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"What
do you feed?" Among aviculturists, the proper diet for parrots is a topic
as controversial as politics! There are as many opinions on diet and nutrition
as there are parrot owners, and with good reason. Nutrition is the single most
important factor in determining the health, vitality and longevity of parrots.
Since no one really knows what foods are consumed by parrots "in the wild,"
our feeding regimens are based on a combination of what we have read, heard,
and observed in our birds' daily food preferences. There are some foods that
are almost universally accepted as parrot food and others that are relatively
new but beneficial in our quest to provide complete parrot nutrition. I would
like to explore the nutritional and sometimes medicinal value of some of these
foods. One very good reason to feed a variety of foods is that they can be used
as a natural preventive to health problems.
ALOE--In
Florida, there is an aviary of two hundred rescued parrots where slices of fresh
aloe are served on a regular basis. Although these birds have come from a variety
of circumstances with a large assortment of ailments, the owner attributes their
current lack of health problems in large part to the healing effects of aloe.
Parrots sometimes suffer digestive and intestinal disorders, and aloe is the
most healing of all herbs for these problems. Add to that its beneficial effects
on the immune system, and you may want to add pure aloe juice to their water
every two or three days as a preventive medicine if you do not grow your own
plants. I feed thin slices of the largest stalks from my aloe plants several
times a week. When a bird appears to be feeling unwell, a slice or two of fresh
aloe or one part pure aloe juice to three parts drinking water can swiftly make
a positive difference in the demeanor and activity level of the bird. Aloe Vera
has been determined to contain substantial amounts of over thirty-nine essential
minerals and vitamins, and all of the amino acids. Out of over 150,000 botanicals,
aloe vera is the only one that contains so many nutrients essential to man's
existence. Aloe vera is a nutritionally complete food and has been approved
by the FDA as a food substance.
APPLES--Apples
contain generous amounts of pectin, a soluble fiber important in the diet of
parrots. Additionally, the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory
properties of apples make them more than just a delicious crunchy food that
parrots will happily consume. Apples are one of the foods that many aviculturists
offer daily. However, they are one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits,
so choose organically grown apples whenever possible. Nearly all apples, even
those grown organically, are routinely sprayed with wax, so it is a good idea
to peel apples even though it would be preferable to leave the peel intact if
the apples were untreated. It is thought that Granny Smith apples contain the
least pesticide residue of all conventionally-grown apples.
BEANS--
High in fiber, beans are beneficial to the health of parrots. Beans combined
with brown rice create a complete protein because the amino acids, building
blocks of protein, that are missing in beans are supplied by the amino acids
in brown rice. It is thought that this type of protein is more readily assimilated
by parrots than is the protein of dairy products and meat. Parrots are unable
to digest the lactose in dairy products because they do not produce the lactase
enzyme. Beans should be soaked overnight and thoroughly cooked before offering
to parrots. Many species of parrots prefer garbanzo beans (also known as chick
peas) over other kinds of beans.
BERRRIES--Berries
are thought to be a natural component of the diet of most parrots. It is doubtful
that we can offer them the same berries that would be available in their natural
environments, but they seem to enjoy many of those that are available to us.
Blueberries are a favorite of many birds and they contain lutein, a substance
highly beneficial to their eyes. Only organically grown strawberries should
be fed to parrots. Nearly all growers of strawberries use large amounts of pesticides,
particularly fungicides. The FDA detected thirty different pesticides on strawberries.
If organically-grown berries cannot be obtained, it is best to substitute other
berries or fruits.
BROWN
RICE--Of all the grains and cereals, brown rice is the most digestible.
Add to that the fact that parrots will eat it in any form--raw, cooked, or even
sprouted--and it is understandable that many aviculturists make it a part of
the daily diet. Combined in a cooked soft food mix with rolled or whole corn
and beans, it is a food that can nourish parrots on a daily basis. Parent birds
relish this food for their nestlings.
