food for parrots

[Sammy]

have 2 African Greys and 2 Yellow Napped Amazon's. can you give them asparagus??

 

[EarlyBirdSpecial]

Hello Sammy....Asparagus is one of those controversial foods that is listed as both good and bad for parrots depending on which website you refer to.

If you really feel the need to give your birds some asparagus try giving them a very small amount to see if it affects them in any way. I have heard some birds get an upset stomach and digestive distress when eating asparagas but yours may not.

I know this doesn't give a difinitive answer but you might find more information to your liking by Googling asparagus as food for parrots.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Asparagus is comletely safe in terms of not having anyting toxic for birds - as opposed to some other foods such as chocolate and avocados.

In fact asparagus can be very healthy for them as it has a variety of good nutrients.

However, if they are gorging on lots of asparagus it will tend to upset their digestive system.

Asparagus is safe and can - for most birds - be recommended in moderation.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Many people unfortunately clump together things such as asparagus, which may be hard for some to digest, with foods that are actually TOXIC such as chocolate and avocado (as well as others).

Those who wish to "play it safe" and put everything questionable on the toxic list reduce the credibility of that list. If one is to say asparagus is bad and chocolate is bad we don't want those who feed plenty of asparagus to suddenly think "well, she seems to handle asparagus just fine, maybe they're wrong about chocolate too."

So, asparagus - not toxic and not a danger to their lives like some foods. But not all birdie tummies will handle it very well.

 

[roblesandrew]

I go for pellets.
I trust the way these pellets are formulated for birds (parrot) diet.

As I understand even experts don't have the perfect diet for parrots but pellets and fresh fruits/vegetables combination.

 

[Sammy]

Thank you, to all that responded about the asparagus. I guess I'll play it safe and forget it.

 

[Ecclipse]

Question: How much food must you give your bird? I give my Brown Headed Parrot a mix of allsorts - dried fruit, nuts, seeds and 3-4 peanuts in the shell. I then have a seperate container for fruit and then veggies - whatever Im eating. How do you know how much mix to give per day? Maybe Im missing something but how do you guys know that people have replied to your quick reply on someone elses thread. I am beginning to forget which ones I commented and asked questions on..