It is important to fill a variety of bird feeders and place them in different locations throughout the garden. This way birds will not be fighting to get to the food and a greater number of birds will frequent the feeders. Putting out their favorite foods is the best way to ensure that they will continue to return, and in winter bird feeders assist a great number of birds to survive the cold weather. Wild birds will not usually eat artificial pellets or processed seeds as they are not accustomed to them, so natural seeds are the key.

Sunflower seeds are generally a safe bet, as a wide variety of birds will eat them, such as chickadees, nuthatches, finches, cardinals, grosbeaks, sparrows, blackbirds, jays, woodpeckers and titmice. All these birds, with the exception of the sparrows, blackbirds, jays and woodpeckers, will also eat Safflower seeds. When trying to lure ducks, geese, mourning doves and quails, cracked corn will do the trick; and woodpeckers, titmice and chickadees are also known to eat unsalted peanuts. Nyjer (or Thistle) will attract redpolls, doves and pine siskins; while orioles, thrushes and hummingbirds prefer nectar. Fruit is another option to use in combination with seeds as mockingbirds, bluebirds, thrushes, cedar waxwings and orioles will enjoy the treat. The preferred food for juncos and towhees is millet. Setting out a mixture of seeds, fruits and nectar will have any garden filled with birds in no time, allowing home owners to enjoy the beauty of these winged creatures and relax to the melodies of their cheerful songs.

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The most distinguishing feature of the Eclectus parrot is the fact that they are dimorphic. Dimorphic means that one can distinguish between the males and females just by looking at them. In the case of the Eclectus, it is the vastly different coloring that makes it easy. The male Eclectuses are covered in green plumage with variations of orange, blue and red under their wings. Their beaks are also unusually orange in color. The females are just as attractive as the males, but have bright red plumage covering their heads and neck, with their backs and chest being purple in color and their wings displaying variations of purple and blue underneath. The females have smooth black beaks. Another unique feature is the fact that the Eclectus parrot has hair-like feathers on their heads, back and chest, opposed to the smooth, locked and contoured feathers on their wings and tails.

As pets, owners will find their Eclectus parrot to be extremely gentle and fond of interaction, even though they will never demand it. They are able to integrate into the daily routines of their owners quite easily and will sit quietly while daily duties are being performed. Through enough love and care, Eclectus parrots will be able to learn a large vocabulary and their inquisitiveness makes them quick learners. They are highly intelligent birds and will quickly notice small changes in their environment. The Eclectus species is generally a healthy bird with a life span of approximately fifty years. They have simple dietary needs of fruit and seeds and enjoy changes made in their food, such as grapes one day and maybe apples the next. Owners will not regret adding an Eclectus parrot to their family, as their gentle and friendly natures make them a pet family and friends can enjoy.

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This fascinating bird has coined its name from the mustache-like markings that is found on its face and once the birds have reached maturity, the males’ beaks are orange in color, while the females are recognized by their black beaks. Growing to approximately thirty three centimeters and weighing on average a hundred and thirty grams, the Mustached Parakeet is a small parrot. They have predominantly green plumage, lighter coloring on their heads with a blue tinge and indentifying salmon to pink colored plumage on their chests.

Being extremely intelligent means that the Mustached Parakeet can get bored very easily, and therefore needs an assortment of chew toys and toys that can stimulate their thought process. Spacious cages are also recommended. When compared to the Ringneck Parakeet, the Mustached Parakeet is much calmer and can speak clearer than its counterpart. They are playful and social birds, but can test their boundaries if they have not been disciplined correctly. In the wild, these birds travel in flocks and can get very lonely if they are without a companion and do not get sufficient attention from their owners. In their natural habitat, these birds will feed on a variety of foods which include seeds, fruit and berries, and it is therefore recommended that owners seek advice from their veterinarian to ensure that the correct diet is followed.

Mustached Parakeets are very popular pets but many owners do not research their choice of pet or species and can be surprised by their natural call, which is quite vocal. Before any pet owner decides to purchase a parrot or any captive bird is it essential that they know what their care involves and how to ensure the health and welfare of these magnificent birds.

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Of importance is the fact that seed alone will not provide sufficient nutrition for seed-eating birds, even if a variety of seed is offered. To supply your bird with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, include pellets, fruit and vegetables as part of its diet. Formulated diets consist of seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits and proteins. Fresh fruit and vegetables must be washed and remnants left in the cage must be thrown away before it begins to rot.

