What Do We Feed the Parrots at the Adoption Center?
A question we frequently receive concerns what we feed the parrots at the Phoenix Landing adoption center. Of course, the specific ingredients in our Landing Mash and Salad varies a bit by the week. However, here are our mainstays.
Available all day = pellets and fresh water
The parrots at the adoption center have pellets and water available at all times. Water is changed at least once a day for every bird. Some birds have their water changed more frequently (as necessary). Bowls are washed daily.
What we look for in pellets
We look for pellets without added dyes. Organic is preferred in many cases. Examples of some brands we use are Lafeber (especially the tropical blend), Harrisons, Zupreem Naturals (not the fruit, veggie, or nut flavored ones with added colors), TOPs, and Roudybush. Other pellet brands that could be used that are made without added dyes, etc. include Oven Bites pellets and Bird Tricks pellets. (Bird Tricks pellets appear to be the same as TOPs pellets.)
Morning meal
In the mornings, the parrots receive:
- 1 - 3 Tablespoons of Landing Mash
- A little VetOmega drizzled over the top of it and stirred into the mash
- 1 t - 1 T of Fruit and Vegetable Salad. Larger birds like larger pieces and greater quantities
- Couple of small pieces of Pumpkin bread
- Egg wedge (optional, when available), 1 for a small bird, 2 for a very large bird
- Sprouts (optional, when available). Green peas and mung are our favorites
- Fresh water
Evening meal
In the evening, the parrots receive:
- Nutriberries (and sometimes Avicakes)
- Nuts (varies by bird, but may include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, or pine nuts)
- Water refreshed as needed
A note about small birds (budgies, cockatiels)
Budgies and cockatiels eat a lot of seed in the wild. So, for these birds, we have a good quality seed mix available (Nutriberries, TOPS, and Volkmans). Sprouts are wonderful for birds of all sizes, including the little birds. Try sprouting some Kamut or mung beans for picky birds.
Whole leaves of healthy lettuces like Romaine, or green or red leaf, or kale, may be hung in a little bird's cage, too! It's part toy, and part bathing apparatus (if spritzed with water), while also a healthy, nutritious food!
Whole leaves of healthy lettuces like Romaine, or green or red leaf, or kale, may be hung in a little bird's cage, too! It's part toy, and part bathing apparatus (if spritzed with water), while also a healthy, nutritious food!