What Do Parrots Eat? List Of Foods They Eat And How To Feed Them

There are 398 parrot species and 92 genera in the world.

Out of this, almost half of them are popular pet birds. Parrots belong to the Psittaciformes order.

The order is further divided into three parts, true parrots, New Zealand parrots, and cockatoos. Parrots live in tropical, subtropical, and alpine regions. They come in all sizes ranging from small birds like the buff faced pygmy parrot which is just 3.1 in (8 cm) long to big birds like the hyacinth macaws and the African grey parrot which are 3.3 ft (1 m) and 12-16 in (0.3-0.4 m) long respectively. A parrot's diet must include healthy foods. Some of the parrot foods are fresh food, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, nuts, and seeds. Parrots, like crows, ravens, and jays, are extremely intelligent and active. So pet parrots should be given toys and other fun things to play with. This can keep your parrot busy. Parrot food waste can be used a manure for plants. Sixteen parrot species became extinct in the 17th century and almost one-third of the current parrot species are endangered. Habitat loss and the illegal pet trade are the two major reasons for the decline. Many bird species, including the parakeets and munias, are protected by law in most countries. Continue reading to know more about pet parrots and baby parrot's diets. You can also check out our other articles on what oysters eat and what prairie dogs eat.

What do parrots eat in the wild?

The parrot's diet in the wild is varied. Parrots have several options in the wild and switch up their diet from time to time. Some of the most common foods eaten by parrots in the wild are explored below.

Nuts: Nuts have high nutritional value as they are filled with vitamins, minerals, fat, fiber, and protein. Protein is in charge of the biochemical reactions in a parrot's body hence, it is very essential. Parrots eat nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashew, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamias. Parrots in the wild also exert themselves at times. They get a lot of exercise when compared to the ones in captivity, so eating nuts will not make them fat.

Seeds: Seeds are amazing sources of fiber. They also contain essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidants remove free radicals from bodily cells and prevent or minimize oxidative damage. As a result, they are an essential element of a parrot's diet. Since parrots are exposed to a broad range of seeds in the environment, they may select whatever they like. Watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds are favorites of parrots in general.

Fruits: Wild parrots eat fruits such as apples, mangoes, bananas, berries, ripe figs, and pears. Fruits contain vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E. Vitamin A plays an important role in the eye health and strengthening of bones in parrots. When vitamin A is deficient, parrots will not grow properly and have will have a feeble immune system. They can also develop respiratory issues due to the deficiency. Fruits also contain folic acid, which is the key factor in the production of uric acid. Uric acid is a by-product of protein breakdown. Different fruits have different nutritional values.

Flowers: Flowers can be eaten by parrots. Flowers contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin C and A. They include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron in addition to riboflavin and niacin. All of these nutrients are beneficial to the health of your pet birds. Flowers that are safe for parrots include heliconias, bottlebrushes, orchids, roses, and African violets. Other flowers to avoid include daffodils, lilies, and morning glories.

Parrots are not strict vegetarians. There are some omnivorous species that will eat meat along with the regular parrot diet. Parrots like the rainbow-colored lories and lorikeets drink nectar from flowers.

Did you know, the kakapo is the only flightless parrot in the world? It has extremely soft feathers that are not stiff enough to support flight. Hence, it cannot fly. Apart from this, the kakapo unlike other parrots is said to be one of the dumbest birds. Since kakapos were the only birds on Codfish Island with no predators for several years, they basically lost the power to think and became dumb through the years.

What seeds do parrots eat?

Though seeds are the staple food, seeds should not be offered as the primary source of nutrition. A seed diet will cause certain health issues and is known to reduce the lifespan of a parrot. Seeds are rich sources of phosphorous. However, the calcium and vitamin content is too low. The uneven ratio of calcium and phosphorous makes the parrot prone to developing diseases related to deficiencies. It can also cause hypoglycemia. Some of the seeds that are safe for parrots to eat are listed below.