CAYENNE
PEPPER--Parrots love the fiery taste of cayenne pepper in powder or flakes,
and will try new and unfamiliar foods, such as sprouts, when you sprinkle on
this healthful herb. It is an overall digestive aid containing liberal amounts
of vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It also is anti-inflammatory
and helps arthritic conditions which are not uncommon in our senior psittacines.
Look for the darkest red-orange color when choosing cayenne.
CHERRIES--Gout
in birds is associated with the kidneys' inability to remove nitrogen waste
products from the bloodstream. As a result, uric acid accumulates and begins
to abnormally collect in different sites within the body. There are two forms
of this disease in parrots. Articular gout usually affects the joints of the
lower legs. It is most common in budgies where it appears as multiple cream-colored
shiny swellings bulging up through the skin. It is very painful and the bird
becomes progressively crippled. Visceral gout affects the internal organs and
is very difficult to diagnose. The first course of action is to correct the
diet, thereby eliminating the cause. Meanwhile, try this simple but effective
remedy which most parrots find enjoyable. Cherries, fresh, frozen, or even canned,
may eliminate the gout problem without further treatment. Most health food stores
sell small bottles of black cherry juice concentrate which can be added to the
drinking water. Otherwise, if the parrot has a favorite dry food, simply soak
it in the concentrate before feeding. Although fresh cherries are ideal when
they are in season, it seems that any form of cherries will help to clear up
the painful problem of gout.
CRUCIFEROUS
VEGETABLES--Cruciferous vegetables are a group of vegetables that according
to research provide protection against certain cancers in humans. Cruciferous
vegetables contain antioxidants, (beta carotene and the compound sulforaphane).
These vegetables, which are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, are broccoli,
brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas
and turnips. If introduced to a variety of foods early in life, most parrots
will enjoy these health-giving vegetables which may offer protection against
the various forms of cancer that can afflict parrots.
CARROTS--Whether
birds are attracted to the bright orange color, the sweet taste, the crunchy
texture or all of these characteristics, carrots a favorite food of most larger
parrots. They can be offered in a myriad of shapes from rounds to sticks, raw
or steamed. Younger parrots enjoy grated carrots which they can manage more
easily before they have the skill to hold food with their feet. Many parrots
will drink fresh pressed carrot juice which is a power house of beta carotene,
the precursor to vitamin A needed by all parrots.
CORN--Corn
has a high fiber content and appreciable amounts of vitamin A as well as phosphorus,
potassium and magnesium. "Plumped" corn is the absolute favorite food
of nearly every parrot that I know. It is the most sought-after food of my eclectus
parents when they are feeding babies in the nest. I offer it as part of a soft-food
mix which also contains beans, brown rice, and chopped sweet potato. It is inexpensive
and is similar to the popular but more expensive pre-cooked mixes available
in pet supply stores. Rolled corn is very similar to plumped corn but rolled
corn is not available everywhere. I usually buy clean shelled whole corn from
feed or pet stores, but shelled popcorn which requires no washing works just
as well. After the first time you prepare it, I believe you will agree that
it is an easy food to prepare, and it can be frozen in individual portions.
Simply soak a bag or two of popcorn or a couple pounds of clean feed corn overnight
in a large stockpot. In the morning, cook for two or three hours or until the
kernels have swollen to triple their original size. You will need to add water
as it is absorbed. It can be frozen for later use.
DANDELION--We
spend millions on herbicides to kill the dandelions in our lawns, while we spend
more money to buy the vitamins and minerals contained in them! Dandelion leaves
are full of vitamin A, B1 and C plus blood-purifying substances. Parrots love
the taste of this bitter green plant which is a wonderful tonic for them. If
you have older parrots in your care, be sure to include clean unsprayed dandelion
leaves in their diet. It is one of the most effective foods to prevent arthritic
conditions.
