Parrot Nutrition Guide

For most companion parrots, roughly 50 to 70 per cent of daily intake by volume, with the balance made up of fresh vegetables, some fruit and small quantities of nuts or sprouted seed. Eclectus are the notable exception and do better on a much higher proportion of fresh produce.

Gradually, over two to four weeks. Offer pellets first thing in the morning, shorten the window in which seed is available, and model eating them yourself. Never withhold food to force the change, and weigh the bird daily - a drop of more than 5 per cent of body weight means stop and call an avian vet.

Avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol are the classic killers. Onion and garlic damage red blood cells, and fruit pits and apple seeds contain cyanide compounds. Heavily salted, fried or processed human food should also be avoided.

A bird on a good formulated pellet plus varied fresh vegetables usually does not, and over-supplementing fat-soluble vitamins can cause harm. Birds on seed-based diets, breeding hens, and indoor-only birds short of vitamin D3 are the common exceptions. Ask an avian vet before adding anything.

Because seed mixes contain almost none of it and the early signs are easy to miss. It shows up as repeated sinus infections, white plaques in the mouth and poor feather quality. Daily dark leafy greens, sweet potato, squash, carrot and red pepper correct it.

At least twice a day, and immediately if food or droppings get into the bowl. Wash the bowl with hot soapy water rather than simply topping it up, since bacteria multiply quickly in a warm dish.