Common nutritional deficiencies in parrots

The most notorious nutritional deficiencies in parrots are:

• Vitamin A deficiency: This leads to problems with the airways, mucous membranes, eyes and skin. The immune system weakens, making infections more common.
• Calcium deficiency: This can cause soft bones, muscle tremors, egg binding in females and neurological issues.
• Protein deficiency: This leads to poor moulting, weak muscles and reduced resistance.
• Obesity: Too many high-fat snacks and too little exercise can lead to obesity.

Another risk is Aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection of the airways. This develops more easily when the immune system is weakened, often as a result of an incorrect feeding pattern (vitamin A deficiency).

Early signs of nutritional deficiencies

Nutrition-related problems creep in slowly. The first signs are often subtle:

• Loss of shine in the feathers
• Poor moult or bald patches
• Lethargy or less active behaviour
• Poor appetite or picky behaviour
• Respiratory issues (e.g. frequent sneezing, ‘breathing sounds’)
• Crusts around the eyes, nose or beak

Do you recognise these signs in your parrot? Then it is important to review the diet and, if needed, consult your vet.

Why pellets are better

To prevent selective eating, the advice is to switch to a complete pellet diet. Pellets contain all essential nutrients in one bite, so your parrot cannot choose what it does or does not eat.

Good brands for pellet food include:

• Versele-Laga Nutribird
• Harrison’s Bird Foods

Pellets form the best base for a healthy diet and are suitable for daily use. It is important to make the switch gradually, so your parrot can get used to it.

View our full range of parrot food.

Switching from seeds to pellets

Many parrots are used to seeds and do not recognise pellets as food at first. That is why it is important to approach the transition to pellets gradually and patiently. Start by reducing the amount of seeds offered and at the same time offer pellets daily in a separate food bowl. Let your parrot explore the new food without force. A suitable diet to start with is Harrison’s High Potency. This comes in Fine, Super Fine and Coarse.

A good method is to offer only pellets in the morning, when the bird is hungriest. Give seeds later in the day as a supplement. Some birds switch quickly, but for picky eaters it can take weeks to months. You can also add a few drops of warm water over the pellets to make them softer and more aromatic.

Important: do not mix pellets with seeds in one bowl, because many parrots will still pick out only the tasty seeds. During the transition, keep a close eye on your bird’s weight and appetite. If you are unsure whether your parrot is eating enough, consult an avian vet or an experienced nutrition specialist.

Can your parrot have seeds, peanuts and fruit?

Although sunflower seeds and peanuts are popular with parrots, they contain a lot of fat and little nutritional value. They may be given in moderation as a snack or reward, but they are not suitable as a staple diet.

Fruit is a valuable addition to the diet, but here too: variety and in moderation. Citrus fruits can cause diarrhoea in some birds, so offer these with care.

What should a parrot not eat?

The list of forbidden foods for parrots is fortunately short, but important. Avoid at any rate:

• Avocado: This is highly toxic to birds, even in small amounts.
• Onion and garlic: These can be harmful to red blood cells.
• Raw beans: These contain lectins that are toxic without cooking.
• Salt, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol: These are absolutely not suitable for birds.

Most vegetables and fruits are safe, as long as they are well washed and unprocessed.

Do you have any questions about food for your parrot? Then please get in touch via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.