EGGS--Considered
by many to be the perfect food, eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients. Eggs have
one of the highest biological values of all protein sources. Offering all nine
essential amino acids, they are an excellent source of high quality protein
and they are a natural source of calcium when offered with the shell. Although
capable of creating a new living being, one large egg contains only seventy-five
calories and an incredible amount of nutrition. Scientists frequently use eggs
as a standard for measuring the protein quality of other foods. Protein quality
is expressed as biological value which measures the rate of efficiency that
protein is used for growth. At 93.7% eggs score higher than any other food.
Eggs are an affordable protein source for parrots and can be stored in the refrigerator
for up to three weeks without affecting their quality. When my adult eclectus
parrots are feeding babies, hard boiled eggs are a sought-after food..
FLOWERS--Pansies,
nasturtiums, roses, hibiscus, and marigolds are relished by many parrots. If
you are lucky enough to grow them or to have access to them, be sure that they
are unsprayed and that systemic poisons have not been applied to the soil in
which they are grown. Many parrots will choose a flower over other favorite
foods if given the choice. After all, this is surely a part of the natural diet
of many parrot species. A tea made from chamomile flowers can be substituted
for the drinking water of parrots when they need a calming influence. It is
a wonderful natural tranquilizer which soothes the nerves and the digestive
tract. As an added bonus, it contains calcium in an easily assimilated form.
This is an excellent natural alternative to tranquilizers for a parrot that
is upset by traveling. Night thrashing in cockatiels can be treated with chamomile
tea.
GARLIC--Garlic
has been shown to contain eighteen anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
substances! It is a wonderful natural antibiotic that is safe for parrots as
long as it is used in moderation. If small animals are fed an excessive amount
of garlic over a long period of time, they sometimes develop anemia. My parrots
relish a garlic clove (not an entire bulb of many cloves) a couple times per
week. They especially enjoy peeling it themselves. It stimulates the immune
system and kills parasites. It can help to eliminate lead, zinc, and other toxins
from body tissues. Louis Pasteur first documented its broad-spectrum anti-bacterial
activity in 1858, which gave it the often-quoted title of "nature's penicillin".
Today, research has proven that garlic can slow the growth of harmful bacteria,
yeasts, and fungi. (It has yet to be proven that garlic can keep vampires at
bay!). Studies have shown activity similar to a more modern antibiotic, chloramphenicol,
which is sometimes useful in treating parrot illness. Garlic unleashes at least
one hundred sulfur-containing compounds, the main one being allicin., which
blocks the ability of chemical carcinogens to transform normal cells into cancer
cells, and potects cells against damage by oxidizing agents and heavy metals
GINGER--Ginger
is a wonderful remedy to use for baby parrots that occasionally suffer digestive
discomfort or throwing up of their formula. A mild ginger tea instead of water
in the formula offers instant relief in many cases. You can make the tea by
steeping two or three slices of fresh ginger root in hot water for ten or fifteen
minutes.
If
your parrot must travel and is prone to motion sickness, add fresh ginger to
the food and drinking water several hours before the trip and place a few slices
in the carrier to be nibbled during the ride. Parrots often seem to have an
innate sense of what they need and will munch on the ginger to quell their queasiness
during the trip. After all, ginger has been used for two thousand years by the
Chinese to treat nausea and upset stomach. It is no coincidence that the Japanese
serve fresh or pickled ginger slices with sushi as insurance against the parasites
sometimes found in raw fish.
GRAINS--Any
of the following whole grains, amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat (kasha),
bulgur, kamut (a large wheat berry), millet, oatmeal, oat groats, quinoa, rye
berries, triticale, wild rice, wheat berries, cous cous and millet can be used
as a healthful addition to the diet of parrots. As a group, grains are low in
fat and high in protein. They contain good amounts of complex carbohydrates,
vitamins and minerals. They can be served "as is", soaked and sprouted,
cooked in a variety of ways and with a variety of flavors to tempt a parrot's
taste buds.
GREENS--One
of our most nutritious foods is also one of the most natural in the diet of
parrots. They eat all sorts of fresh green foods in their natural habitats.
We would do well to substitute with the best of our greens. Some of these are
collard, mustard, turnip and dandelion greens, kale, (a "super food"),
Swiss chard, and rapini (broccoli greens). They are best served raw but can
be lightly steamed for a change of texture.
