Balance - is the key word for a Nutritiously Healthy Parrot.

Balanced Diet

by Malcolm Green

FOOD NUTRITION  

Courtesy the University of Texas at Austin
and World Science staff

Parrots, Produce & Pesticides

By Carolyn Swicegood

Grains     Vegetables     Fruits     Dairy     Nuts     Fats and Oils

Vitamins    Minerals    Amino Acids

Recipes

Avian Nutrition is a relatively new field.  In the wild birds forge and consume a wide variety of fruits, berries, vegetables, seeds and yes, even meat.  In captivity we are introducing commercial pellets to our flocks.  A seed only diet is NOT a nutritionally sound diet.  As an example a study was done with budgies.  A seed only diet was fed to one group.   The group fed seed only lived an average of 3-5 years, the group fed fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy table foods along with their seed diet lived 10-15 years.  In our Aviary we feed seed, soaked seed, a variety of pellets and all the fresh foods and mashes their dishes will hold, changed twice daily.

You probably already have noted on our Healthy Bird website the variety of foods and supplements we use in our Aviary, as we supply everything used in our Aviary, exception fresh foods of course! 

Protein, Vitamin A, Whole Grains, Carbohydrates should all form part of your birds diet.  Variety is another key word.  That word alone is important not only for nutrition but psychological.  Keep in mind, with some 350 different species of parrots, all from different regions of the world and not created equal.  They all have  different nutritional needs as well as environments, so research your bird needs please. 

If your bird is a picky eater with fresh foods and mashes, experiment.  Jo knows her birds love corn on the cob.  She also knows it gets dropped to the floor.  She has learnt if she puts it on stainless steel skewers, it will get eaten and quickly.  Very simple, but very easy solution!  Mashes are another great way to serve a nutritious diet. 

Another one of the most commonly asked questions Jo has is what do I feed my bird for fresh foods.  Once you know your bird and it's nutritional needs, these food groups will hopefully help you out. 

.... (referenced from The Healthy Bird Cookbook)

Vitamin A Veggies - 30%

Quality Proteins - 20%

Other Veggies and Fruits - 15-20%

Whole Grains - 15-20%

Carbohydrates - 10%

The Basic Nutrients

Water - The body is composed of approximately 80% water!  Every cell is dependent upon water for it's very existence.  It is necessary for energy production, transportation of nutrients, and to help regulate body temperature.  It is well known that a body can survive longer without food than without water.  Under extreme conditions, it is possible to lose 50% of muscle mass and almost 100% of fat stores, but a 15% fluid loss could lead to death.

A constant source of CLEAN water is essential for your bird's well being.  Be sure to keep water containers clean and to change the water at least daily.  More frequent changes are needed if the bird drops it's food in the water, since food will contaminate the water quickly.  Also, place food and water cups in areas where droppings will not fall into them.  For example keep them out from under perches. 

Proteins are essential for the health and maintenance of all body issues.  They play a key role in normal growth, reproduction and resistance to infection.  Proteins are made up of small sub units called amino acids.  Every species has it's own requirements for certain amino acids.  These essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be provided by the diet.  Common sources of proteins include bean, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy products.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel. They are found in plants and include starches and simple sugars.  Carbohydrates that are not immediately needed by the body are stored in the liver and muscles.  Fiber, often found in carbohydrates, helps maintain normal intestinal function and prevent constipation. Common sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, and cereal grains.

Fats are the most concentrated energy source.  They provide more than twice as much energy per unit than either protein or carbohydrates.  Fats insulate and store energy for the body and are also required for the normal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.  Common sources of Fats include nuts, seeds, and many dairy products.

Minerals play a crucial role in the maintenance and strength of bone, normal cell function, nerve conduction and muscle contraction. They are also important in maintaining the proper balance of body fluids.  Minerals are required in only minute amounts, but the balance between different minerals is crucial. If this balance is disrupted, it can lead to serious problems.  Therefore, supplementation, if needed at all is is best done with a complete, balanced mineral supplement.

