Many parrots are either recently taken from their wild habitat or are only one or two generations removed. That means they are not domesticated, only perhaps tame / socialized. Acceptance of new and different foodstuffs is more difficult and challenging in wild animals.

A majority of pet birds are suffering from some degree of nutritional deficiency. The typical seed diet is usually deficient in essential amino acids, vitamins A, D-3, K and certain minerals.

Larger parrots (Amazons, African Greys, Macaws, and Cockatoos) fed an unsupplemented parrot mix may often die between the ages of 5 to 10 years, when in reality they should live mush longer. Usually secondary infections are the coupe de grace.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF A BIRD WITH INADEQUATE NUTRITION:

Birds eat for energy. They require a large amount of calories for internal metabolic function. The "all seed parrot mix" is very high in fat. The rather sedentary life of most pet birds makes their requirement for fat much lower.  The high fat diet results in an overweight bird with high cholesterol levels. Their problems would then be similar to a person with the same profile.

A malnourished bird will tend to have a lack luster feathering, with fading or less distinct colors. Lack of moult is also commonly seen. Feathers may be frayed and broken. Patchy feather loss may be evident. The skin may be thicken or scaly. Changes involving the oral cavity and internal organs may not be as obvious to the bird's owner but will still be occurring insidiously.

It is important to realize that the typical parrot does NOT eat sunflower seeds, safflower or peanuts in its native land.  To feed these foods (and unfortunately most parrot mixes contain them) is unnatural.

WE RECOMMEND THAT SEED MAKE UP LESS THAN 50% OF A PARROT'S DIET. THE BEST WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS IS TO SIMPLY NOT FEED SEED MORE THAN 4 DAYS IN ANY GIVEN WEEK.

SUGGESTED FOOD SOURCES FOR PARROTS (ingredients can be mixed together and frozen)

• Cooked rice provides an inexpensive, excellent source of carbohydrate energy.
• Peas and carrots (fresh or frozen)
• For a protein source feed low fat cheese (mozzarella), dry dog food, or pelleted parrot chow.
• Kidney or pinto beans
• Vitamin supplements (especially for birds)

REMEMBER.....A parrot can eat essentially anything that you would eat and should have the benefit of a balanced diet just as all the other members of your "family".