JUICES--Dr.
Dave McCluggage, DVM of Colorado, juices different combinations of health-giving
fruits and vegetables for his human family, as well as for his parrot family
every morning. He recommends selecting a parrot's favorite fruit or vegetable
for juicing. He says that apples are always a good choice for juicing, and he
also recommends carrots, kale, spinach and others. He said that although fiber
is important too, juice concentrates many nutrients in a tasty liquid that parrots
can easily consume. He suggested offering the remaining pulp or fibrous leftovers
from the juicing process in a separate dish or baked into birdie bread.
NUTS--Nuts
are a natural source of fats for parrots. Fats are the most concentrated energy
source, providing more than twice as much energy per unit as either proteins
or carbohydrates. They help to insulate and store food for the body and are
necessary for the normal utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and
K). The more sedentary life your parrots live, the less fats are needed, so
one must feed nuts sparingly to avoid obesity if there is limited opportunity
for adequate exercise. Nuts are an excellent food for birds that live outside
when extra energy is needed to maintain their body temperature on cold days.
As an anti-cancer and heart protective food, nuts are a valuable part of a parrot's
diet..
PAPAYA--Valued
for its high content of papain, a powerful digestive enzyme, papaya is a juicy
and colorful fruit relished by parrots. The peppery tasting seeds are enjoyed
by many parrots even more than the flesh of the fruit. Papaya seeds are used
in some cultures as an anti-parasitic agent. Papaya can be fed daily for the
digestive aid of its beneficial enzymes, its high content of fiber, and for
its ability to stimulate the appetite. Parrots in tropical climates have been
observed feeding on all parts of this tropical fruit.
PELLETS--Although
many aviculturists swear by a pellet-only diet, I wonder if time will tell a
different story. No matter how often it is repeated that pellets are a complete
diet, the question of missing nutrients remains. Feeding any single food item
seems less than ideal when we consider that parrots are thought to have the
intelligence level of young human children. Can you imagine trying to feed a
four-year-old child only one brand of cereal day after day, year after year?
The larger issue is the question of whether one combination of foods can supply
all of the nutrients essential to the health and well being of a creature designed
to forage in a vast area with a huge array of foods from which to choose. It
does not seem reasonable to believe that we could easily duplicate the rich
nutritional content of the smorgasbord prepared by Mother Nature herself! Parrots
evolved to eat whole, untreated, unprocessed foods. We do not yet know the long-term
effects on them of processed foods and artificial additives. Whole foods contain
many different components, and some are thought to be dependent on others for
proper assimilation. Before making a decision to feed our parrots a pellet-only
diet, perhaps we should consider how we would feel about having all of our favorite
foods blended into a mash, extruded and dried. I believe that most of us would
sorely miss the individual tastes, aromas, textures, and even the natural colors
of our favorite foods. If one should decide to make pellets the mainstay of
their parrot's diet, I believe that a few nutrient-dense fresh foods, especially
sprouts, should be added.
SPROUTS--The
diet of parrots in the wild consists mainly of whole living foods. They eat
foods in varying stages of growth, and we can easily simulate that aspect of
their diet by offering sprouted grains, seeds and legumes. According to Fred
Bauer, CEO of China Prairie and author, "Nutrient potential is activated
into food forms that the bird can fully utilize--proteins into amino acids,
fats into essential fatty acids, starches to sugars, compounds that are toxic
or undesirable are converted into useful compounds, minerals are combined into
forms that relate to metabolic processes, and many types of enzymes are abundant.
Vitamin content multiplies many fold."
