Birds are remarkable friends, and when properly looked after, 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 requirements are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Merrimack area with the very 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 combination of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, numerous wild bird feeds consist of 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 typically a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons love millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will prefer larger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a variety of various other natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen 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 adequate 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 enhances 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 speak with a professional on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food daily to ensure proper adherence to the new diet.
At Pets Choice, we focus on ensuring your bird is supplied 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, experienced staff has your back. If you're in the Merrimack area, give us a call at (603) 424-7297 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.
