The Basics of Avian Nutrition
Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2024 11:59 am
I have raised birds and studied all things avian for the past 30 years, and feel pretty confident calling myself somewhat of an expert in all things bird related. :D Avian Nutrition happens to be a specialty of mine, so much so that I actually compiled, wrote and published an avian Cookbook :lol: (No, this isn't a shameless plug to convince you to go buy it lol)
That said, I'm often asked what really is the best diet for our feathered friends, and the answer isn't a simple one line reply. In reality, their dietary needs are as complex as ours, or any other species. Unfortunately, the mass commercialism of pet foods has made "convenience" the go to, and most pet birds are fed a diet of "dump in the bowl" seeds or other fatty foods that really aren't good for them.
Am I saying that all seeds are bad? No, absolutely not. However, MOST store purchased seed blends ARE.
So are all pellet diets bad? Nope.
The truth is, a REAL diet of fresh, whole foods is what they SHOULD be fed, with a healthy pellet and seed mix as a staple.
Yes, REAL food. And before you call it "human food", let me stop you. Food is food! It doesn't matter the species that's eating it! Real nutrients come from real food. Plain and simple.
When you offer everything they need nutritionally, no "supplements" are needed! Want to give your hen more calcium? Skip those artificial water drops and feed dark, leafy greens which are packed with calcium!
That said, I'm often asked what really is the best diet for our feathered friends, and the answer isn't a simple one line reply. In reality, their dietary needs are as complex as ours, or any other species. Unfortunately, the mass commercialism of pet foods has made "convenience" the go to, and most pet birds are fed a diet of "dump in the bowl" seeds or other fatty foods that really aren't good for them.
Am I saying that all seeds are bad? No, absolutely not. However, MOST store purchased seed blends ARE.
So are all pellet diets bad? Nope.
The truth is, a REAL diet of fresh, whole foods is what they SHOULD be fed, with a healthy pellet and seed mix as a staple.
Yes, REAL food. And before you call it "human food", let me stop you. Food is food! It doesn't matter the species that's eating it! Real nutrients come from real food. Plain and simple.
When you offer everything they need nutritionally, no "supplements" are needed! Want to give your hen more calcium? Skip those artificial water drops and feed dark, leafy greens which are packed with calcium!