When
we grow our own sprouts, we can be sure that they are not contaminated with
pesticides. Getting started at sprouting can be as easy as buying a package
of mung beans from your health food store, soaking a cupful overnight, spreading
them in a colander, covering them with a paper towel, and rinsing several times
a day for a couple days. As a result, you have a food that is as fresh and alive
as you possibly can get. Once you see how easy it is to make mung bean sprouts,
you may want to try lentils, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, and wheat berries. There
are sprouting jars and mixes and anti-fungal preparations available, but it
can be done simply without any special equipment. If you fear that fungus will
grow on the sprouts, you can purchase Nutribiotic Citricidal (extract of grapefruit
and grapefruit seeds) at your health food store and add it to the soak water
of the sprouting medium. Some aviculturists feed large flocks of breeding parrots
a diet of predominantly sprouts with only a few other supplemental foods to
prevent boredom. They claim to have high production rates due to this diet of
mostly sprouts.
SEA
VEGETABLES--Sea vegetables are the richest source of organic mineral salts
in nature, particularly iodine. The health of parrots will benefit from the
full range of minerals and trace elements such as selenium, calcium, boron,
potassium, manganese, chromium, iron and zinc. They also contain organic protein,
chlorophyll, vitamins B-12, K, and E. . In terms of amino acid composition,
sea vegetation protein is similar to that of egg whites and legumes. Nori contains
twenty-five percent more protein than milk, and wakame and hijiki are both exceptionally
high in calcium in a form that is easily assimilated. Kelp is one of the most
popular seaweed supplements for parrots. Seaweed meal is available from several
bird supply companies and is a most nutritious plant supplement. Some other
sea vegetables are kombu, dulse, nori, wakame, arame, and hiziki. Stored in
airtight containers, they will keep for up to two years. Always rinse sea vegetables
well (with the exception of sheet nori), and then soak until they are supple.
Most parrots accept sea vegetables the first time that they are offered. They
may be mixed in soft foods or cooked in bird bread. Because of the high mineral
content, sea vegetables should be offered in moderation to prevent the oversupplementation
of minerals.
SEEDS--Many
aviculturists who became concerned when pellet manufacturers warned against
feeding seeds to parrots discovered that when seeds were removed from the diet
of their breeder birds, production plummeted. As long as seeds do not comprise
over twenty-five percent of the diet, they contribute valuable nutrients and
satisfy the need of parrots to work for their food. Besides protein, many seeds
contain vitamins A, B, D, and E, calcium, phosphorus, and the desirable unsaturated
fatty acids so necessary to the health of feathers, beak and skin.
SWEET
POTATO--Low in calories and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, sweet
potatoes are one of nature's most perfect foods. One half cup contains 23,000
IUs of the antioxidant beta carotene, linked to the prevention of heart disease,
numerous types of cancer, and cataracts, a condition to which parrots' eyes
are vulnerable. They are rich in vitamins B-6, C, and potassium. Parrots of
all ages love the taste, color, and fibrous texture of this versatile vegetable
that can be prepared in numerous ways. This is another food that can be offered
daily to boost the nutrition in our birds' diets.
TOFU--Tofu
is a compressed soybean curd food. It is an excellent vegetarian source of protein,
B vitamins, and it contains anti-cancer phytochemicals called isoflavones. Most
parrots enjoy the texture of tofu. It has very little taste and will take on
the flavor of whatever food you choose to soak it in, such as fruit juice. If
soaked in hot water with melted organic nut butter, it takes on an entirely
different flavor with additional calcium and other nutrients. It can be crumbled
into a soak and cook dish or a mash of fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
In our supermarkets and in Asian specialty markets, much of the tofu is organic,
and yet inexpensive, at about two dollars per pound. Because of its soft texture
and bland taste, tofu is an excellent weaning food for baby parrots.
Aviculture
is enjoying reproduction rates that in the past were thought to be impossible.
This is due largely to the improvement in diet. As we learn more about the nutritional
requirements of parrots, we are beginning to successfully breed more species
at increasingly younger ages, and we are producing more chicks that are stronger
and healthier than ever before. The quest for new information about the dietary
requirements of parrots is of utmost importance to the continued success of
captive breeding. Every breeder can contribute by supporting nutritional research
and by sharing the invaluable knowledge gained by trial and error in the feeding
of our individual flocks.
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