One of the most common problems avian vets see with pet birds is malnutrition. A healthy diet full of variety is essential for our pet birds. A good quality pellet is one thing, but fresh veggies, grains, legumes and fruit are a whole different ball game!
Processed foods will lack vitamins A & E, beta carotene, and some B vitamins, essential for your bird's overall well-being and good health.
When birds become deficient in vitamins and minerals, they can get sickand have health complications. Birds on a seed diet commonly have deficiencies. VITAMINS and MINERALS Birds Need:
Vitamin A
This is probably the most common vitamin deficiency. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and responsible for growth and development, hormone production, immune system response, good vision and more!
Foods rich in vitamin A:
Bell Peppers
Spinach
Broccoli
Bok Choy
Carrots
Green Beans
Kale
Pumpkin Seeds
Vitamin D
Birds get vitamin D from the sun just like we do! But our pet birds are indoors more than wild birds, so they don't get enough sunlight. Vitamin D aids in absorbing and using other nutrients like Calcium.
How to get Vitamin D:
Feed organic pellets like Harrison's Bird Food that have vitamin D
Install a UV light above your bird's aviary; ensure the bulbs produces both UVA and UVB light.
Calcium
Calcium and Vitamin D go together like peanut butter and jelly! Calcium is needed for things like egg production, healthy bones, healthy brain function and more.
Foods rich in Calcium:
Broccoli
Bokchoy
Brussels Sprouts
Butternut squash
Cabbage
Collards
Chia Seeds
Green Beans
Kale
Spinach
Treats:
Brazil Nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Almonds
There are also calcium supplements available that your avian vet can recommend.
Other vitamins: B, E, K, and C and Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. These are necessary for feather, bone, muscle, enzyme, and hormone formation.
Ensuring your bird has a healthy diet with loads of veggies and a variety of grains, legumes, eggs, pellets etc., will ensure they get all their vitamins. Green leafy greens are a great choice!
To treat deficiencies, visit your avian vet and switch your bird to a healthy whole food diet that includes chop loaded with veggies and goodness!
