what is a healthy lovebird daily diet?
chocofactoryinc asked:
Okay I’m getting a lovebird in a couple of weeks and I plan on keeping it for the average lifespan (if not longer). But I would like 2 know if “egg-cite” is a good seed food 2 feed him everyday….or should I just give it to him when it’s molting. (The product says recommended for breeding and molting). If I can’t feed it Egg-cite then what is the best seed food 2 give him? I already have my pellets picked out. I also plan on feeding him a piece of a fruit or vegetable in the after noon and one Nutri-berry at night….during the day I’ll keep a good supply of a mixture of the most recommended seed diet and pellets supplemented with “Kaytee bird greens” so he’ll be able 2 eat from 6 am to 3 pm…..I have water and exercise already covered….
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Okay I’m getting a lovebird in a couple of weeks and I plan on keeping it for the average lifespan (if not longer). But I would like 2 know if “egg-cite” is a good seed food 2 feed him everyday….or should I just give it to him when it’s molting. (The product says recommended for breeding and molting). If I can’t feed it Egg-cite then what is the best seed food 2 give him? I already have my pellets picked out. I also plan on feeding him a piece of a fruit or vegetable in the after noon and one Nutri-berry at night….during the day I’ll keep a good supply of a mixture of the most recommended seed diet and pellets supplemented with “Kaytee bird greens” so he’ll be able 2 eat from 6 am to 3 pm…..I have water and exercise already covered….
Does this sound like a good diet 2 you guys? If not then what do you recommend? Also can a lovebird eat a pineapple?
August 25th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I don’t recommend Egg-cite normally. If you only have one bird, and especially if it is female, this will encourage nonstop egglaying and may cause egg-binding (very painful sickness).
A good base bird food is Zupreem bird pellets mixed with Kaytee Cockatiel seed. (Cockatiel seed has more nutrients). You should go half and half. Some lovebirds are picky eaters and will be reluctant to eat the pellets, so when you first get your lovebird, only feed it pellets. Once it learns that pellets are good food, add the seed in.
You can buy it nutri-berry and Kaytee bird greens if you want, but its not necessary. Its better for the lovie to eat as much natural, whole food as possible. Nutri-berry and Kaytee is processed food with many preservatives added, so its not actually better than natural greens.
I give my lovebirds their fruit and greens in the morning, because that is when they are most likely to eat them. Birds wake up hungry, so morning is the best time for veggies.
Also, you shouldn’t give the bird fruit more than 3 times a week. Lovebirds do not get too much high sugar food in the wild, and thus should not get to much fruit. Also, when you give your lovebird fruit make sure the seeds and pits are thrown away. Those contain many toxins (cyanide) and will kill your bird over time.
Vegetables are something you can give every single day. Lovebirds LOVE snowpeas, string beans, carrots, green beans, spinach, broccoli, etc. If you can sprout your own seeds and beans, those are very nutritious for your birds as well. Your lovebird can eat pretty much anything you eat, but a few foods to avoid are avocado, onion, mushrooms, peanuts.
You should also consider giving your bird crushed nuts (walnuts, almond, pumpkin seed, etc.) once a week.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I give my 2 lovebirds cockatiel mix & these treats
Salad Cress - Peas - Apple - Celery - Courgette - Sweetcorn - Watercress - Boiled Rice - Parsley Sprig - Grapes - Cucumber - Dandelion Leaves - Broccoli - Broard Beans - Carrott - Finger of bread soaked in water - Mashed Boiled Egg (shell also) - Tomatoes - Lettuce - Cooked Pasta - Radishes (leaves also)
One or two everyday
It will keep him healthy and live longer too