Grit:  While not a food grit is something people think all birds need. They do not,  If it is overeaten, grit impaction can occur in the digestive system.    Chickens and turkeys eat whole seeds and require small bits of sand to grind off the coating of the seed in order to digest it.  Parrots, on the other hand, crack their seeds before they eat them.  This eliminates the need for "grinding stones" in the gizzard.   Finches and canaries do require extremely small amounts of grit in order to digest their food.  Two pieces per week is probably adequate for these birds. 

A danger exists in overfeeding grit to birds.  From boredom or sickness, birds sometimes eat too much grit and they can develop an impaction in the digestive tract. For the same reason, you should not use sand-covered cage liner or sand-covered perch wrappers even if it is not called "grit".  Birds can eat this sand as well. 

.... Gary A. Gallerstein, The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook

• 

• Breads, whole-what bread, multi-grain breads, etc.  (whole grain breads are a good source of B6, E, magnesium, and zinc)

• Pancakes, waffles, crepes, etc.

• Cooked rice, preferably brown.

• Wheat berries

• Pearl barley

• Quinoa.  So nutritious that if eaten by itself over a long period of time, would cover all the needs of the body.  Presoak for three minutes and rinse well before cooking.

• Kamut

• Millet

• Triticale

• Whole wheat, veggie, egg noodles, pasta

• Oatmeal, cream of what, or cream of rice

• Salt free (or very low) salt pretzels, low-salt crackers, or melba toast

• Wheat, flour, or flavored tortillas

• Buckwheat

• Bagels

• Grains, such as whole wheat flour, corn flour, spelt flour, kamut flour, rye flour, rice flour, multi grain flour

• 

• Please ensure all vegetable are thoroughly washed in a good vegetable wash.  Vitamin content is much higher in raw vegetables, but more digestible if cooked.

•  

•  Alfalfa sprouts (leaves).  Alfalfa is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotene which acts as an appetite stimulant. It is carotene that converts into Vitamin A when metabolized by the digestive system. 

• Artichokes

• Baby corn

• Bamboo shoots.  High in sodium, but little nutritional value.

• beans (pinto, kidney, nary, garbanzo, mug, butter, haricot, adzuki)

• Beans (pole, wax, green, etc.)

• Beet greens.  High in vitamin A, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin.  Vitamin A is the most important as is essential for skin and feather condition, eyesight and helping the body fight infection.

• Bok choy

• Broccoli, good source of vitamin A, riboflavin, ascorbic acid.  strong disease fighter.  Abundant in anti-oxidants, high in cancer fighting activities, rich in cholesterol-reducing fibers and it helps regulate blood sugar.

• Brussels sprouts.  Feed in moderation as can cause thyroid problem if overfed.  Good source of potassium, thiamin, ascorbic acid.

• Cabbage.  Red in lower in vitamin content

• Carrots.  Help to promote tissue healing and excellent source of beta carotene, (infection-fighting, immune boosting anti-oxidant and artery protector) good source of  potassium. 

• Cauliflower.  Good source of potassium

• Cayenne.  Digestive aid, good source of vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium, phosphorous, iron.  Inhibits up to 75% of all bacteria.  Known to lower illness related to heart, cholesterol, arthritis and other problems if eaten regularly.

• Celery.  little nutritional value, high water content

• Chard

• Chayote

• Chicory.  vitamin A

• Chickweed.  High in Vitamin A, strengthens the stomach and bowels

• Chili peppers.  high in Vitamin A

• Cilantro

• Collard greens.  Good source of calcium, vitamins A,C, potassium and riboflavin.

• Corn

• Comfrey

• Cucumbers (high water content)

• Cranberries.  Known for it's properties to help bladder and urinary problems.  Also contain antibiotic and antiviral properties

• Dandelion greens (rich in vitamin A)

• Eggplant (cooked, mature ripe pods only)

• Endive.  Source of vitamin A

• Garlic. Anti-tumor properties, contains 17 anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial substances.  A natural antibiotic, it stimulates the immune system and kills parasites.  It also helps to eliminate lead, zinc and other toxins. 

• Ginger root. 

• Green beans (source of Vitamin A and potassium)

• Jicama

• Kale (vitamin A)

• Kohrabi

• Leeks

• Lettuce.  Feed in moderation as has high water content.  Romaine, chickory, boston, aruula and other dark or red varieties are better than iceberg and other light colour greens. 