Canary Seeds: The fat content in a canary seed is low. It is rich in carbohydrates but lacks other essential vitamins.

Flax Seeds: Flax seeds have proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates. Picky eaters like the African greys enjoy flax seeds as they contain omega-3 and other phytochemicals.

Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are extremely nutrient-dense. Raw he seeds are high in nutrients and may be fed to parrots. It contains all the necessary amino acids as well as 30% protein. Amino acids are vital for feather development. They also play a crucial part in brain function.

Red And White Millet: Millets have a low fat content and high levels of carbohydrates. They are rich in fiber and hence can be digested easily. They have all the vital vitamins like vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6.

Safflower Seeds: Wild parrots alone eat safflower seeds. These seeds act as a powerful antibiotic. They are also rich in protein and carbohydrates and provide all the nourishment that parrots need.

Fruit Seeds: Seeds of grapes, citrus fruits, pumpkins, squash, melons, tomatoes, berries pomegranate, and mangoes are consumed by parrots.

Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are also part of the parrot diet. They can be given to parrots in captivity as well, but only as treats. Since the fat levels are high in this seed, giving them as primary foods can cause many liver problems.

Milo Seeds: Milo seeds are very healthy for parrots. Wild parrots will only consume milo seeds rarely and will mostly avoid them due to their large size. These seeds are cheap and easily available.

Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds have components that make up a healthy diet. Since the nutrients mixed are disproportionate, they are not ideal to be included in a well-balanced diet.

Some of the other seeds that are safe for parrots to eat are watercress seeds, rapeseeds, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, perilla seeds, fenugreek seeds, Niger seeds, cumin seeds, clover seeds, chia seeds, and broccoli raab seeds. Parrots also eat chili seeds. It's as unbelievable as it sounds. They're not affected by the burning sensation created by the fruit. Humans have 10,000 taste buds, while they only have 300. As a result, they are not as sensitive to the spiciness as we are.

You should control your parrot's intake and only feed smaller portions of seeds. Obese parrots can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis and atherosclerosis. Wild birds can easily access different sources of water. In addition to a good diet, parrots need clean water. So supplying clean to your pet parrot is important.

What do green parrots eat?

Most parrots prefer a proper diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts. There are 25 different types of green parrots. The diet of these birds is similar to that of any other parrot.

Amazon Parrots: Amazon parrots are affectionate pet birds that mainly love to eat fruits berries and vegetation. They are medium-sized birds that eat moderately. Wild, as well as foraged foods, can also be given to them.

Military Macaws: Military macaws are fond of high-quality pellet and seed mix. Bird owners say that these birds join them for dinner. Other large macaws and African greys can also eat chicken bones.

Buff Face Pygmy Parrot: These are smaller birds that are known for their unusual diet. Apart from eating seeds and fruits, the buff faced pygmy parrots also feed on fungi and lichens found on trees. For this reason, they have avoided most pet bird owners.

One of the predominant colors of parrots is green. Parrots do not actually produce green pigment. Then how do they look green? This is an effect of the light scattering phenomenon. A parrot feather has structures that reflect light and create an illusion of green. Their feathers have unique soft cells that reflect green and blue light. A blue absorbing pigment limits the wavelength range of the reflected light, which creates a green effect. Another interesting fact about parrots is that their brightly colored feathers have antibacterial pigment. It acts as a natural defense. Have you ever wondered how parrots have a beautiful combination of bright feather colors? Parrots have a special pigment called the psottacofulvin that resists bacteria and produces bright colors. The pigment is one of the reasons why parrots always look young. It slows down the degradation of feathers.

What do baby parrots eat?

Taking care of newborn parrots can be quite hectic, especially if you are an amateur. Baby parrots should not be acquired until they have been weaned. Apart from maintaining a proper temperature and purchasing large cages, one must also provide a varied diet to baby parrots for them to grow. In the wild, mothers take care of the baby parrots. For at least a year, the baby parrot sticks with its mother.

