Parrots are birds that are grouped within the family of psittacines and we can distinguish a great diversity of species that are known by the same name and that have similar characteristics, it is estimated that approximately 300.
Today there are many people who have seen the parrot as an exceptional companion animal, characterized above all by the great beauty that the varied colors of its plumage give it. When we decide to welcome an animal into our home, we must know that regardless of the chosen species, it needs care and a certain diet in order to enjoy good he alth. In this article on our site, we explain what are the prohibited foods for parrots
What do parrots eat?
If we have decided to take in a bird with these characteristics, we must be clear about how important it is to know what foods are prohibited for parrots, as well as what foods should be part of their usual diet, since in this way we will be able to cover all the nutritional requirements of our pet, which will result in a good state of he alth.
In addition, we must ensure that we provide our pet with a suitable place to live. Therefore, we recommend you read this other article on What should a parrot's cage be like?
Parrot food
A suitable diet for our parrot must have the following components:
- Fruits: they can eat any type of fruit, apple, orange, pear, apricot, melon, strawberry, tangerine, grapefruit and banana, among other. We do have to bear in mind that it is necessary to offer him a mixture of at least 3 different fruits every day and combine them so that he does not consume an excessive amount of a specific fruit, especially when it comes to fruits high in sugar.
- Vegetables: they must also be present daily in the parrot's diet, we can offer spinach, broccoli, chard, escarole, carrot, radishes, spring garlic, celery stalks and peppers. It is also important to vary.
- Dry food: it is not essential but it is highly recommended to supplement the parrot's diet with specific dry food for parrots.
- Semillas: the contribution of seeds should not be as frequent as that of fruits and vegetables, but it is still important, we will choose dry seeds and germinated.
An incorrect diet could generate various problematic behaviors in the parrot. Therefore, if this is your case, we recommend you also read this other article on our site about Why does my parrot throw food?
Prohibited food for parrots
The food we give our parrot must be in line with the characteristics of its digestive system, so it is important to prevent our pet from eating food that would be toxic to it and that could cause multiple and dangerous Adverse effects. If you want your parrot to maintain its state of he alth in optimal conditions avoid it eating any of the following foods:
- S alt
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Milk
- Alcohol
- Meat
- Fizzy Drinks
- Carbonated drinks
- Sugar in general
- Coffee
- Raw tubers
- Parsley
- Eggplant
- Onion
- Garlic
- Apple or pear seeds
- Frying
- Foods with dyes
- Foods with artificial flavors
- Preserves
- Artificial juices
- Spices
Although we shouldn't give our parrot milk, we can add s alt-free dairy products to its diet, always with measure. Seeds and peanuts should be avoided in the Amazon species, since there is a strong predisposition to obesity and these foods are highly caloric.
If you take into account this information and properly supervise your pet's diet, your pet will be able to enjoy optimal nutrition, which will translate into good he alth.
On the other hand, parrots often scream a lot when they need something. If this is your case, do not miss this other article on Why does my parrot scream a lot?
Symptoms of poisoning
As we mentioned earlier, if your parrot eats a prohibited food, it will produce toxicity and a series of adverse reactions that will compromise its he alth. Some of the symptoms that a parrot is sick are as follows:
- Low mobility.
- Squinted eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Significant increase in appetite.
- Heavy breathing and open beak.
- Noticeable increase in water intake.
- Isolation in a corner of the cage.
- Diarrhea.
- Weightloss.
These symptoms may not only be due to food poisoning but also to a wide variety of underlying pathologies, which is why it is of vital importance urgently go to the vetif you identify some of the signs listed above in your parrot.
