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 expertise and experience to help guide you to the perfect food. All bird's nutritional requirements are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Carbondale area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, improving 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 mix of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, several wild bird feeds include peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food varies in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it fulfills 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 choose larger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, along with a selection of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not normally consist of a few types of seeds.
Ensuring sufficient nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide fat for their brains and nerves, and boosts the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the numerous vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to get in touch with an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional needs than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.
At RJ Paddywacks Pet Outfitter, we focus on making sure your bird is provided with the most effective nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your backyard, 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 improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.