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OK, so we've made the
resolution to feed our feathered friends a well rounded, nutritional
diet. What else do we have to worry about?
Toxins are Lurking!
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Fresh fruits and vegetables need
to be washed to remove bacteria
as well as pesticide and fungicide residues before feeding them to
your parrot.
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All food must be checked for mold
and fungal growth and discarded as necessary. Mold and fungi
can be toxic to your bird!
-
Food should be stored in
appropriate containers at the appropriate temperature.
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Fresh foods should be removed from
your bird's cage after no longer than 2 hours due to the potential
for spoilage and
bacterial growth.
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Use separate
bowls for dry vs. wet
foods.
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Keeping food and water dishes away
from each other will assist in discouraging your parrot from dipping
its food into the water dish.
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Dishes must be sanitized daily by
scrubbing them out with hot, soapy water. This should be
supplemented by a disinfecting soak in dilute bleach (1:32) or other
bird safe
disinfectant for several minutes at
least 2-3 times a week.
-
Fresh water must be available at
all times. Birds require fresh water at least once a day and
sometimes several times a day in a clean dish.
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If
your bird loves to dunk and soak his food, consider using a
water bottle to avoid
bacterial contamination. (when converting to a water bottle make sure your bird
is drinking from it). Note: Bacterial counts double
every two hours!
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If you are serving hot foods, make
sure that they are sufficiently cooled to avoid crop burn.
Poisonous/Dangerous
Foods
Just
as there are foods we should avoid as humans, there are foods that are
potentially toxic or dangerous to your birds.
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Avocado
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Chocolate
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Carbonated beverages
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Alcohol
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Caffeinated beverages
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Seeds and pits from fruits
(apple seeds contain cyanide)
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mushrooms (many species are
potentially toxic)
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onions (can destroy red blood
cells)
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commercially grown strawberries
(extremely high pesticide residues)
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tomato leaves
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uncooked beans
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uncooked eggs
In general, other foods that should be avoided
include:
Please note that the above is not a
complete list of potentially toxic items. If in doubt, consult
with your avian veterinarian.
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