Parrots are a large group of birds in the Psittaciformes order, found naturally on every continent except Europe and Antarctica. Many species are kept in captivity and can make wonderful lifelong companions for the right owners. Parrots are not ‘low-maintenance’ pets, although providing a healthy diet is easy with the right knowledge.
In this guide, you’ll learn the key components of the parrot diet both in the wild and in captivity. Let’s get started!
The Parrot Diet
Each parrot species has a slightly different diet, depending on factors like its size and the wild food sources that occur within its natural range. This means pet owners should consult a vet and research the needs of their specific species when developing a healthy diet plan. While these clever and often colorful birds have a largely herbivorous diet, some species will eat insects, and some even feed on other vertebrate animals.
Typical wild parrot food items:
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Berries
- Flowers
- Nectar
- Nuts
You’ve probably noticed that parrots have a pretty unique bill. Their specialized beak looks somewhat similar to a hawk’s or eagle’s bill, although these birds use their mouths in very different ways. Parrots can eat such a wide variety of foods because their hooked bill helps them cut, crush, grasp, and manipulate their meals. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, some species even use their beaks to swing through trees!
Want to learn more about the parrot diet? Read along to explore some of their most important food types.
Pellets
While pellets are not part of a wild parrot’s natural diet, they are a very important food source for pet birds. There are many brands and options available, but it’s worth paying a little more for a quality pellet food made for your specific parrot species. Commercial parrot foods often contain a wide variety of ingredients such as seeds, meals, dried fruits, minerals, and vitamins.
Parrot pellets have been developed to cover most of a parrot’s basic nutritional requirements, so they are a good foundation for your bird’s regular diet. However, captive birds must also have access to other healthy food sources on a regular basis. Pellets should make up 70 to 90% of a parrot’s diet according to Kaytee, a well-known pet food manufacturer.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are important components of the parrot diet. Deciduous fruits like grapes and apples are a good choice, as are tropical options like mangos and papayas. However, it’s important to select healthy, fresh fruits that have been carefully rinsed to remove any remaining pesticides. Dried fruits are also suitable for pet parrots, although you should avoid products treated with preservatives or coated in sugar.
When it comes to veggies, pet owners can choose between a wide variety, including spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, bell peppers, and carrots. Parrots can even eat hot peppers, although some fruits and vegetables are not recommended. It’s best to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about specific foods.
Seeds
Seeds are another important part of a parrot’s diet. Even large, tough seeds are no match for their powerful bill. However, captive parrots should not be fed a strictly seed-based diet because they require various vitamins and minerals that might not occur in a seed mix. Combining seeds with pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables is a good option.
Suitable seeds for parrots include:
- Rice
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Sunflower seeds
- Wheat
- Millet
Some seeds, like sunflower seeds, should only be fed in moderation because they have a high fat content. Unfortunately, excessive fat consumption has been linked to some serious health conditions that affect the arteries and liver.
Nuts
Nuts are a healthy snack for parrots if fed in moderation, although only fresh, unsalted nuts are suitable. Moldy nuts can cause serious illness, so make sure you store your pet food in a dry area and always check the expiry or sell-by date before purchase.
Suitable nuts for parrots include:
- Peanuts
- Macadamias
- Pistachios
- Cashews
Nuts are a high-energy and high-fat food source so consult your vet to work out a good portion for your pet. A single nut might be more than enough, and you can go ahead and leave the shell on for larger parrots — their bills are natural nut-crackers!
Portion Sizes and Foods to Avoid
Portion size is another important factor when developing a healthy diet for your parrot. These birds must eat every day, whether they live out in the wild or in captivity. They tend to forage for fresh food in the morning and late afternoon out in nature, so this is a good daily rhythm for feeding your pet. Many pet owners prefer to keep their parrot’s food bowl filled with dried pellet food throughout the day but remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.
Captive birds are not as active as their wild counterparts, so obesity is a serious threat when they have access to too much of the wrong food. Commercial food products may provide a portion guide depending on the size of your bird, although this is another subject that your veterinarian can help with.
Parrots in nature may avoid toxic foods or even eat clay to neutralize some of the toxins in their diet. However, pet birds rely on their carers to provide safe food sources. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet if unsure, but the following foods are considered unsafe according to the World Parrot Trust:
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Eggplant
- Rhubarb
- Asparagus
