Dietary Needs of Parrots at Various Growth Stages

The Nutritional Requirements of Parrots at Different Growth Stages

One. The Nestling Stage. During this stage, most breeders opt to raise female parrots, as they are typically fed using a nursing method. Once the parrots have fully feathered, the feeding can be transitioned entirely to commercial feed. It is crucial to ensure a balanced diet for the females during this period.

Two. The Moulting Stage. Parrots generally moult in autumn. If a parrot fails to moult during this time, it's important to investigate the cause, which might be due to a monotonous diet, insufficient nutrition, or chronic illness, leading to weakened health and difficulty in shedding feathers. During the moult, parrots may become more irritable and timid, and they will also exert a significant amount of energy. Therefore, careful care is essential. It's vital to enhance their nutrition, particularly with animal proteins, during this period. Neglecting to do so can lead to an extended moult period, as well as issues like rickets and disheveled feathers. Additionally, overfeeding during the moult can delay the process. Typically, around June, before the moult, you can increase their feed to encourage a quicker shedding of old feathers. After the feathers have fallen out, provide highprotein, highfat, and vitaminrich diets to promote the growth of new feathers.

Three. The Breeding Stage. This is a unique period for parrots, where they must maintain their health while caring for their offspring. During this stage, parrots have high nutritional demands. Besides their regular feed, breeders should supplement their diet with plant proteins, animal proteins, vitamins, and minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, to support growth and reproduction. As parrots enter the breeding phase, the protein content in their feed should be increased, and they should be provided with more vegetables and fruits. A lack of calcium in females can lead to softshelled eggs and even the consumption of their own eggs. Moreover, vitamins E, selenium, and zinc are closely linked to the reproductive process; a deficiency in these elements can result in infertility.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: For nonbreeding, single parrots, it is advisable to reduce fatrich feed and increase green feed to prevent hormonal disturbances or nighttime disturbances. It's also best to clip their wings and tails to avoid excessive noise.