According to several avian vets that we have consulted, a varied healthy diet is key for all companion birds.
Below are recommendations, summarized from 4 board certified avian vets. We intend to update this page as any new information becomes available. As avian medicine and nutrition is a new science, there may be changes to this information. Additionally, your bird may have special nutritional needs. Please ask your avian vet what is appropriate for your bird.
There are 3 types of birds outlined here: hookbills (parrots of all sizes- from budgies to macaws), hardbills (small birds like canaries and finches), and lories and lorikeets.
| Bird Type | Main Diet (Have available to bird at all times- in cage, on playstand, etc) | Secondary Diet (Serve multiple times a day for two hours maximum to avoid bacteria growth) | Comments |
| Hookbills (Budgies, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Parrotlets, Parakeets of All Types, Parrots of All Types) | Pellets (Formulated Diets): 60-75% of total diet Vets recommend looking for a brand that meets this criteria: (organic, fortified with calcium, vitamins and minerals, no artificial colors, and no toxic preservatives (such as ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT) Water (unless prescribed by your vet, do not add supplements or medicines to water) | Vets prefer organic and free-range foods whenever possible. Fresh Foods in this order of importance: 1. Fresh dark leafy greens (kale, chard, collards, dandelions) 2. Vitamin A rich veggies (yams, carrots, winter squashes, pumpkin 3. Other Veggies and Greens (broccoli, bell peppers, parsley, zucchini, spinach, etc) 4. Proteins (hard boiled eggs (with shell), nuts, plain yogurt, chicken, fish)* 5. Fruits & Cereals (all fruit except avocado, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, other grains, unsweetened cereals) 6. Seed & Treats * It is especially important to serve free-range organic animal products to avoid bioacculation of hormones, anti-biotics, and pesticides. | Notes on Seed: Contrary to popular belief, most parrots do not eat seed as a main component of their diet in the wild. Seed is high in phosphorus, and can amplify calcium deficiencies in birds. Seed does not provide enough vitamins and minerals, even the "coated" variety. African Greys & Laying Hens: These birds need more calcium than other parrots. Please feed pellets with extra calcium (such as Harrison's High Potency) and/or extra calcium in other ways. Macaws: Macaws need more nuts & palm than other parrots. |
| Hardbills (Canaries, Finches) | Seed Mix: 60-70% of total diet Vets recommend looking for a brand that meets this criteria: organic, no sunflower seeds Water (unless prescribed by your vet, do not add supplements or medicines to water) | Vets prefer organic and free-range foods whenever possible. Fresh Foods in this order of importance: 1. fresh dark leafy greens (kale, chard, collards, dandelions) 2. Vitamin A rich veggies (yams, carrots, winter squashes, pumpkin 3. Other Veggies and Greens (broccoli, bell peppers, parsley, zucchini, spinach, etc) 4. Proteins (hard boiled eggs (with shell)*, nuts) 5. Fruits & Cereals (all fruit except avocado, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, other grains, unsweetened cereals) 6. Treats | |
| Lories and Lorikeets | Nectar: 70% of total diet (there are commercial mixes available where all you have to do is add water.) Water (unless prescribed by your vet, do not add supplements or medicines to water) | Vets prefer organic and free-range foods whenever possible. 1. Fruit (all but avocado) 2. Vegetables 3. Pellets (specific lory pellets) | Due to the mainly liquid diet of this bird, please consult your vet about proper droppings, care, and diet. |
Momma's Birdie Bread is designed with optimum nutrition in mind- it isn't "just a treat". Avian vets agree on our formula- and we have a lot more veggies, fruits, and nuts than that other "vet made" brand. That brand relies on cheap ingredients like corn meal and wheat flour for a significantly higher percentage than Momma's loaves.
Try it yourself and see!
