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A PARROT'S DIET
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As owners we need to try our best to replicate a diet that is as varied and healthy as what they eat in the wild.

A good balanced diet consists of :

  • 70% - Good quality Pellet
  • 25% - Vegetables and Fruits (more vegetables than fruits due to the high sugar content found in fruits)
  • 5% - nuts and seeds (higher in smaller seed eating birds) Should only be given as small portion of the diet or as treats or for training purposes.)

Can my parrot eat my food? It is not necessary to feed human food to your parrot but if you chose to do so, food should be given in small quantities and in moderation. Make sure that what you are feeding has no health risks and avoid foods high in salt, oil and spices. If you shouldn’t be eating it neither should your parrot.

FOODS TO AVOID: Sugar, caffeine, avocados and chocolate.

WHY A GOOD QUALITY PELLET IS IMPORTANT
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Why are pellets better choice? Pellets are formulated by scientists and are nutritionally balanced, providing the correct amount of carbohydrate, fat, protein and necessary vitamins and minerals required by a parrot daily. Thus a pellet is important to meet aLl your parrot's nutritional needs. There are various pellets that exist on the market so make sure you do sufficient research before purchasing pellets for your parrot and if you are still unsure contact your exotic vet on advice as to what pellet is best for your parrot. 

HEALTHY FRUIT CHOICES
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  • Kiwi
  • Apples
  • Banana
  • Cherry
  • Figs
  • Mango
  • Papaya
  • Grapes
  • Guava
  • Mango
  • Oranges
  • Nectarines
  • Peach
  • Pear
  • Berries (any that are safe for human consumption!)
GOOD VEGETABLE CHOICES
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  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Butternut squash
  • Collard greens
  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Peppers (green, red, chili)
  • Celery
  • Zucchini
  • Cucumbers
  • Green beans
  • Peas – garden and snow
  • Lentils

PELLET CONVERSION
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Converting your parrot onto a healthy diet may seem daunting and impossible, BUT we promise if given the chance, parrots are more than likely to convert. All you need to do is be creative in the way you introduce new foods, be persistence but patient and DON’T give up. Parrots are all different and it may take days, weeks or months to get there. One bite of healthy food is better than none. Please ask our friendly receptionist or staff for our “how to convert onto pellets handout” or any tips and tricks. 

THE TRUTH ABOUT GIVING SUNFLOWER SEEDS TO YOU
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  • Sunflower seeds on its own is not a nutritionally balanced meal.
  • It is high in fat and is essentially like feeding an all-doughnut diet.
  • Birds that are on a sunflower seed based diet suffer from nutrient deficiencies which can result in various health issues.
  • Sunflower seeds may harbor fungal spores in their shells that when inhaled by parrots cause respiratory infections. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
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Birds need natural sunlight for Vitamin D production, hormone balance, as well as organ, skin and feather health. Birds should be placed outside in direct sunlight for a minimum of 45 minutes a day. Parrots should have access to direct sunlight OUTSIDE and NOT through a glass window. Glass absorbs the essential UV radiation that plays a role in promoting health and happiness in parrots. Always cover half the cage when placed outside to give your parrot the opportunity to retreat from the heat or other elements and predators. . If you are unable to take your bird outside, a UVB lamp can also be used to mimic natural sunlight

BEAT THE BOREDOM
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Parrots spend 70% of their time foraging in the wild. It is important to try and replicate this behaviour in captivity to promote mental and physical health so as to avoid behavioural issues like feather plucking

Remember that although having many options for toys is great, a cage should never be overcrowded, and your bird should be able to navigate with ease throughout the cage. 

Puzzle toys are also a great addition to any cage, for those intellectual birds, and vary in difficulty levels. 

Parrots socialize about 20% of their day in the wild and it is thus important to allow your parrot daily social interaction. Whether it is placing your parrot close to a window where they can hear and see other birds, speaking to your parrot, doing training with your parrot or putting on bird sounds from YouTube, it is essential for their general well-being.

PARROTS AND FUMES
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Parrots are very sensitive to fumes they inhale, and some fumes can be toxic or cause respiratory infections.

Please be wary that anything you smell is a lot more potent to your parrot. Possible fumes which can cause respiratory infections : 

  • Smoke (cigarette smoke or Braai smoke) 
  • Vape 
  • Incense
  • Pesticide (Doom , peaceful sleep etc..)
  • Aerosols 
  • Any strong smelling chemical supplies
  • Paint fumes
  • Strong perfume
  • Spicy food being cooked in the kitchen

CAGES
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There is no such thing as a cage that is too big. The bigger the better. However, we recommend having two separate cages, one large one for daytime and a smaller one for nighttime. In the wild, parrots fly about in search of food during the day and at night return to their roosting spot where they sleep. Offering two cages helps to mimic this natural innate behavior and set a good sleeping routine for your parrot promoting mental health. Using a smaller night cage can also be beneficial when taking your parrot to the vet in a small cage they are already comfortable in.