Nurturing A Healthy Bird.

1. If you would like your bird to live a long life, it is essential to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease simply because they weren't being fed properly.

2. Birds who are part of the parrot family ought to be fed a variety of foods. Seeds are used by most as the only part of the bird's diet and this is a mistake. Seeds have an excessive amount of fat, not enough protein and almost no vitamins. Seeds should not make up over 50 percent of your bird's diet.

3. Try healthy table food like items which contain whole grains and pretzels, pasta and whole wheat bread. Many birds can be persuaded, given time and encouragement, to eat dairy and poultry products. Try serving your bird low-fat cheese, yogurt and chicken. Avoid any food that is high in fat and steer clear of avocados, they are toxic to birds!

4. Beans and legumes and also vegetables and fruit are good sources of nutrition for the pet bird. It might take quite a while to get your fine-feathered friend to except these changes, (up to a year) however it will be the best thing for your bird.

5. When you prepare to make these changes do it slowly. Offer the fresh food two times a day for about an hour at each feeding. Do not leave the fresh food in the cage longer than that. It becomes unappetizing and can develop bacteria.

6. Feeding your bird two times a day is a great idea. Your bird will become hungry between feedings and this practice produces a more active bird. With a healthy appetite, the bird is much more likely to try new food. You will also be able to keep a closer watch on how much your bird is eating. (If your bird is sick, laying eggs, caring for young, or nesting, they ought to always have food available.) When food consumption drops, a bird is often not feeling well.

7. If your bird is having a hard time becoming accustomed to the new diet, try warming the food or cooking the vegetables. It will take some time to discover what works for your bird. Offer seeds just at meal time and along with other food till you see that your bird is eating enough to stay healthy. Birds frequently do better with new diets once they are fed outside the cage.

8. Water is the final key to your bird's nutritional success. The water should be fresh and all bowls should be thoroughly cleaned every day with hot water and soap. Disinfect these bowls with bleach every week. Be sure all the bleach is totally rinsed away from the bowls. Introducing a multivitamin to the bird's water daily is a good idea till you know the bird is getting enough vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. Birds are delightful pets and feeding them correctly allows them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and this practice can extend their life expectancy.

[youtube:6evO7JPr88A;[link:Finch];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6evO7JPr88A&feature=related]


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Orignal From: Nurturing A Healthy Bird.