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22 Jun 2014

African Grey Diet & Nutrition

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Birds | Roudybush | Bird Food | African Grey

A variety of foods is important to providing the diet and nutrition that your African Grey parrot needs to have a happy and healthy life. There are many differing opinions and thoughts on African Grey diet and nutrition and there is no exact formula for feeding your companion parrot. Provide the most balanced diet for your African Grey as possible.

As a base, a pelleted diet is the best way to go for your African Grey. Preferably, an organically processed pellet, and not one that has additives, such as artificial colouring and flavouring. Seeds are high in fat and are not considered a healthy diet for your African Grey Parrot. Do not give vitamin supplements to your African Grey without talking to your avian veterinarian. Most African Greys on a pelleted diet do not need them.

Provide an assortment of fresh, wholesome, organic vegetables. As with any child, sometimes it can be a challenge to get them to eat their veggies so you might have to spend some time encouraging your African Grey Parrot to eat them. Some vegetables contain more nutrients needed for your bird than others.

Good vegetables choices for your African Grey:

Sweet potatoes

Carrots

Yellow and Butternut squashes

Collard greens

Broccoli (good source of calcium)

Kale (also a good source of calcium)

Peppers – green, red, chili

Celery

Zucchini

Cucumbers

Green beans

Peas

Leaf lettuce (not head or iceberg lettuce)

Good fruit choices for your African Grey:

Melons

Kiwi

Apples

Mango and Papaya (with skins removed)

Grapes

Oranges

Berries – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries

Roudybush are specially steam-pelleted food that is designed to retain beneficial nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria. Roudybush pellets gives your birds the nutrition they need with no artificial colours or flavours and no animal by-products. Contains 11% protein, 7% fat. Use for birds year-round and for off-season breeding birds. No additional vitamins or mineral supplements needed. Roudybush pellets are available in different pellet sizes, small and medium are ideal for African Greys.

A common deficiency found in an African Grey's diet is Vitamin A or beta-carotene, so it is important to provide beta-carotene vegetables on a daily basis. Calcium is also extremely important, as it is the predominant mineral in bird's bodies. It is essential for healthy bones, nerve and heart function, muscle contraction and blood clotting. An avian veterinarian should check your African Grey yearly for calcium levels.

Water is a very important part of your African Grey's care. Make sure they have fresh water in a clean bowl on a daily basis. If you question the water quality, give them bottled spring water – never distilled water as that has all the minerals and nutrients taken away.

As the bird owner, you have the control over what your Grey is fed to help ensure that you are doing the best you can to help them live a long, disease-free life. Use good common sense, don't hesitate to talk to your avian vet, and you will achieve the balance that your African Grey Parrot needs to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.

Tags : African Grey Diet And Nutrition South Africa , Bird Food South Africa , Bird Pellets South Africa , African Grey Parrot Food South Africa , African Grey Parrot Pellets Diet , Feeding African Grey South Afr