Shop Parrot & Hookbill food in Carbondale

Birds are incredible friends, and when properly taken care of, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you to the perfect food. All bird's nutritional needs are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Carbondale area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, enhancing their health and wellness and extending their lives.

Wild bird vs pet bird food:

Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a mixture of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds consist of peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food is diverse in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it satisfies their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is generally a mix of similar seeds, with nutritionally thick pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons enjoy millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will prefer bigger seed types.

Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a range of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which would not usually contain a few types of seeds.

Ensuring appropriate nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds supply fat for their brains and nerves, and boosts the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the different vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to consult a specialist on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to guarantee proper adherence to the new diet.

At RJ Paddywacks Pet Outfitter, we concentrate on ensuring your bird is provided with the most effective nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional staff has your back. If you're in the Carbondale area, give us a call at (970) 963-1700 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.