What do I feed my parakeet?

Parakeets are loving, cute little birds. They are great for the beginner. An important part of keeping a budgie is diet. On the right diet they can live longer, stay healthier, and are happier. In this hub I will give facts about parakeet diets and how to keep your parakeet happy and healthy!

The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends the following diet for a parakeet:

50% cooked beans, whole wheat bread, cooked rice, pasta, and seed
45% fresh broccoli, carrots, yams, spinach, dandelion greens, other green/orange fruits and veggies
5% eggs, tuna packed in water, well cooked meat

Grains should be 50% of a parakeets diet. They are very important to keeping your parakeet healthy.

Seed is important. I offer seed to my bird at all times of the day. It is a basic of parakeet diet, and should be owned by all owners. Seed is found in almost every pet store that carries bird supplies. Although seed is important is should not be the only thing that your bird eats.

Bread can be fed to parakeets, but not as a meal. It should be a once-in-a while snack, and fed in small amounts. Use whole grain bread, no white or refined bread should be used. Bread is a good source of fiber- a yummy snack!

Pasta and Rice are also good things to feed your parakeet, but make sure that it is cooked, and has no sauce or spices on it. When it is cooked it is easier to eat and digest. Pasta should be a snack, though.

Beans are a good source of protein for your parakeet. Just cook them (Some beans are unhealthy if not cooked), and feed. Beans are great snacks for your budgies.

Fruits and Vegtables are healthy for us, and healthy for your parakeet too! They boost the immune system to help fight off bad germs. I always supply my parakeets with fresh greens to nibble on, but I usually give them twice a day as a hand-fed treat.

To feed them veggies and fruits, just cut them up fresh, and wash them very thuroughly (Over and over again, make sure pestecides are all gone). Hard veggies should be cut up into pieces, soft ones can be nibbled at.

Veggies include: Broccoli (My Bird's favorite), Peppers, Carrots, Cabbage, lettuce, etc.

Fruits include: Apples, Strawberries, grapes, bannanas, etc.

Only feed it as a snack. Too much sugar in fruits is bad for your feathered friend. It might also cause them to become overweight.

Meats should be a small portion of parakeets' diet. They should be only fed once a week or even less. In the wilderness of Australia. parakeets actually have a rare snack on a bug or worm. Mets are okay, but be very careful when deciding what meat.

Hard-Boiled Eggs are great sources of portien. Boil them for 30 minutes then smash them up. Make sure you do not leave them in the cage too long,as they might spoil.

Chicken and Beef can be fed to you birdie, but in small amounts. It also need sto be well cooked and lean.

Anything that is bad for you is bad for you. They should never have caffine, chocolate, sugar-y food, etc. They also cannot eat avacados, or a pit from any fruit (apples, peaches, etc)