Aviary birds need a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. Whether you keep canaries, parakeets, parrots or other aviary birds, the right food is essential. In this blog we will discuss what food aviary birds need, which seeds and supplements are important and how to put together a varied diet.
The Basics of a Healthy Diet for Aviary Birds
Aviary birds require a wide range of nutrients. A varied diet includes:
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Seed mixtures : Specially formulated for different bird species, such as canary seed, parakeet seed and tropical seed mixture.
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Pellets : Complete food that contains all essential nutrients and prevents deficiencies.
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Fruits and vegetables : Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, spinach and berries provide additional vitamins and minerals.
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Egg food : Rich in proteins, especially important during the breeding and moulting period.
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Grit and minerals : Aids digestion and strengthens bones.
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Mealworms and Insects : A good source of animal protein for insectivorous birds.
Which seeds are suitable for aviary birds?
Seed mixtures form the basis of the diet for most aviary birds. The composition varies by bird species:
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Canaries : Canary seed, rapeseed, hemp seed and linseed.
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Parakeets : Millet, sunflower seeds, oats and canary seed.
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Parrots : Sunflower seeds, corn, walnuts and dried fruits.
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Tropical birds : A mixture of various small seeds such as millet and niger seed.
Make sure you buy bird food that is free of mold and pesticides. Quality seeds contain the right nutrients and support the health of your birds.
The importance of pellets for aviary birds
Pellets are an excellent supplement or replacement for seeds. They contain a balanced mix of nutrients and reduce selective feeding, ensuring your bird gets all the essential vitamins and minerals. Especially for parrots and larger parakeets, pellets are a valuable addition to their diet.
Vegetables and fruits as a supplement to bird food
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential in a healthy diet for aviary birds. They contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that contribute to a strong immune system. Some suitable options:
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Fruits : Apple, pear, banana, grapes, orange, strawberry and berries.
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Vegetables : Carrot, pepper, zucchini, spinach, endive and broccoli.
Avoid avocado, onion and chocolate, as these are toxic to birds.
Egg food and animal proteins for aviary birds
Eggfood is an important source of protein, especially during the breeding and moulting season. It helps build feathers and promotes growth in young birds. Some aviary birds, such as finches and insectivorous species, also benefit from live or dried mealworms and other insects.
The importance of grit and minerals
Grit and minerals play a crucial role in the digestion and bone development of aviary birds. Birds have no teeth and use grit to grind seeds in their stomachs. Cuttlefish (sea foam) is a natural source of calcium and helps to form strong bones and eggs.
How often and how much food do you feed aviary birds?
The right amount of food depends on the bird species and the size of the bird. Here are some general guidelines:
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Small birds (canaries, finches) : Approximately 5-10 grams of seed or pellets daily.
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Medium-sized birds (parakeets, cockatiels) : 10-15 grams of seed or pellets daily.
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Large birds (parrots, cockatoos) : 20-50 grams of food daily, depending on the species.
Always provide fresh water and remove food scraps daily to prevent mold formation.
Seasonal adjustments in nutrition
During the moulting period, breeding period and winter, aviary birds need extra nutrients. During these periods, you can enrich the diet with:
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Extra egg food and pellets for more proteins.
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Fattier seeds such as sunflower seeds in winter for extra energy.
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More fruits and vegetables for increased resistance to diseases.
Conclusion: a varied diet is essential
The right diet for aviary birds consists of a combination of seed mixes, pellets, vegetables, fruit, egg food and minerals. By offering a varied diet, you support the health and well-being of your birds. Always choose high-quality bird food and adjust the diet to the specific needs of your birds.
Want to buy the best food for your aviary birds? Check out our extensive range of bird food and ensure a healthy and happy bird population.