In the wild, baby parrots are fed by the mother's and they eat pretty much anything that the parent eats. Mangoes, cooked carrots, and squash are all great foods for baby parrots that are being finger fed. Once the baby reaches the weaning stage, it requires other nutritious foods.

Soaked Seeds: Soaking the above-mentioned seeds that are safe for parrots to eat until the tips of the root are visible is important before feeding them to your baby parrots. Sprouts are an economical and handy method to provide greens regularly. The nutritional value of sprouted seeds is higher as they are packed with vitamins, proteins, enzymes, and minerals. Sprouted seeds must be part of the recently weaned parrot diet.

Soft Vegetables: Soft vegetables are healthy, easier to eat, and can be easily digested. This is why soft vegetables are the best options for baby parrots. Vegetables that parrots can eat safely include hot peppers, bell peppers, butternut squash, beets, asparagus, broccoli, and carrots. Beets, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, and sweet potatoes can be given after they are moderately cooked. Cooked brown rice mixed with vegetables is one of the best baby parrot foods.

Sweetcorn: Corn is just as good for birds as it is for people. Corn is high in vitamin A. Contrary to popular opinion, parrots may be fed corn on the cob, and in fact, corn on the cob is the finest food for parrots. While cooking the corn, do not add any oils or seasonings. You may even mash cooked corn until the young parrot becomes accustomed to the new meal. Corn may also be eaten raw, however, experts recommend feeding cooked corn to newborn parrots until they are matured.

Greens: Just as people should not miss out on greens, so should parrots, especially when they are young. Collard greens, romaine lettuce, parsley, leaf lettuce, spinach, beet greens, swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, and watercress are the finest greens for a parrot's diet.

Fresh Fruits: Parrots can eat most human foods. Baby parrots have different nutritional requirements when compared to adult parrots. At each stage, they get particular nutrients that are essential for their growth. Finely chopped fleshy fruits can be given to baby parrots. Since newborn and two to three weeks old baby parrots cannot digest raw seeds, it is better to remove the seeds. At least one fresh fruit must be included in the parrot diet each day.

What do baby parrots drink? Avoid offering water to baby birds, as they can easily drown. They get all the necessary hydration from the food they eat. So keep them away from water bowls until they are old enough to switch to solid foods.

How often should you feed parrots? When the baby parrot is one or two weeks old, it should be fed once every two to three hours. While feeding fruits, you should offer small portions so that they can be fed throughout the day. When they are three to four weeks old, you should feed them once every three to four hours. A small amount of animal protein can also be considered parrot food. However, some veterinarians feel that parrots don't take animal proteins well.

Tips: If you are giving pellets to your parrots, make sure they reduce the portion of fresh foods. As too many nutrients can also cause adverse health effects. Pick the pellets carefully, as some pellet diets have low nutritional value. Small parrots mainly eat pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

What do parrots eat in Minecraft?

Minecraft, an adventurous game, features parrots as one of the rarest, tameable mobs. There are five different types of parrots in Minecraft. Currently, parrots are mere accessories and do not perform any necessary activities. They are cyan parrots, green parrots, blue parrots, red parrots, and gray parrots. Parrots in Minecraft can only ride on the shoulders of players and mimic some noises. In the game, parrots will also dance when they go near a jukebox.

You can easily tame a parrot in Minecraft by giving it different foods. Some of the parrot food items in Minecraft are pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, wheat seeds, and beetroot seeds. After feeding them, the chance of your parrot being tamed becomes 33%. You cannot breed parrots in Minecraft as they do not have babies. Once they are tamed, you cannot feed them. They will accept cookies but will instantly die after consuming one. Why do they have cookies in the game if it is harmful to parrots? It is to emphasize the real-life fact that cookies are harmful to parrots. The current version of the game does not have special options to heal a parrot. Throwing a splash potion near the parrot will help heal it. If you want to remove the parrot from your shoulder, changing the height by jumping will help.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for what do parrots eat, then why not take a look at what quails eat or parrot facts?