• Lima beans.  Baby lima beans are a good source of potassium, thiamin, niacin.

• Mixed veggies (frozen).  Good source of Vitamin A, though not as high as in the canned varieties, but lower in sodium.

• Mushrooms.  Even though they contain niacin and riboflavin, they have little nutritional value. 

• Mustard greens.  Vitamin A and calcium

• Okra

• Onions.  Personally I say NO to fresh onions, as I said to a lady that emailed and asked me about onions just last week.   Others say they are questionable.  Onions, like some other oxalates, can bind up calcium.  Again, personally I only use powder in mashes, sparingly and would never consider giving any of my pets, dogs or birds, raw onions.

• Parsley.  High in Vitamins A and C, calcium, chlorine, copper, phosporus, potassium and an incomplete protein.  Helps to cleanse the kidneys. 

• Peas (green, sugar snap, peas in pod) (green and yellow split).   Good source of Vitamin A, phosphorus, thiamin and niacin.

• Peppers (red, green, yellow, jalapeno, chili).  Red pepper flakes are high in Vitamins A and C, as well as several minerals.  They help increase circulation and promote clotting.

• Potatoes (white, red, new, cooked) baked is best.  White and red potatoes are good sources of B6, potassium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, niacin, ascorbic acid.

• Pumpkin (cooked).  Seeds are gland heaters, may kill some intestinal parasites.  The high zinc content promotes issue growth.  Canned pumpkin contains the highest amount of Vitamin A of all vegetables.

• Radishes.  Little nutritional value)

• Spinach.  feed in moderation as can bind calcium in system.   High in Vitamin A and potassium.  Frozen cooked spinach has the highest amount.

• Sprouts (alfalfa, bean, etc.)  These contain vitamin C and are nourishing to the glands but are an incomplete protein.

• Squash (butternut, acorn, etc. cooked).  good source of Vitamin A, potassium, niacin.  Summer squash has lower vitamin value than winter varieties do.  Seeds high in silenium.

• Sweet potatoes.  Good source of vitamin A, niacin, B6.  Boiled is best.  Canned mashed sweet potatoes are highest in vitamin value, but not the candied variety.

• Tomatoes.   good source of Vitamin A and ascorbic acid.  Tomato paste, sauce, and puree all have high Vitamin A values but may also be high in sodium.

• Turnip greens.  Turnip greens are high in Vitamin A and calcium.

• Watercress.  This is high in Vitamin A, C, E and aids the kidneys.

• Yams (good source of Vitamin A, niacin, B6)  Boiled is best

• Yellow wax beans (lower than green beans in vitamin value)

• Zucchini (see squash).

• 

• Apples (all varieties, no seeds) Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, which keep the liver and digestion healthy.  

• Apricots (no pits or area near pit).  Dried, unsweetened apricots have the higher Vitamin A content of all fruits.  Excellent source of potassium, niacin, riboflavin and iron.

• Bananas .  Good source of B6, potassium, riboflavin).  You should remove peel before giving to your bird, but  I have to admit, I serve my bananas in slices to my Hahns.  Without the peel they will not eat them.  I believe they don't like the feel of the mushy banana.  They eat the inside and drop the peel to the floor for the  cleaners!

• Berries (strawberries (have to be washed extremely well with a veggie wash), blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries)  Strawberry leaves help to remove metallic poisons from the blood.  Raspberry leaves help soothe the entire system.  Blackberries are a source of ascorbic acid and strawberries a source of vitamin C and potassium.

• Cactus fruit

• Cherimoya

• Cherries, No pits.  Can be helpful in healing gout.

• Coconuts

• Coquitos (mini coconuts)

• Currents

• Dates.  Source of potassium and niacin

• Figs.  Source of potassium and iron

• Grapes (red, green, black) Grapes help the kidneys by decreasing the acidity of uric acid

• Grapefruit.  Source of Vitamin C)

• Guavas

• Kiwis.  Source of potassium and ascorbic acid.

• Kumquats

• Leeches

• Lemons

• Mangos. source of vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and potassium.

