African Grey Parrots

Lesson 3: Decision Made - Now What?

Nutrition Needs of the Grey

Just as the correct cage is important, equally important is the right nutrition. Birds that are not properly fed, just like their human counterparts, are not going to be healthy companions. The African grey is a noted picky eater. They will shift through their food dish taking out only what they want and throwing the rest on the cage floor. It is best to start your new baby on a pelleted diet, hopefully that is what the breeder has it eating when it’s ready to come home. Pellets are more nutritious than the traditional seed diet especially when the grey picks out just the seeds that taste good. Birds get their vitamins, just like we do, from eating fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce should be offered everyday. I feed my bird a variety of fruits and vegetables along with his regular diet. He prefers apples, oranges and peaches. Doesn’t care for bananas. He likes carrots, radishes and green peppers but won’t eat tomatoes. Every bird is different and will let you know their favorites. For a complete listing of fresh food to feed your bird refer to the African Grey Parrot Handbook under the Healthy Habits section. Be sure and pick up any discarded fresh food from the cage floor before it has a chance to spoil. All birds seem to like corn but don’t overdo it there. A small, occasional piece of corn on the cob given as a special treat is fine. Also be very careful when feeding your bird cheese. A once in a while offering of cheese is good for the calcium content but the serving should be small and cut into tiny pieces. I have known birds that have gotten pieces of hard cheese caught in their craws and have had to have it surgically removed. Some greys do have a blood calcium problem but cheese isn’t the answer. Broccoli, kale and almonds will work better.

There are several bird feed suppliers that offer a cooked diet. This is fine if you have the time. Remember, though, with soft food, the feed bowl must be removed in a reasonable period of time and washed thoroughly. Bacteria grow rapidly especially if the room is warm. Sharing your meals with your grey is fun. Just don’t overdo it and don’t give your bird anything that is harmful like soggy French fries or greasy potato chips. Never give your bird chocolate, avocados or caffeine.

Birds generally eat two times a day, morning and evening. The morning feeding is very important so don’t neglect caring for your bird even if you do have to dash off to work. He won’t be happy, or healthy, waiting until you come home to have his feed dish filled.

I find that stainless steel cups are best for food and water. They are easier to keep clean. Bowls should be washed at least once a day. Always make sure that your bird has fresh water daily, or even twice a day. His cup may still be almost full but just as you don’t like to drink water that has sit in a glass all day your bird won’t want to drink his either. I water my birds with filtered water, not from the tap.

For sources of food supplies check out the link http://www.grayfeathertoys.com/. They have a selection of organic food which is always a good choice.

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