Bird feeding guides
How much should you feed?
Pet birds range from a 30 g budgie to a kilogram-plus macaw, and their metabolisms are among the fastest of any pet — a small parrot can eat 15-20% of its body weight daily. The biggest diet mistake is feeding seed as a staple rather than a treat.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my bird?
It depends on species: a budgie (30 g) eats roughly 5-8 g of food a day, a cockatiel (90 g) around 8-12 g, and larger parrots proportionally more. Offer measured pellets plus fresh veg and weigh your bird weekly.
Are seeds bad for pet birds?
Seeds aren't toxic, but as a staple they're too fatty and lack vitamins A and calcium. Use them as a small treat and make formulated pellets and vegetables the base of the diet.
How do I switch my bird from seeds to pellets?
Gradually, over weeks — mix increasing amounts of pellets into the seed, offer pellets first thing when hungriest, and monitor weight daily so the bird doesn't stop eating altogether.
What human foods are toxic to birds?
Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or fatty foods are dangerous. Stick to bird-safe vegetables, limited fruit, and formulated diets.