Sometimes I grab whatever looks fresh in the fridge, toss it altogether and serve it up to my parrots. Sometimes I plan it all out, and sometimes I toss it in the crock pot and go. There are so many options, even leftovers too, for our parrot companions to eat. That's probably why you see I hardly ever serve the same thing every day. Which keeps it fresh and interesting for my birds, and keeps them from ever getting too picky!   Luckily, friends and family will bring over fresh foods for me to use and prepare for my birds too after seeing the types of things they can eat.  

Photo by Dave Location: Augusta, GA Eating blueberries and rice: Congo African Grey "Cressi" 

Not only am I big fruit eater myself (in my cereals and as snacks) but if I forget to take care of the birds in some way... it's usually forgetting to give them water. I don't know what my problem is but that's what I will always forget to do. Luckily, I feed fruits that carry lots of water in them and juices so they won't get dehydrated... at least, that's what my rebuttal will be when I get yelled at! ;)

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Augusta, GA Shown: Black berries, blueberries and rice (not actually served in this, poured out) 

I think one of my favorite things to serve my parrots is raspberries because of how pink and red it makes their feet and faces. It's adorable when a bird eats something the same color of itself, and just makes itself that color ALL over!

So don't be alarmed when the raspberry pictures appear... I promise it's just raspberry juice...

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Augusta, GA Raspberry eater: Galah "Ace" 

Mix and matching is okay and good for a variety in your bird's diet. Soon I will be posting a blog post about where to shop for food for your birds even in the most unexpected of places where you can find fresh, organic and a variety of nutritious foods to add to your parrot's diet on a daily basis. Mmm! 

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Augusta, GA Shown: Congo African Grey "Cressi" 

Leftovers can be great meals for your parrots. I do it fairly often, but mostly I try to prepare their foods just for them so there's nothing bad used in cooking or things like that. Always ask about the ingredients and cooking preps used at restaurants if you want to bring it back for your fids to enjoy.

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Augusta, GA Shown: Military Macaw "Crash" 

Veggies should be included in your parrot's meal as much as possible. They're the most nutritious. Carrots, sprouts, squash, sweet potato, zucchini, spinach, green beans... the list goes on and on. The more you can wedge those things in meals and with other foods they like, the better. Even if they're accidentally eating them, there's nothing wrong with that! 

The more variety, the less picky your bird will turn out to be. I've changed it up since day one with my birds and they are not very picky at all. They eat what you give them! And I love that about them, because it means I can change their diet however I need to based on my surroundings and it means if I have to have someone else feed them, they won't refuse the food.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.