“You Eat Like a Bird!”

The old saying “you eat like a bird” usually referred to someone who ate small portions of healthy food. In reality, traditional seed diets are not very healthy for your avian pet. Seed diets are high fat, nutritionally incomplete, and can result in vitamin deficiencies that contribute to serious health issues such as liver disease. Fairly new to the market, pelleted diets have become a more accepted choice. Pellets are a processed food formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your bird. There are many brands of pellets to choose from available in most local pet supply stores and online. When choosing a pellet for you bird, be sure to avoid those with coloring, as these can also be damaging to your bird. Your bird should have fresh foods every day for optimal health. As a general rule, the avian diet should consist of 80% pellets, 15% vegetables and 5% fruit (however, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for your bird). For tips on switching your bird’s diet and other nutritional information call the Animal Refuge League at 854-9771 ext 110 or go to:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=15&cat=1835&articleid=2843
http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/nutrition/convert.html ; http://www.petvets.com/petcare/birds.html ;
http://www.mit.edu/~rei/Veggies.html ;
http://www.quakerville.net/qic/good-bad-food.asp ;

Getting your bird to adopt healthier eating habits can be challenging; kind of like getting your child to eat broccoli! However, don’t be discouraged, it can be done, and it’s worth it in the end.

Find a feathered friend at the Animal Refuge League. Birds are shown by appointment Monday - Friday by scheduling a time with Alex Sanborn or Kathleen Fobear.

The adoption prices for parakeets are $10 each and $15 for a pair who
must go together. Cockatiels are $40 each and $60 for a pair who must remain together. Cage and accessories are not
included.

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