Feeding Conures, Caiques and Amazon Parrots

Pellets and Seed

Contrary to popular belief, seed as the sole diet for parrots is not suitable, and far from complete or balanced! Fortunately, we now have good quality parrot pellets that provide a more balanced diet. Pellets can make up to 60-80% of their diet. Parrots love eating seed because it is high in fat, similar to fast food for humans, and just like fast food, it is low in important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients like protein and fibre. South American parrots like conures and Amazons should have no more than 10% of their diet as seed and dry seed mixes should be considered more of a treat rather than a staple.

Fresh grass seeds can be picked from your lawn in the warmer months, and birds normally love them! Grass seeds are ready for picking once they start to form firm seed heads, and bunches can be hung in the aviary or cage for your birds to forage from. They also make a great environmental enrichment option, promoting natural behaviours. Consider growing some in a pot and letting your birds enjoy them!

Dried seed can also be sprouted, which reduces the fat content and increases the vitamin content. Sprouted seed can be fed once the little sprouts start to turn green, usually in 2-3 days in warm weather.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fresh food such as fruit and vegetables are irreplaceable, and should comprise at least 30% of the diet. Suitable fresh fruit and vegetables include pumpkin, sweet potato, leafy greens like spinach, celery, and bok choy, apple, carrot, peas, chilli, capsicum, berries and pear.

Avocado, onion, garlic, and ginger are toxic to birds and msut not be fed.

Fresh food can be finely cut or grated into "chop" which can then be refrigerated for up to a week, or can be fed as whole pieces of fruit and vegetables. Fresh grass seeds are also a great addition when they are in season during the warmer months.

Large or whole pieces of fresh food like pumpkin, cucumber, and cobs of corn with the husk can be fed as-is for a fun activity and is great for beak work . Plus, parrots love nothing more than to make a mess!

Nuts

Nuts such as walnuts, macadamias, and peanuts are treat foods, and should only be given in small amounts. These South American parrots can have the equivalent of a walnut twice a week. For extra fun, give them the nut unshelled! Other suitable treats include sunflower seeds and sweeter fruits like peach, grapes, and banana.

Treat foods should only be fed sparingly and reserved for positive reinforcement training and to help build a bond with your parrot. Treats should make up 10% or less of the overall diet.