PARAKEET Pet Birds - 5 Dietary Needs to Provide to Insure a Healthy PARAKEET

Nanday Parakeets (also known as the Black-hooded Parakeet and Nanday Conure) at a bird feeder in the USA.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parakeets are listed as one of the top five most popular pet birds, and it's no wonder. They are colorful, delightful birds that make soothing chirping sounds and are wonderful pets for anyone interested in opening their home to a bird. They are loving, cuddly, and intelligent birds that can even learn to speak a few words. Here are 5 components for a nutritious diet that will mean a happy, healthier bird.

Water-

Change water as often as necessary to keep it fresh. Open water can be a big attraction for mold, mildew, and bacteria which are unhealthy for birds and you. If you live in an older home where lead pipes are a possibility, flush out pipes thoroughly before filling your bird's dish. Another option may be to teach your bird to drink from a water bottle. If using plastic, check to make sure it will not leach into the water.

Seeds-

Parakeets enjoy grains, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits-all of which should be organic to avoid your bird ingesting harmful pesticides used in the growing process. Seeds should include a variety of grains and fresh millet seeds. Sprouted seeds are the best because they provide the most nutrients. Like people, Parakeets eat with their eyes and keeping the food choices colorful, and multi-textured will keep your bird stimulated and interested in eating. Many stores provide a pre-mixed variety of seeds, but always check to make sure it is fresh and organic. Seed should be stored in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Cuttlebone-

Always provide your bird with cuttlebone. The inner parts of the Cuddle fish used to make these are calcium-rich and serve as a toy for exercise, a file for the beak, and an excellent source of additional calcium and iodine (prevents goiter). It may take your Parakeet a while to use it but have patience. Move it to different locations in the cage, and add a little bit of it to the food dish to encourage acceptance. Cuttlebone can be found in any store that sells birds supplies, and often in grocery stores as well.

Vitamins-

Supplementing diet with vitamins is an excellent way to ensure that your bird is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Some recommend putting vitamins in the water, but there is no guarantee that your bird will drink all of the water and so you are unable to control the number of vitamins it has received. A better way is to add vitamins to treats that they are sure to ingest. After you have identified your bird's favorite foods, giving vitamins on or with that particular food will ensure that your bird has received its necessary supplement. Get your veterinarian's advice on type, amount, and frequency of vitamins to be given.

Treats-

Just like people, birds enjoy treats on both a physical and emotional level. Some favorites include honey sticks (available in lots of flavors), popcorn on a stick, fresh mallet spray (seeds still on the stem), fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Experiment to find your pet's favorite, and be sure to remove fresh food before it has a chance to spoil.

By Debbie Davis Filtering your Parakeet's air is another way to ensure your bird's health. Keeping air passages clear of airborne dust, dander, feathers and other harmful household pollutants reduces the chance of infection and disease. PurerAir.com offers a HEPA air purifier to do just that-- the Bird Dander Purifier at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html Article Source: EzineArticles

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