• Melons (rinds are toxic, watermelon, honeydew, crenshaw, cantaloupe, (good source for vitamins A, C and potassium.  Watermelon, while high in water content, contains vitamins A, C, potassium, thiamin and phosphorus. Honeydew is low in vitamin content.

• Nectarines (no pits or area near pit)  This is a source of Vitamin A and niacin.

• Oranges.  This is a good source of Vitamin C.  Frozen, undiluted concentrate can be used for cooking and contains the highest amount of potassium and Vitamin C. Contain flavonoids, carotenoids and terpenes, which are natural cancer inhibitors.  If squeezed over soft foods, said to keep them fresh longer. 

• Papaya.  Contains papain, which aids digestion and helps the stomach and pancreas and is high in vitamin C.

• Passion fruit

• Peaches (no pits or area near pits).  Unsweetened, dried varieties have more vitamin A, riboflavin and potassium.

• Pears (no seeds).  good source of potassium.

• Pepino melons

• Pineapple

• Plantains.  Good source of vitamin A, C and potassium

• Plums (no pits)

• Pomegranates.  Great for the kidneys.

• Raisins.  Good source of potassium, thiamin, niacin and phosphorus.

• Star fruit

• Tangerines.

• 

• Calcium is very, very important for our birds.  Birds will have  a problem digesting milk, so I only use dried milk powder in my recipes sparingly.  If giving cheese, do so sparingly as too much can cause constipation.

• Yogurt.  Good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus. 

• Eggs.  (any style, shells included - if boiled, please do so for 20 minutes).  sources of B12 and the yolks are good source of Vitamin D.  High in cholesterol.

• Cheese (any variety is acceptable in moderation).  This is personal decision.  I personally do not feed my birds hard cheese, but have been known to roast their chick peas in cayenne pepper and parmesan cheese before serving.  Soak and boil chick peas before roasting.

• 

• Birds need protein, which seeds cannot provide completely, but meats and fish can and are good sources of B12, B6 and zinc.   Use your own judgments here, as personally I have only given my birds well cooked chicken and tuna.

• Turkey.  While turkey is a good source of zinc, different parts of the turkey will vary in fat and calories.

• Chicken.  Good source of zinc as well and like turkey, different part will vary in fat and calories.

• Tuna fish (water packed, make sure it is low in sodium as well)

• Liver, cooked.  Extremely high values of vitamin A and also contains B12, B6, D and folacin.

• 

• Almonds.  High in calcium and B6, which helps fight infections, also a good source of phosphorus and potassium.  Highest amount of calcium in all nuts and the second largest amount of potassium and phosphorus.

• Brazil Nuts.  Highest source of phosphorus of all nuts and also high in potassium, not as high in fat as macadamia nuts. 

• Cashews.  Low in fat

• Filberts (or hazelnuts).  Second highest amount in calcium and contain some vitamin A.

• Macadamia nuts.  Highest in fat and calorie content of all nuts.  Also low in protein.

• Peanuts.  highest amount of protein of all nuts, good source of vitamin E.

• Pecans.  Low in protein but high in calories.  Has some vitamin A value with little calcium

• Pine nuts.  contain the lowest amount of calcium of all nuts, also is low in protein and in phosphorus

• Pistachio nuts.  Highest amount of potassium and vitamin A of all nuts, third highest in phosphorus value.  Also contain calcium, thiamin and phosphorus.

• Walnuts.  Some vitamin A value and is the fourth highest in potassium.

• Almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, peanut butter and macadamia butter (homemade is best because you can cut down on the oil and sugar used.)

• 

• Use sparingly. 

• Margarine (contains the same amount of calories as butter, but it has no cholesterol.  Some have sodium added to them.  Also contain vitamin A, E.

• Butter.  Same calories as margarine but contains cholesterol.

• Oils (include corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower oils).  Calorie content is the same for all oils, although slightly higher than that of margarine or butter, but is has no cholesterol.  Has calcium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid and vitamin E values.

A vitamin is an organic compound that is considered to be metabolically essential in small amounts in animal tissues.  Vitamins are critical to good health.

• Fat Soluble Vitamins.  Found in fatty compounds and are carried in the body by fasts.  Not soluble in water but are normally found in dissolved fats and are stored in the body.

• Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) is stored in the liver and is needed for good vision.  It is essential for resistance to infections, particularly in the sinuses.   It belongs to the group of vitamins that are known as carotenoids.  It is important for healthy eyes, skin and mucous membranes.  Can be found in most fruits, yellow or green vegetables including carrots, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, dandelion leaves, red chili peppers, broccoli, peaches, egg yolk and peas.

• Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium from the intestines.  Without enough Vitamin D, the absorption of calcium is slowed, which can cause inadequate bone development.  This can lead to rickets or fragile bones.  Vitamin D is also called the "sunlight" vitamin as it is produced in the skin by ultraviolet rays from the sun.  Vitamin D3 is the only D vitamin that birds can use.  Foods that have Vitamin D included egg yolks, some cereals, cheese. 

• Vitamin E.  Eight forms of vitamin E are found in plants.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is used by the body to prevent chemicals in the body from damaging cells.  This is sometimes referred to as the "sex" vitamin as is necessary for the pituitary, adrenal and sex hormones.  Vitamin E works together with other minerals, especially selenium.  Can be found in whole grains, some cereals, fresh leafy green vegetables such as spinach.  Safflower oil, canned peaches, dried prunes, asparagus, broccoli, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brussels sprouts and whole grain breads. 

• Water soluble Vitamins.  Stored in the body but are washed away with water, so they must be replenished continually.

• Vitamin K.  Ensures proper blood clotting through the manufacture of prothrombin (the factor in blood that causes clotting).  Synthesis occurs in the intestines.  Is vital for proper liver function.   Most diets have adequate vitamin K.  Found in green vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, peas, green beans, turnip greens, spinach and cheese.  It is also produced by bacteria in the bowels.

• Thiamin (B1) helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and B vitamins are also important in reproduction.  Found in whole grains, peanuts, peas, raisins, oranges, dried beans, lentils, red kidney beans, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, pecans, asparagus, potatoes.

• Riboflavin (B2) is involved in the release of energy from proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food.  Also important for reproduction.  Founds in eggs, milk, yogurt, chicken, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and whole wheat bread.

• Niacin is involved in many different body processes.  It aids in the breakdown of fats and proteins and in red blood cell formation.  Also important in reproduction.   Found in all foods, but highest amounts are in animal products.  In plants it is poorly absorbed.  Found in chicken, beef, peanut butter, tuna, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, salmon, eggs and potatoes.

• Biotin (B7) is necessary for many different body functions, including those that manufacture and break down fats, amino acids and carbohydrates.  Biotin is stored in the liver.  Excellent sources are liver, tuna, oatmeal, soybeans, eggs, peanut butter, brown rice, chicken, bananas. 

• Folic Acid functions in the formation of uric acid and is very important in the excretion of wastes through the kidneys.  This makes folic acid crucial to the avian diet.  Sources are alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, some cereals, chick peas, oranges, peanuts, Brussels sprouts, wheat germ, red beans, bananas, whole wheat bread and wheat bran.  Also produced by bacteria in the bowels.

• Cobalamine (B12) is necessary for maximum growth in young birds.  Also important in reproduction.  Even though bacteria in the gut can produce B12, it is not a dependable source.  Vitamin supplements provide adequate supplies of B12.  Found in eggs, lean meat, wheat germ, soy beans, peanuts and peas.

• Pantothenic Acid (B3) is involved in the production of fats, cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells and some hormones and neurotransmitters.  Seed diets are adequate in supplying pantothenic acid.  It can be found also in eggs, chicken, soy beans, peanut butter, bananas, potatoes, broccoli, beef liver, grapefruit, corn, cauliflower, eggs, rice, cantaloupe, wheat germ, breads.

• Pyridoxine (B6) functions in the building and breaking down of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.  It is mainly involved with proteins and amino acids.  Can be found in both plants and animal products.  Very little is stored in the body.  Most practical diets require the addition of B6 for growth.  Bananas, corn, sunflower seeds, Brussels sprouts, some cereals, squash, chicken, potatoes, grapefruit, spinach, rice peas, walnuts and peanut butter are all good sources.

• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) aids the formation and maintenance of a protein that forms the basis in connective tissue, as well as the supporting material in the blood vessel wall.  It helps to bind the muscle tissue together.  It aids in the healing of wounds, fractures, bruises and forms a protective barrier against infections or disease.  Some birds need vitamin C added to their diet, while other birds can manufacture enough in their livers or kidneys.  Vitamin C is safe to add to diets, because as a water soluble vitamin, any excess flushes out of the bird's system rather tan being stored in the body like many other supplements.  Can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, pears, a variety of buds, shoots and tropical fruit such as kiwi, papaya, mangoes.  It is also found in Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, cabbage, asparagus, green peas, potatoes, lima beans, bananas and carrots.

• Choline. Is important in controlling fat and cholesterol in the body.  It helps in preventing fat from accumulating around the liver.  It also helps to regulate the liver and kidneys.  Important for proper nerve transmission.  Found in cabbage, egg yolks, liver, nuts, lentils and cauliflower.

• 

•  

• Calcium.  Very important for it's involvement in the development of bones and muscles, blood coagulation, nerve impulse transmission, egg production.  Eggs are 85% calcium.  Works together with magnesium to aid in the normal contractions of muscles, including the most important muscle, the heart.  Vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus are all connected.  Poor calcium absorption is the result of high phosphorus levels, which lower the vitamin D3 levels, then calcium is not absorbed properly.  Sources of calcium are dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dried beans and peas, kale, turnip greens, yogurt, tofu, cheeses.  Calciboost

• Phosphorus.  Is needed for growth, maintenance, repair of all the bone tissues and the strong structure and functioning of bones.  Phosphorus converts carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy and is a component of a cell membrane.  Good sources are cereal grains, liver, yogurt, chicken, peanut butter, almonds, lima beans, kidney beans, potatoes, eggs, broccoli, whole wheat bread. 

• Potassium.  Is necessary in regulating body fluids and in the transmission and function of the nervous system.  Potassium also helps to maintain the contraction and relaxation of muscles and the metabolism of carbohydrates.  Goods sources are bananas, apricots, potatoes, squash, peanuts, split peas, oranges, cantaloupe, grains, fruits and vegetables.

• Sulfur is a component of proteins, insulin, thiamin and biotin.  Also involved with the storage as well as the release of energy.  Sulfur is a part of the genetic material in cells.   Sulfur is present in protein diets and in chicken, eggs, dried beans and peas.

Other trace minerals needed in the parrot diet, but in lower amounts include sodium, chlorine, magnesium, silicon, copper, iodine, selenium, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, molybdenum, chromium, fluoride, nickel, arsenic, bromine.

Proteins, which are comprised of amino acids, are used by the parrot to grow and repair muscle, organs, feathers, beak and other body tissue.  Amino acids, which are often called the building blocks of protein are divided into two groups.

Non-essential amino acids which can be manufactured by the parrot's own body. Include serine, taurine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, cystine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and glycine. 

Essential amino acids which must be supplied, as the parrot's body cannot manufacture them.  These are arginine, lysine, methionine, trptophan, hisitidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalaine, threonine and valine. 

Protein contained in foods is categorized as either "complete" protein or "incomplete protein" depending on whether the food contains all of the amino acids or only some of them.  Corn, as an example, is an incomplete protein.  While it does contain protein, it lacks many of the essential amino acids, thus is considered a poor source.    Incomplete proteins maybe combined with others to form more complete proteins, example rice and beans. 

Carbohydrates

Are the main source of energy and heat.  Most carbohydrates are plant products and are either sugars or starches.  Extra carbohydrates are changed into fat and stored in the tissues.  Birds do not usually suffer from a  deficiency of carbohydrates. 

Fats

Small amounts are needed in parrot diets.  They also provide energy and heat.  They act as carries for fat soluble vitamins, fatty acids and minerals.  Fat is needed to keep the skin soft and help to keep the feathers in good condition.  The three essential are linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic.  Found in safflower seeds, sunflower seed, flax, should only be fed in limiting amounts. 

Please note all photos and content are the property of Tiny Rascals Aviary.  PLEASE ask permission.