Learn the What, When and How of Parrot Feeding

As with all pets, diet plays a major role in parrot care. The right knowledge on how to go about parrot feeding, what to feed it (they're finicky), and at what times of the day to give them food. Unlike conventional pets like canines or felines, parrots don't gobble up food at any time of the day.

When you bring Polly home to be a new member of your household, don't panic if he seems to have a lack of appetite. This is probably just a reaction to his new home. Give him time to adjust and when he feels secure in your abode, he will start to eat. You can speed-up this "adjustment period" somewhat by giving your new pet a tasty treat- maybe some honey-dipped crackers (no processed food please) or fresh fruit. Your parrot will recognize his new surroundings as a good source of food and will feel at home fast.  

If your find that your parrot still isn't eating as much as it should after quite some time of being in your care, it might have something to do with the time you're feeding it. Wild parrots get their food by foraging in the forest. They do this not only as a means to survive, but this also has a social function for them. Parrots forage in the morning at sunrise (when they wake-up) and right before going to sleep (at dusk). Proper parrot feeding then requires you to give them food during these times of the day. Try to give parrots food during lunch and chances are they won't have much of an appetite for it. Most animals have innate instincts left over from their wild ancestors and parrots are no exception.  

When we think of bird food, we automatically think bird seed. True, an assortment of various seeds can be part of good parrot feeding, but it shouldn't be the only source of nutrition. Seeds lack other nutrients like protein and calcium. Pellets are good, but feeding your pet pellets day in and day out might give it an overdose of nutrients. Variety is the key in parrot feeding. Seeds and pellets supplemented with fresh fruit and veggies will keep Polly from getting bored and develop behavioral problems.  

When it comes to what is really the ideal diet for parrots, there's somewhat of a debate. Ironically, a real expert on parrot nutrition still doesn't exist even though society has been adopting them as pets since ancient times. For this reason, parrot feeding necessitates a bit of research by the owner. You should be able to provide proper parrot care by knowing which types of food are nutritious or toxic for your pet.  

Ben Greene is an expert in parrot care. For information on feeding your parrot [http://www.happyparrotguide.com/parrot-feeding], visit [http://www.happyparrotguide.com].