If you are looking to get a parrot as a pet, you will need to get as much info on them as possible. You will want to learn about their care and maintenance needs, especially their diet.
Now, I remember before I got my first parrots pickle (my GCC), I’d heard from forums you can feed them meaty foods like chicken and fish. Of course, this came as a surprise since I thought they only fed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
Well, long story short is I was thinking wrong!
Parrots are omnivores that occasionally feed on insects in the wild. As such, they accept meaty foods when kept as pets at home, though you should only offer them meat as treats and not an everyday staple.
You also need to be cautious about the meat you feed your parrots. You do not want to offer them seasoned meat with added salts and species since that is not part of their wild diet.
Chicken and fish are ok for parrots as long as you limit fats in the meat. Avoid garlic, onions, and other condiments as well if you plan on sharing your dinner with your birdie.
Just had my girl (parrot) to the vet a few days ago, and he recommended either tiny bits of plain, no-salt chicken or nuts because her phosphorus levels were somewhat low: Plugtrio, parrot owner, and Redditor.
Even vets agree a little meat for your feathery friend is ideal as it provides your bird nutrients such as phosphorus, which are not as abundant in many bird foods.
What Type of Meat Can Parrots Eat
Parrots will accept most meats from your dinner plate, but white meats like chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, such as shrimp, are better since they are tender and healthy.
Red meats like pork, lamb, and beef are less healthy, with a high concentration of fat and cholesterol.
However, remember meaty foods are not a parrot staple. Most prefer a diet that contains nuts, fruits, grain, and seeds, so feed them meat as treats for variety.
Now, that does not mean meat foods are entirely useless to a parrot’s nutrition. They contain quality proteins, vitamins, and assorted minerals helpful to your birdie.
As stated in this post by All About Parrots, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, Zinc, selenium, amino, and pathothenic acid, are part of the nourishment your bird may derive from meat.
Plus, chickenbone enhances birds’ beaks.
Is it Ok for Parrots to Eat Chicken
Chicken is a good source of protein, and a piece is an enjoyable treat that’ll keep your feathery friend occupied for a bit and satisfy his foraging needs.
Since a chicken wing is a lot more tender than T-bone (or what have you), your parrot will also crush the bone and pick out the protein-rich bone marrow.
Mowever, your parrot won’t eat the bone, so no need to worry as you should with cats or dogs with chicken bone splinters, Linda Bennardo, a charming three-feathered-friends owner, explains.
As such, treat your parrot with a chicken piece now and then. Just make sure it is cooked and not salty, spicy, or fatty.
Do Parrots Eat Fish
I bet your parrot will muse on fish and other seafood almost as much as they do with chicken. Pickle, my GCC, is particularly fond of crabs and shrimp, and Linda, the charming lady I mentioned above, agrees.
Having said that, same as chicken, fish and seafood is a treat for parrots and not a staple, so to safely feed your birdie, offer them small quantities.
You also need to make sure your fish has no added salt or oil, especially for canned store-bought fish.
Can Parrots Eat Insects
Feeding parrots insects is a departure from their conventional diet, but you can try it. Enriched insects such as crickets would perhaps be good for your birds since they pack some nutrients that will benefit your feathery child.
I certainly do not feed my parrot insects as a staple or even a treat, but if I have some around for my other pets, I will offer him some if he shows interest.
Even so, a certain thing is you need to make sure the insects you intend on offering your parrot haven’t been exposed to pesticides.
Most parrots may accept insects, considering it is a great source of proteins, but I would not knowingly feed my bird insects, especially if I do not know their source.
You also need to understand that not all parrots are the same. They come from different wild environments, and what one species may devour passionately, another shrug and walk away from.
For instance, African grey parrots seem to like protein-rich insects, while my GCC won’t even have a second look.
If in doubt, maybe you are not too sure about the insects you have, seek advice from your birdies vet. He (she) may be in a better position to advise you.
Can Parrots Eat Worms
If you have other pets such as ornamental fish, you may have an abundance of live and freeze-dried worms.
Personally, I do because I keep fish as well , and I’ve noted my GCC will occasionally pick a worm and devour it happily while I feed my finnies.
Now, this is not to say you should feed your parrot’s worms. All I’m saying is it won’t exactly kill them, more so if the worms are from a reputable source and free of parasites.
Overall, if your birdie loves them, I don’t see any harm in allowing them to have a treat every now and then. But he hates worms, do not force them on him.
Make sure the worms are safe for his health as well. You do not want to feed him food items that may have disease-causing elements.
You may also want to seek your vet’s advice to ensure you are doing the right thing. I’m sure he (she) will let you know better alternatives for worms if any.
Thats all for this post.
Have with your parrot🐦🦜.
