If you have a pet bird, you know that it can be quite particular about its food. They usually have a set routine and diet that they are comfortable with and don’t take kindly to change. However, if your bird is starting to seem a little bit picky or like they’re not getting enough variety in its diet, it might be time to try out some new foods. Adding new foods to your bird’s diet can be tricky, but we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get started.
Some new foods for picky bird pets
1. Fresh veggies.
Many birds are picky eaters, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t still need to be eating a healthy, balanced diet. One of the best things you can do for your pet bird when it comes to food is to add fresh vegetables to their daily diet. Try offering them a variety of fresh veggies like broccoli, green beans, peas, carrots, and more.
2. Sunflower seeds.
If you know that your bird loves sunflower seeds, then this might be a good food to add into their diet. Just make sure that they’re not eating too many of these as they are high in fat.
3. Cooked beans.
Cooked beans are a good source of protein and other nutrients for your bird, so try offering them cooked beans as an occasional treat.
4. Dried fruit.
Dried fruit is another great addition to any picky pet bird’s diet, as it provides the sweet taste that your bird craves but also tons of great vitamins and minerals.
5. Honey sticks.
Honey sticks, like sunflower seeds, are a tasty treat that your bird will love to snack on. They’re high in sugar though, so be sure not to offer them too often or let them eat too many at a time.
6. Nut butter.
Nut butter is a great way to add protein and fat into your bird’s diet, and there are lots of different varieties that you can try out depending on what kind of nut butter your bird likes best.
7. Cooked eggs.
Cooked eggs, especially those with the yolks still intact, are another good source of protein for your picky pet bird. Just be sure not to give them too many eggs as they can lead to an excess of fat in their diets.
Learn more: Are Eggs Really Good for My Bird?
8. Nuts in shells.
Nuts in their shells make a great snack for birds because they need to spend some time tearing open the shell before they get access to the tasty nut inside. Just be sure not to give them too many of these at once, as they can fill up fast and get sick if they eat too much.
9. Cooked meats.
Cooked meats are a great source of protein for your pet bird, and any kind will do – from chicken to fish to even beef. Just make sure that you remove any fat or skin before feeding it to your bird so that it doesn’t end up with an excess of fat that could cause problems later on.
10. Fresh fruit salad.
Birds love the sweetness of fresh fruit, and even just offering them a small bowl full every day can help keep their appetites satisfied while also adding valuable vitamins and minerals to their diet.
Also read: All About Safe Fruits for Birds
11. Cold-pressed oil.
Cold-press-ed oil is a good source of fat and other nutrients, and you can use it on top of your bird’s regular food or in small amounts as an occasional treat.
12. Pesto sauce.
If you know that your bird loves the taste of pesto, then try making some at home by simply mixing together fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and salt (or even a store-bought version). Just be sure not to add too much water to make sure that it stays thick and doesn’t get soggy when you’re feeding it to your bird.
13. Sprouts.
Sprouts are a great low-calorie treat that your bird can munch on, and you can grow them at home very easily. Just make sure to harvest them before they get too big as bigger sprouts are more likely to contain the toxic bacteria.
14. Popcorn.
Popcorn is another low-calorie snack birds enjoy, and it’s also a good source of fiber which can help keep their digestive systems healthy and running smoothly.
15. A variety of seeds.
Last but not least, if your bird is having trouble finding something they like in their diet, then simply offering a variety of different seeds or even just mixing up the types of seeds you’re giving them each day can help them find something they enjoy and keep their taste buds satisfied.
Also read: Reasons Why An All-Seed Diet Is Damaging To Your Bird’s Health
After reading all of these great foods for picky pet birds, I think I’ll try some of them out with my own bird to see if it helps get him interested in his diet again. If you have any other suggestions for making a picky pet bird happy, feel free to share them in the comments!
Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to get your picky pet bird interested in its diet again, there are a variety of different foods that you can try. These include honey sticks, nut butter, cooked eggs, nuts in shells, cooked meats, fresh fruit salad, sprouts, popcorn, a variety of seeds, and many more. With so many options to choose from, it should be easy to find something that your bird enjoys and that helps keep it healthy and satisfied. So why not give some of these ideas a try today? Your picky pet bird will thank you!
FAQs
Some great options to try include honey sticks, nut butter, cooked eggs, nuts in shells, cooked meats, fresh fruit salad, cold-pressed oil, pesto sauce, sprouts, popcorn, and a variety of seeds. With so many delicious and nutritious options available, it should be easy to find something your bird enjoys and that helps keep it healthy and satisfied.
To encourage your bird’s appetite and interest in its food again you may also want to try mixing up the types of foods you’re giving it, varying the time of day that you feed it, or offering a variety of different treats. Additionally, if your bird doesn’t seem to like any types of seeds or pellets, then there are some other options like fresh vegetables and cooked meat that may appeal to its tastes more. In general, just being patient and trying new things until you find something that works is usually the best approach.
Yes – some foods to avoid feeding your pet bird include fatty meats with skin or fat removed (such as chicken), high-sugar fruits such as grapes and plums, salty snacks like chips or popcorn, potentially toxic plants such as daffodils or tomato leaves, and anything too big or hard that could potentially cause an injury. With a little bit of research and some trial and error, you should be able to find plenty of foods your bird will love without any risks to its health.
If your bird seems like it’s satisfied after eating then that’s generally a good indication that it has had enough. However, be careful not to overfeed your bird as this can lead to weight gain issues and other health problems. To avoid this, try using a food scale or measuring cup to get an idea of how much you’re feeding your bird at each meal and adjust that amount as needed over time. Additionally, you may want to consider consulting with an avian veterinarian or other bird health expert to get more personalized advice on how much your bird should be eating.
Yes, one of the best ways to help your pet bird maintain a healthy and balanced diet is to come up with a schedule for regularly rotating the various types of foods you offer it.