Non-seed eating birds are fed on a formula which is served either dry or moistened. Formulas which are made into nectar must be changed several times a day. Offer the bird fruit such as: apple, pineapple, figs, pomegranates, grapes and kiwi. Fresh corn on the cob and flowers such as pansies, roses, marigolds and dandelions may also interest them.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are available should such be necessary for the good health of your bird. Buy the product that will specifically meet the nutritional needs of your bird. Vitamin A deficiencies commonly affect birds. You should feed the bird orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables and egg yolk to overcome this nutrient deficiency. Mineral supplements are important for nutrition, especially for breeding birds. Minerals are found in: mineral blocks, cuttlebone, bones/ bone meal, milk and cheese. To provide the necessary protein consider feeding your bird, in moderation: meat, milk, fish and egg.

Certain foods will be detrimental to the health of your bird. Avoid such foods as: those that contain large amounts of fat and sugar, avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and fruit pits.

Also important to remember in caring for your bird’s nutritional needs is water. Fresh water must be given daily or more frequently if your bird fouls up the water.

Nutrition is important if you wish to keep your bird in good health, bright and full of life. Thus you can take pleasure in owning and caring for your bird.

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Due largely to their intelligence and entertainment value, birds from the Psittaciformesorder, which includes Parrots and Cockatoos, are very popular as household pets. Bird-lovers who have welcomed one of these fascinating birds into their family are generally quick to tell you what a rewarding experience it is. Ongoing research confirms that the best way to ensure that your beloved pet bird stays in peak condition is to pay attention to its diet. Recently the role of fruit in a bird’s diet has come under the spotlight, with varying opinions on the matter.

It is true that psittacine birds have very specific likes and dislikes, just as people do. However, just as we would not allow our children to dictate what they will or won’t eat, because as parents we have the responsibility to ensure an adequate diet, for the same reason it is not wise to allow our pet birds to dictate what they will and won’t eat. So what role does fruit play in a pet bird’s diet?

All birds require a wide range of nutrients, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, disaccharides and simple sugars, as well as water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins and minerals. Fruit is mostly composed of water and sugars, with some minerals and fiber, and therefore cannot fulfill your bird’s nutrient requirements. Whereas previously it was thought that fruit and vegetables cause diarrhea in birds, this is not the case. However, due to the high water content of fruit and vegetables, your bird will urinate more frequently, and as birds excrete both liquid and solid waste at the same time, this may be mistaken for diarrhea. It is important to know what your bird’s droppings normally look like, in order to detect changes that may signal a health problem.

For healthy bone maintenance, the calcium to phosphorous ratio should be roughly 2 to 1. Fruits do not contain anywhere near this ratio and should therefore be seen as a treat, rather than an essential part of a daily diet. The question of “how much is too much?” can be difficult to answer, but a good rule of thumb is about a teaspoonful of fruit a day for budgies and cockatiels, and about a rounded tablespoon for macaw-sized birds. A balanced diet should consist of pellets, healthy table foods, nuts, seeds and some fresh vegetables and fruit.

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Recent studies conducted at the University of Freiburg, in conjunction with the Max Plank Institute for Ornithology, have revealed that fruit-eating birds show a definite preference for fruit with higher concentrations of antioxidants. These antioxidants help them to sustain a healthy immune system.

Researchers have been studying the effects of antioxidants – particularly flavonoids – for some time now, but much of the research has been conducted in test-tubes up until now. This was the first time that the effect of flavonoids on the immune system in living animals has been conducted. The results were surprising. The researchers in Germany offered the little blackcap fruit-eating birds a choice of two foods. The foods were identical in every respect except for the concentration of flavonoids contained inside the fruit. The birds repeatedly chose the food with the added flavonoids. Thus they demonstrated a natural preference for fruits with higher levels of this sort of antioxidant.

The researchers also conducted studies to see if the flavonoids affect the bird’s health to any degree. They discovered that birds in the control group who were not fed antioxidants had weaker immune systems than those who were fed modest levels of flavonoids for four weeks. The flavonoids were fed to the birds in the form of one or two blackberries, bilberries or elderberries on a daily basis. While birds may be able to have more than this during the peak of the short berry season, researchers thought it more appropriate to study the levels that would be available on a more long-term basis. The study clearly shows that flavonoids can boost the immune systems of living organisms and that wild birds actually show a preference for foods containing flavonoids. The results of this research will be further used to study the ecological relationship between plants and birds as well as other animals that disperse seeds.

Some might argue that the berries with more flavonoids make the food darker in color and this is why the birds chose them. However the studies revealed that blackcaps do not show a color preference if the food is nutritionally identical, so they are confident that blackcaps choose the darker berries because they know they have a high flavonoid value. Flavonoids can be found in high concentrations in fruits and vegetables and are one of the most common antioxidants naturally available. So best take a lesson from the birds and make sure to eat all your fruit and vegetables to ensure that you stay healthy.

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