Which of the following best describes your bird’s dining motto:
The correct answer is D. If you answered A, B or C, your bird might be at risk for becoming overweight. In addition to a balanced formulated diet like pellets offered daily, your bird’s diet can be supplemented with healthy food, such as a birdie mash made from brown rice and veggies. Sunflower seed and peanuts are high-in fat and should only be served as an occasional treat (unshelled peanuts also can pose an Aspergillosis risk in birds). Also watch the portions you serve your bird, as people have a tendency to feed people-size servings: give your bird an almond or two instead of a ¼ cup, for example.
Which of the following is true for your bird:
The correct answer is C. If you answered A, B or D, your bird might be at risk for becoming overweight. A formulated diet is your best bet to offer your bird balanced nutrition, while healthy vegetables and some fruit offer variety and additional nutrition. A seed-only diet is one of the main causes of malnutrition in pet birds. Although your bird might appreciate a variety of food, keep track of how many treats you are feeding it each day so it doesn’t fill up on treats at the expense of not consuming its base diet. Like us, parrots also have a tendency to load up on foods high in carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and white rice. Offer those foods as an occasional treat (and only as a dab, not a bowl full!)
The most appropriate nickname for my bird would be:
The correct answer is A. If you answered B, C, or D, your bird might be at risk for becoming overweight. A bird that receives regular exercise is least likely to be overweight, and exercise is also a good mood booster for your bird.
How well do you monitor fluctuations in your bird’s weight?
The correct answer is A. If you answered B, C or D, your bird might be at risk for becoming overweight. The only way to truly know if your bird is within a healthy weight range is to weigh it regularly (every Sunday morning, for example) on a scale that weighs in grams as opposed to ounces. Ask your avian veterinarian for your bird’s ideal weight range, and notify your vet of any noticeable weight gain or loss.
My feeding philosophy is:
The correct answer is B. If you answered A, C or D, your bird might be at risk for becoming overweight. Don’t just throw a handful of food in your bird’s bowl whenever you pass by. Pay attention not only to what you are offering your bird and in what amounts, but also what your bird is actually consuming. You might be feeding pellets everyday, but your bird might be holding out for its treats. One suggestion is to offer pellets first thing in the morning, when your bird is most hungry, and then offering other food later in the day. Don’t rely on your bird to make healthy food choices; parrots can be just like people when it comes to making nutritionally sound choices — reaching for carbohydrates and high-fat foods over nutritionally superior foods.