Grackles make unique and interesting pets for bird enthusiasts. While grackles in the wild are opportunistic omnivores, pet grackles require a specialized diet to remain healthy in captivity. This includes a balanced mix of grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and calcium-rich foods. When cared for properly and given plenty of toys and social interaction, grackles are clever, playful companions.
What are grackles?
Grackles are a medium-sized blackbird species found throughout North America. There are several different species of grackle, but the most common kept as pets is the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). In the wild, grackles are very social and live in large flocks. They are intelligent and adaptable birds that thrive in urban and rural environments.
Some key facts about common grackles:
- Size: 11-13 inches long with a wingspan of around 17 inches
- Coloration: Black feathers with iridescent purplish-blue heads and necks
- Lifespan: Up to 17 years in captivity (average 6-10 years in the wild)
- Song: Males sing loud, creaking calls to defend territories and attract mates
- Behavior: Social, playful and curious; they enjoy toys and interacting with owners
Grackles are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers. In the wild their diet consists of whatever food sources are abundant including insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, grains, seeds, fruits, berries and small creatures.
Why keep grackles as pets?
Grackles are highly intelligent birds that form strong bonds with their owners. Their naturally social nature and curiosity make them engaging pets. Some reasons grackles make good pets include:
- Highly intelligent – able to learn words, songs and tricks
- Playful and entertaining – enjoy toys and games
- Affectionate companions – form close bonds with owners
- Curious and active – explore their environment
- Unique vocalizations – mimics sounds and speech
- Minimal noise – quieter than many parrot species
Grackles have complex behaviors and needs that require time and dedication from owners. They are also long-lived birds, so choosing a grackle is a long-term commitment. But for bird enthusiasts up for the challenge, grackles can be wonderfully rewarding avian companions.
Pet grackle diet
Grackles are omnivores, so they need a varied diet incorporating:
Grains
Grains should make up 35-40% of a grackle’s diet. Good options include:
- Fortified bird pellets
- Sprouted or cooked brown rice
- Quinoa
- Millet spray
- Whole grain bread
- Cooked pasta
- Oatmeal
Look for bird pellets made for medium sized birds. Avoid excessive seeds, which are high in fat.
Vegetables
Vegetables should comprise around 15% of the diet. Some good choices are:
- Cooked sweet potato or butternut squash
- Steamed broccoli, carrots or green beans
- Fresh kale or collard greens
- Corn kernels
- Beets
- Peppers
Chop vegetables into grackle-sized pieces. Offer a variety to provide a range of vitamins and minerals.
Fruits
Around 10-15% of the diet can be fruit like:
- Berries – blueberries, cranberries, etc.
- Melons – cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
- Banana
- Chopped apples or pears
- Sliced grapes
- Mango
Avoid citrus fruits, avocado and dried fruits, which are too acidic.
Protein
Good protein sources include:
- Hard boiled egg
- Mealworms
- Chopped boiled chicken
- Turkey baby food
- Cottage cheese
- Plain yogurt
- Chopped tuna or salmon
- Beans
- Peanuts or walnuts
Protein should make up around 20-25% of the daily diet. A variety of proteins ensures adequate amino acids.
Calcium
Calcium is vital for bone health and growth. Get it from:
- Cuttlebone
- Hard boiled eggs with shell
- Fortified bird pellets
- Calcium supplements
Sprinkle a calcium supplement on food 2-3 times a week. Leave a cuttlebone in the cage at all times.
| Food category | Examples | Portion of diet |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | Pellets, rice, pasta | 35-40% |
| Vegetables | Sweet potato, kale, corn | 15% |
| Fruits | Berries, melon, banana | 10-15% |
| Proteins | Eggs, yogurt, insects | 20-25% |
| Calcium | Cuttlebone | Daily |
Treats
Healthy treat options for grackles include:
- Chopped nuts
- Seeds
- Mealworms
- Chopped hardboiled egg
- Unsalted popcorn
- Small pieces of cheese
- Plain shreds of chicken
Treats should only make up around 5% of total food intake. Too many high-fat seeds or nuts can lead to obesity.
