Feeding parrots in captivity – a review

Abstract

The availability of commercial foods for ornamental birds is still very small compared to the potential consumption. The commercial foods should provide the nutrients in adequate quantities and meet the needs of birds include a number of other nutritional aspects as the raw material quality and palatability. Due to limited availability of commercial feeds specific to parrots, it is a common practice on farms and zoos supply of non-specific diets, as feed for broilers or dog food, plus a mix of various seeds, such as birdseed, peanuts and sunflower oil. Due to the need for more information about the feeding of parrots in captivity, this review has the objective of gathering data from scientific and technical work on the nutrition of these birds. The proper feeding of animals in captivity shall ensure the healthy development and maintenance of these animals and preventing the emergence of primary and opportunistic diseases. Therefore studies of ideal choices of food for parrots in captivity should be conducted to provide a better quality of life and longevity for these animals.