Birds require a varied and nutrient-rich diet in order to stay healthy. Their dietary needs depend on factors like species, age, size, and activity level. When caring for pet birds or feeding wild birds, it’s important to understand their nutritional requirements and provide an appropriate diet.
What do birds eat?
The majority of birds are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their beaks and digestive systems have adapted to process diverse foods. Common components of avian diets include:
- Seeds and grains
- Fruits
- Berries
- Nuts
- Buds
- Nectar
- Flowers
- Insects
- Spiders
- Worms
- Small fish
- Rodents
- Eggs
Birds that primarily eat seeds and plants are called granivores. Species that mostly eat insects and other animals are insectivores. Nectar-feeding birds have specialized beaks and tongues to slurp up flower nectar. Raptors like hawks and eagles are carnivorous and hunt small prey.
Macronutrients birds need
Like all animals, birds require macronutrients for energy and growth. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water should make up the bulk of their diet. Here are the main macronutrients birds need:
Carbohydrates
Carbs provide the main source of energy for birds. Granivores get most of their carbs from starchy seeds and grains. Fruits and nectar also supply carbohydrates. Hard seeds give longer lasting energy while soft fruits offer fast energy.
Fats
Fats from seeds, nuts, and oily plants help birds meet their high energy needs. Fats provide more than twice the energy of carbs or protein. Birds can store excess fat to survive periods of scarce food. For pet birds, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds are good sources of healthy fats.
Protein
Protein is essential for building strong muscles, organs, feathers, beaks, and eggs. Bugs, worms, fish, rodents, and eggs provide concentrated protein for wild birds. Domesticated birds need feed with adequate protein levels. Too little protein can cause problems molting and egg-laying.
Water
Water helps birds digest food, regulate body temperature, and transport nutrients. All birds need a fresh water source for drinking and bathing. Dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues.
Vitamins and minerals
In addition to macronutrients, birds need vitamins and minerals from their food. These micronutrients enable metabolic processes and keep organs functioning properly. Some key vitamins and minerals birds require include:
Calcium
Needed for bone health and egg shell strength. Found in shellfish, dairy, calcium-fortified pellets, dark leafy greens, and supplements.
Vitamin A
Supports vision, skin, feathers, and eggs. Present in colorful fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, and squash.
Vitamin D
Essential for absorbing calcium and phosphorus. Synthesized when skin is exposed to sunlight or obtained through fish oils, fortified feed, and supplements.
Vitamin E
Boosts immune function and fertility. Rich sources include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, and leafy greens.
Iodine
Required for a healthy thyroid gland. Found in seaweed, fish, eggs, cranberries, strawberries, and iodized salt blocks.
Daily dietary recommendations by bird
The ideal daily diet for birds varies based on species, size, and age. Here are some general feeding guidelines for common pet and backyard birds:
Parakeets
Small parakeets only need 1-2 teaspoons of seeds daily, along with:
- High quality parakeet feed
- Chopped greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard
- Sliced fruits and veggies
- Sprouted seeds
- Nut or seed treats
- Cuttlebone for calcium
- Clean water
Cockatiels
Cockatiels can eat:
- 1-2 tablespoons cockatiel pellets
- 1 tablespoon each chopped vegetables and fruits
- 1-2 tablespoons cooked rice or pasta
- Sprigs of greens like dandelion, chickweed, parsley
- Limited seeds and nuts
- Calcium supplements like cuttlebone
- Fresh water
Lovebirds
Lovebirds thrive on:
- 1-2 tablespoons lovebird pellets
- 1-2 teaspoons seeds
- Chopped dark leafy greens daily
- Vegetables like sweet potato and peppers 2-3 times per week
- Chopped hard boiled eggs once a week
- Oyster shell calcium supplement
- Clean water
Parrots
Full sized parrots need daily:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup parrot pellets
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped mixed vegetables
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fruits like berries, melon, apples
- Leafy greens, sprouts, herbs
- Nuts, seeds, whole grains as treats
- Calcium supplement like cuttlebone
- Fresh water
Canaries
Canaries should be fed:
- Fortified canary seed mix
- Green leafy veggies daily
- Fruit 2-3 times per week
- Hard boiled egg yolk once a week
- Sprouted seeds
- Crushed oyster shell
- Clean water
Finches
Finches need:
- 1-2 tablespoons fortified finch seed mix
- Sprays of greens like spinach, lettuce, dandelion
- Thistle seed and millet sprays
- Chopped greens and grated veggies
- Sprouted seeds
- Finch grit supplement
- Fresh water
Hummingbirds
Hummingbird diet:
- 1 part white granulated sugar dissolved in 4 parts water for nectar
- Replace nectar every 2-3 days
- Do not add red food coloring
- Insects for protein
- Oyster shell and grit
- Clean drinking water
Foods to avoid
Some foods can be harmful and should be restricted or avoided in bird diets:
- Chocolate – toxic to birds
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Rhubarb leaves
- Onions
- Garlic in large amounts
- Salt
- Sugar in large quantities
Signs of malnutrition
Look for these signs that a bird may not be getting proper nutrition:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Smaller egg size
- Depressed, lethargic behavior
- Poor feather quality
- Beak or feather deformities
- Weakness or tremors
- Increased susceptibility to illness
If a bird shows signs of malnutrition, consult an avian veterinarian to identify and treat any deficiencies.
Tips for feeding pet birds
Here are some tips for meeting the nutritional needs of pet birds:
- Choose reputable bird food brands that offer balanced nutrition.
- Avoid seed-only diets. Pellets and fortified seeds are better options.
- Offer a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, greens, etc.
- Give appropriate portion sizes based on the bird’s size.
- Replace food and water daily.
- Keep food containers and water bowls clean.
- Supplement with vitamins and minerals if needed.
- Get annual check-ups to monitor the bird’s health and weight.
- Research the best diet for each species.
- Introduce new foods gradually in case they upset digestion.
- Avoid food dyes, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
- Store bird food properly to prevent it from spoiling.
Choosing the best bird feeders
Use these tips when selecting bird feeders:
- Pick sturdy feeders that protect seeds from moisture.
- Use metal feeders to prevent chewing damage.
- Select the right size and number of perches.
- Go for wide bird feeder ports for larger seeds or birds.
- Place feeders at convenient heights for easy filling and viewing.
- Separate incompatible species with multiple feeders.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
- Place squirrel guards and baffles above feeders if needed.
- Choose feeders tailored to different birds like finch tube feeders or hummingbird feeders.
Hummingbird feeders
Important features of hummingbird feeders include:
- Bright red color to attract hummers
- Ant moats to block crawling insects
- Built-in perches
- Leaky proof basin and seal
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Dishwasher safe
Oriole feeders
Oriole feeders should have:
- Orange color
- Larger perch for orioles
- Ant guards
- Waterproof roof
- Drain holes at the base
- A way to hang jelly or oranges
Water for birds
Provide birds with a clean fresh water source. Options include:
- Bird baths
- Dripping or misting water fixtures
- Founts
- Pool with rocks or gravel
- Moving water like waterfall or fountain
- Water in planter saucer on ground
Change water frequently to prevent mosquitoes. Place water sources near food, perches, and foliage for cover.
Conclusion
Birds have diverse nutritional needs that vary by species. But generally they thrive on a balanced diet of seeds, pellets, vegetables, fruits, proteins, grit, and calcium. Feed pet birds measured amounts of commercial diets made for their type. Backyard birds will benefit from bird feeders filled with nutritious seeds, suet, and nectar. Providing birds with proper nutrition and clean water helps support their health.
