One of the most important things you can do to ensure your bird's health is to feed him or her a healthful, well-balanced diet. Contrary to any beliefs you may have, a seed-only diet is not healthy for your bird, since seeds are very high in fat and lack many of the important vitamins he or she requires. We recommend the following as part of a well-balanced, nutritious, and satisfying diet for your bird. This is a general guideline, and we recommend you consult with your avian veterinarian about the diet that is best for your bird. Each bird may have individual nutritional needs.

Daily Food Items

• Specially formulated bird pellets as foundation of the diet.
• Seeds as a smaller portion of the diet. It is a good idea to eventually eliminate seeds.
• Fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables. Vegetables should be dark and leafy green, such as romaine lettuce. Some other suggestions include carrot tops with vines, sprouts, broccoli, cooked corn (on the cob or separated), grapes, apples, frozen mix, fresh fruit juices. Remember to thorougly wash all fruits and vegetables before serving them to your bird.
• Fresh, cold water changed at least once per day, but preferably twice per day.
• Cooked or dry unsalted pastas.
• Healthful treats can be given in moderation. We recommend hard-boiled or scrambled eggs (cooked in low fat oil and unsalted), yogurt, specially-formulated bird snacks, air-popped and unsalted popcorn, cereals low in salt, sugar and fat, lean unsalted meats, such as fish and chicken, and beans. You can also make healthful, home-made treats for your birds. Try scanning bird books, magazines and bird club flyers for recipe suggestion.
• Ask your vet about vitamin supplements if your bird is not getting all of his or her nutritional needs met in the food diet.

If your bird has been eating a seed-only diet, it may require a lot of patience on your part to convert him or her to a more healthful diet. Contact your vet or read literature for help with converting your bird to a more healthful diet.

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Bird

• Avocados
• Cherry pits
• Apple seeds
• Chocolate
• Human foods high in fat, sugar or salt
• Anything caffeinated
• Alcohol
• Hazardous plants (see partial list under grooming)