How to Select the Right Pet Bird Seed

Diet is an important factor for the care of any animal, and choosing the right pet bird seed can make all the difference to the happiness of your bird. There are several combinations of seed and other food to choose from, and the trick is to get the nutritional balance correct for your bird.

Step 1 - Discover the Best Diet for your Bird

If you are unfamiliar with the best diet for your species of bird, then a little research will help you discover it. Ideally, find out what the species eats in the wild, and try to copy it as best you can. This will provide the basis for choosing the right bird seed.

Step 2 - Required Nutritional Balance

Using the same resource, discover what your bird's nutritional balance is. Some birds, for example, require more fat in their diet than others. This does vary from species to species, and the more accurate the nutritional requirements, the happier the bird will be.

Step 3 - Selecting the Bird Seed

Most bird seed suppliers state which bird seed is suitable for which bird, and the nutritional value it possess. By cross referencing your earlier research you can determine which balance of seed is right for your particular bid.

Step 4 - Ensure the Diet is Balanced

Seeds are like junk food for birds, and it has been known that birds who eat a diet that consists entirely of seeds, never eat any other type of food. Like humans, eating junk food all the time is unhealthy, and brings about lethargy. When you give food to your bird, ensure that there is a good mix of food in the feeder, and not just seeds. 

Ideally, you want a part bird seed, part bird pellet, and part other types of food such as nuts in the bowel. Refer to your research to get the balance correct. It is worth noting that some fruit and other foods can be poisonous to your bird. Ensure you are aware of what this is.

Step 5 - Feeding the Bird

Feeding seeds to your bird should be no different than any other type of food. Many owners have their own ritual to feeding their birds, and the seed element should simply fit in with it. You will undoubtedly notice that your bird likes some seed more than others, so vary the other types of food around the bird seed that your bird likes the best. Your aim is to provide a balanced nutritional diet for your bird, and this should be your overall guide as to how much and what type of seed you give to your pet bird.

Step 6 - Unusual Behavior

After you introduce seeds into your bird's diet, watch for signs of strange behavior or ill health. This may be a sign that the seed is not agreeing with your animal, or they are eating too much seed. If you have concerns for the health of your bird, then visit a vet straight away. With the right diet, love and stimuli, a pet bird can live a long and happy life.