GRAINS

Whole wheat, multi-grained, carrot, nut or corn breads; noodles, spaghetti, ravioli, macaroni or other pastas; all types of rice, preferably brown, oatmeal, Cream of Wheat or Cream of Rice, cook cereals, low or no salt pretzels, lo salt crackers, including belba toast; other low sugar cerals such as Cheerios, Life, Chex, Kix, Berry Kix, etc.

DAIRY GROUP

Many parrots are not receiving enough calcium in their diets because owners do not give their birds any foods from this group. As with people, calcium is very important. Remember that too much cheese can cause constipation. Birds love their cheese mixed with other foods such as in macaroni and cheese and pizza.

Cottage cheese, yogurts with or without fruit, eggs (any style with shells included, avoid frying, can make in the microwave).

NUTS

All kinds of nuts except for acorns and horse chestnuts are good for birds. They should be unsalted. Due to the high fat content use with moderation. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, filberts, brazil nuts, pine nuts,  pistaschio nuts, etc. are all excellent. Peanut butter and other butters made from nuts are a great treat!

VEGETABLES

Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals which are essential to good health. They should be washed thoroughly to remove any chemicals on their skins. They can be served fresh, steamed, baked in a sauce such as tomato sauce or they can be boiled. Frozen vegetables should be warmed. You can serve them one at a time or you can mix several different types together. Some people even serve them with a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder, other herbs, or even some parmesan cheese. They are an excellent place to add powdered vitamins and minerals. Canned vegetables are high in sodium and they should not be used.

Red peppers, green peppers, yellow peppers, jalapeno peppers, and other types of peppers are okay. Cucumbers, tomatoes or tomato sauce, green peas, pole beans, waxed beans, sugar snap peas, green beans, peas in pods, corn (on the cob or as kernels) acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkin - all squash should be cooked. Dark green cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, brocciflower, spinach (fresh frozen or low slat canned). Baby carrots (raw or cooked), carrots, beets, sweet potatoes (cooked) potatoes all varieties, yams, celery, turnips, brussel sprouts including the stalks. Zucchini, chard, alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, kidney beans (cooked, pinto beans, navy beans and all other beans should be cooked. Lettuce, in moderation since it contains a high water content, and other salad greens. (May cause watery droppings or color changes in droppings).

FRUIT

Because of the high water content in fruit your bird's droppings may become more watery. If the bird receives a lot of fruit he may not be drinking as much. Avoid any pits in the fruit, and the area around the pits. Fruit should be washed thoroughly and any bruising or discolorations should be cut away first before serving.

Pomegranates, figs, grapes (all kinds). Mangos, all melons, papaya, kiwi, raisins, citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons or limes. Apples (all varieties, though birds may have a preference of one over the other, avoid the seeds). Applesauce, and blackberries, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, currants, cantaloupe, honeydew, water melon, apricots (no pits, remove area around pit that is discolored too), cherries, plums, (no pits), pears (no seeds), peaches (avoid pits and discolored area around pit). Kumquats, nectarines (no pits or area around pit)

MEAT GROUP

Protein needs to be given in moderation. Always serve cooked and not raw. Steak (no pink showing), turkey, chicken, roast beef, liver, tuna fish (water packed). Wing tips, thy bones and wing bones (depending on bird size) should be given cooked for the bird to crack open and eat the marrow. Avoid fatty meats. Egg, with shells included, any style except fried.

This is becoming more available in pet stores. There's even a fifteen bean mix. You can get most of these ingredients at a health food store, feed store, or at a pet food warehouse.

1/2 cup soy beans
14 cup whole green peas
1/2 cup paddy rice
1/4 cup small beans
1/4 cup unpopped popcorn

Put all the ingredients in a pan and cover with cold water. Soak for 8 - 12 hours. Drain and cover with hot water, then cook for 1 hour or so, till tender. Drain, rinse, and let cool. Cook longer adding more water when used for smaller birds. This can be frozen in a single serving package for use later on.

 

CORNBREAD DELUXE

1 large box of cornbread muffin mix (enough for a 9X13 pan). Canned pumpkin, cranberries, mixed vegetables, blueberries or nuts. Whatever you bird loves can be added. You can add more than one item.

Mix cornbread according to instructions, stirring in whatever ingredient (s) you choose. Bake according to the instructions. When done, cut into small squares. This freezes well.
 

Amounts can vary according to what you have in the house.

Wheat Chex
Rice Chex
Corn Chex
Cheerios
Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
Honey nut Cheerios
Kix
Berry Kix
Shredded wheat
Corn Puffs
Peanuts (not in shell-unsalted)
Pretzels - salt free
Raisins
Dried mixed fruit
Goldfish crackers (low salt)
Popcorn popped natural
Chopped mixed nuts - no salt
Millet (spray broken into small pieces)
Pine nuts - no shells
Banana chips
Grape Nuts
Granola
Dried red peppers for seasoning
Garlic and/or onion powder

Mix these together in whatever portions you want. You can use other cereals, but make sure they are low in sugar. This will keep nicely in an air-tight container. Add or subtract things that your bird either likes or dislikes. This can be served daily in a little treat cup or it can be given on special occasions. You can even sprinkle vitamins, minerals, or other supplements over the mix.

The amounts will vary on whether you want to freeze it or not.

Garden pasta (3-4 flavors)
Broccoli chopped up
Zucchini chopped up
Celery chopped up
Green peppers chopped up
Jar of any variety spaghetti sauce
Onion chopped up
Garlic to taste
1 tsp parmesan cheese grated

In a pot with boiling water, add pasta and cook until tender. In the microwave put vegetables in a microwave safe container, add a little water and cook for a few minutes. In another pot, open a jar of spaghetti sauce and add the cooked vegetables and garlic. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Drain pasta and add sauce. Sprinkle with the cheese and mix thoroughly. Can freeze in serving sizes.

OATMEAL DELIGHT

1 package of instant oatmeal
1/4 fresh banana
1 tbs coconut milk (for thinner birds)
2-3 pureed strawberries
1 tsp granola
1-2 tbs yogurt

Cook oatmeal according to instructions. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Serve warm as a treat.