pretty bird pellets in 2 different sizes.
Fruits:
Grapes, apples, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana, figs, plums, pears, papaya, mango, pineapple, pomegranate, coconut, peaches, apricots, cherries, kiwi, honeydew, watermelon, and any others.
Make sure to remove any pits or seeds before giving them to your bird.
Veggies:
Green beans, corn, carrots, beans, sweet potato(great for eclectus), peas, peppers, squash, okra, broccoli, beets, tomatoes*, greens, celery, eggplant, cabbage, brussell sprouts, lettuce (no iceberg), and others.
Frozen mixed veggies are cheap and quick, just heat them up in the microwave until they are thawed out.
*Tomatoes are often listed as food not good for birds, this is not true. The acid in the tomato can cause trouble for baby birds by causing runny stools, but healthy birds should not have a problem and since it is loaded with beta carotene it is a healthy food.
Others:
Cooked rice, pasta, breads, popcorn without butter, eggs, cheese (limited amounts high in fat), peanut butter, cereal, poultry, yogurt, and many others.
Birds cannot digest lactose so do not feed them milk but yogurt and cheese are low in lactose and are a good source of calcium. Yogurt has lots of helpful bacteria in it.
Calcium and Minerals:
Cuttlebone is high in calcium and has a lot of minerals that a bird needs. They may not eat on it at first but when they need the calcium or minerals they will get the amount that they need. Mineral blocks are great for the bigger birds.
A cage for birds cannot be too large but the bars must be close enough together to keep the bird from sticking its head out. The bird should at least have enough room to extend its wings fully and turn around without them touching the cage.
Finches though they are smaller than budgies need a larger cage as they are more active and do not climb the bars like a budgie.
A play top with extra cups for seed and water on top of the cage are great for pet birds. The bird does not really care about the color and style of the cage but they just want plenty of room and a place to feel safe at night.
Larger birds like a Cockatoos and Macaws need a very large cage. Think a minute they chew and they could really cause some damage if left out. For this reason they need a nice large cage to be comfortable in while they are alone.
Toys are very important for every bird. Think about sitting in a cage all day long wouldn't you get bored and want something to do. They are not just for fun but they provide mental stimultaion. Toys help birds alleviate boredom but are not a replacement for interaction with their human.
Check your bird's toys everyday to make sure that they are safe.
Many birds like the snuggle tents, they are soft and are a good place for them to nap in.
Many birds enjoy bells, but make sure they are not jingle bells.
Toys that have wood and leather are lots of fun for birds to tear up. Make sure they have at least one toy that they can tear up.
For birds that are pluckers or overpreen a toy that can be destroyed is great to get thier mind off of their feathers.
They also enjoy mirrors but may get too attached to the bird in the mirror.
Birds do not lay down at night so their feet do not get a rest! Normal perches that come in a with cages are not all that great for birds, in the wild a bird sits on a different size and shape limb each time they land. Perches in the cage should be large enough for the size bird you are putting in the cage, and you should buy a concrete perch to keep the nails rounded. You should have a couple sizes of perches so your bird will not be sitting on the same perch all the time. A manzanita perch is also a great addition, the perch is different sizes allover.
A plant mister is good for this. Use it sparingly at first until you know that he really likes it. Make sure he is not under a vent or draft before you spray him. He will look dry in about 15 minutes but won’t be dry for a couple of hours after misting him. Never use soap on your bird, it will break down the natural water repellents and cause your bird to get sick.
Many birds will take a bath on their own in their water dish, so even if they are not misted they will still be getting a bath.
