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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!
- Fresh fruits and vegetables need
to be washed before feeding them to your parrot to remove bacteria
as well as pesticide and fungicide residues.
- 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.
- Fresh foods should be removed from
your bird's cage after no longer than 2 hours due to spoilage and
bacterial growth.
- Use separate bowls for dry vs. wet
foods.
- Keeping
food and water dishes away
from each other will assist in discouraging your parrot from dipping
its food into the water dish.
- Dishes must be sanitized daily by
scrubbing them out with hot, soapy water. This should be
supplemented by a
disinfecting
soak 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. Consider using a
water bottle to avoid
contamination.
- 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 to your birds.
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
- Seeds and pits from fruits
(apple seeds contain cyanide)
- mushrooms (many species are
potentially toxic)
- onions (can destroy red blood
cells)
- commercially grown strawberries
(extremely high pesticide residues)
- tomato leaves
- uncooked beans
- uncooked eggs
In general, other foods that should be avoided
include:
- salty foods
- refined sugars
- fatty foods
- dairy products (not easily
digested)
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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