Does your bird join you at mealtime? Does s/he eat whatever you do at the table? Well, it’s good and bad. It all depends on what you are eating.
Birds have less than 100 taste buds in their mouths, so they don’t discriminate the way humans do. However, if your bird is fed a tidbit with what s/he considers a tasty sauce, s/he may refuse to eat that same food served in its natural state. It’s best not to encourage bad habits.
Since birds can’t taste test, the healthiest way to feed them fruits and vegetables is without salt, added sugar, any condiments or sauces. The same goes for cooked foods such as meat, fish, grains and pasta. Before making any additions to food you are cooking, set aside a small portion for your bird.
Considering their size, birds do eat a lot. There are many fresh fruits and vegetables you can add to their diet of seeds and pellets. Try steaming vegetables to save more nutrients – better for you as well as your bird.
Birds are lactose intolerant, so try to steer clear of dairy products. A very small amount once in a while is okay. NEVER give your bird avocado or chocolate as they are highly toxic to birds.
If your bird refuses your offerings, keep trying daily. Eventually curiosity may win out and s/he will start picking at the fruits and veggies. Remove any that is uneaten every day.
A balanced diet for your bird requires other foods besides seeds.
Here’s a list of foods that birds should NOT eat:
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Raw Fruit seeds
- Uncooked meat
- Uncooked egg
- Salted foods
- Sugared foods
- Grapes
