Parrot Nutrition & Diet | Parrot Chop
A healthy diet for companion parrots should consist of mainly Veggies with some fruit and seeds.
When it comes to feeding companion parrots, there is a common misconception that they should be fed mostly seeds. Its actually the exact opposite. A parrot’s diet should consist of 80% fresh veggies and 20% seeds. Smaller parrots such as parakeets need 40% seeds and other species like Macaws also need a diet with a little more fat. In general many species such as conures, cockatoos, and others, benefit from a diet of 80% fresh veggies. |
Chop is what we call the meals that we prepare for our parrots. This is a bunch of fruits and veggies mixed together with some seeds and grain. I prepare chop once every week and this lasts for the whole week in the fridge. Some people choose to also freeze their chop, but I have found that parrots don’t really like the food once it has thawed again. There are also certain types of foods that should be avoided when making chop because they spoil quickly, such as bananas. Its also important to consider how watery a veggie is to avoid putting to many together that will turn everything to muss.
When I make chop I chose 6 to 8 different types of veggies, 2 types of fruit and 1 type of grain. Every week I try to change the ingredients that I use. Over all this ensures a balanced diet because it has verity. Which veggies I chose depends on nutrition factors, what the parrots like and what they will be willing to eat, and the availability at the grocery store.
There are certain things that parrots should never be fed. This includes tomato, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and eggplant to name a few. Everything I include in my posts below are bird safe. There are certain things that need to be cooked which is specified, but for the most part it is best to serve veggies raw because they contain more nutrients in their raw form. If you are thinking about feeding a fruit or veggie not listed below, please do a lot of research before offering it to your bird. |
I think its important to remember that parrots are all about visuals and textures. Adding a lot of color to their food will help get them interested in it. And having different textures will keep them from getting board.
Another important thing to note, parrots can eat all types of chilis! Birds do not have the same taste receptors that we do and therefore cannot taste spicy. So it is safe to feed birds things like jalapeños and other spicy peppers. Its good for them!
Unfortunately I never use measurements when cooking and the same goes for when I make animal food. However I suggest using all equal parts when it comes to chop. Unless I know that my parrots really don't like a certain food and then I use less.
Here are photos and ingredients for recipes that I have used for my parrots.
Another important thing to note, parrots can eat all types of chilis! Birds do not have the same taste receptors that we do and therefore cannot taste spicy. So it is safe to feed birds things like jalapeños and other spicy peppers. Its good for them!
Unfortunately I never use measurements when cooking and the same goes for when I make animal food. However I suggest using all equal parts when it comes to chop. Unless I know that my parrots really don't like a certain food and then I use less.
Here are photos and ingredients for recipes that I have used for my parrots.