05/12/2020
Sunflower seeds are high in carbohydrates and fats and deficient in vital nutrients. Pet birds that are fed seed exclusively become overweight and can develop illnesses, such as fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis which leads to heart attacks and strokes. These birds are also often calcium deficient and suffer from weak bones, brittle nails and egg binding.
Did you know? African Grey parrots require more calcium than any other parrot.
Offer your bird calcium rich foods such as dark green vegetables (broccoli and spinach) as well as cuttlefish or even liquid calcium called Calcibird. Stay away from dairy products like milk and yogurt which are high in calcium as parrots are lactose intolerant.
There is no way around it. If you want your parrot to have a long and healthy life, you need to put in the work.
That means:
a diet consisting of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,
access to sunlight,
shelter,
a daily bath,
a clean environment and
lots of enrichment.
If you cannot manage this then perhaps a parrot is not for you.