Foraging
Leave grackles food in puzzle toys or hidden in paper to simulate foraging. This allows them to exercise their natural behaviors. Rotate different food items to prevent boredom.
Fresh water
Always provide clean, fresh drinking water. Change the water daily.
Feeding schedule
Grackles should be fed twice daily, morning and evening. Allow 1-2 hours for finishing meals before removing uneaten food.
Here is a sample daily feeding schedule:
- 8 AM – Breakfast
- 10 AM – Foraging toys and puzzles with treats
- 12 PM – Lunch
- 3 PM – Foraging enrichment
- 5 PM – Dinner
- 7 PM – Remove uneaten food
The exact schedule can be adjusted depending on your grackle’s needs. The key is providing a consistent daily routine.
Housing
Grackles should be housed in large cages or aviaries that allow ample room for perching, climbing and flapping their wings. The greater space you can provide, the better. Some housing guidelines include:
- Bar spacing of 1/2 to 3/4 inches to prevent escape
- Minimum dimensions of 36” x 24” x 48” for one grackle
- Larger enclosures for multiple grackles
- Varied perches for resting at different heights
- Platforms and ramps for climbing
- Toys to keep them stimulated
- A hiding spot or nest
- Cage furnishings that allow foraging
- Accessible food and water bowls
Place the enclosure in a well-lit room with areas of sun exposure. Keep drafts, extreme cold and excessive noise away from the cage. Social interaction and supervision are vital. Spending time interacting with your grackle daily helps form a close bond.
Common health issues
With proper care and nutrition, pet grackles generally remain healthy. But they can be prone to certain issues including:
Obesity
Feeding too many fatty seeds or nuts can lead to obesity and liver disease. Stick to the recommended balanced diet and limit high-fat treats.
Atherosclerosis
Hardening of blood vessels caused by high cholesterol diet. Feed a low-fat diet to prevent this.
Crop infections
Bacterial or fungal crop infections can occur from eating spoiled food or foreign objects. Discard fresh food daily and don’t allow access to non-edible materials.
Feather damaging behavior
Feather plucking or mutilation due to stress, boredom or poor diet. Ensure proper nutrition, mental stimulation and a calm environment.
Egg binding
Difficulty passing eggs in breeding females. Provide a nest box, nutrition high in calcium and contact an avian vet if problems occur.
Consult an experienced avian veterinarian if health issues develop. Proper preventative care greatly reduces disease risks.
Enrichment
In addition to a spacious, stimulating home environment, pet grackles need extra enrichment. Try these ideas:
- Rotate new toys into the cage regularly to prevent boredom. Good options are mirrors, bells, wood blocks and cardboard tubes.
- Offer puzzle feeders that require solving to get treats.
- Hide food in cardboard tubes or paper to encourage natural foraging instinct.
- Provide a birdbath for splashing and bathing.
- Hang strands of shiny beads or keys for pecking and chewing.
- Play music or nature sounds to provide mental stimulation.
- Train simple tricks like stepping on a target stick or flying to your hand.
- Give foot massages with a soft towel or brush.
Adequate mental and physical enrichment is key to a grackle’s health and happiness. Rotate new forms of enrichment to prevent habituation.
Companionship
Grackles are highly social and do best housed with other grackles for interaction. A lone grackle will need extra attention. Spending time interacting, playing and training with your pet daily is important.
If housing grackles together, provide ample space and duplicate perches, toys and food stations to discourage conflict. Monitor for signs of aggression, such as biting or feather plucking. Separate bullies if needed. Introduce new grackles slowly under supervision.
Some potential companion options:
- Another grackle
- Other medium or large bird species
- Small flock of finches
Avoid housing grackles with smaller birds they may prey on. Never leave them unsupervised with potential prey. With proper introductions and monitoring, grackles can live harmoniously with various avian companions.
Conclusion
Caring for grackles as pets takes time, research and dedication. But for the right owner willing to provide a balanced diet, mental stimulation, veterinary care and companionship, grackles can be wonderfully engaging, long-lived pets. Their intelligence and affection make the effort worthwhile. With proper nutrition and housing, grackles will thrive and brighten your days with their playful personalities.
