Birds are amazing 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 best 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 Albert Lea area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, enhancing their health 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, 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 fulfills their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is generally a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense 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 larger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, as well as a range of other natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which wouldn't usually contain a few types of seeds.
Ensuring adequate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide 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 needs than older birds, and altering 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 every day to ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.
At The Pet Authority, we specialize in making sure your bird is supplied with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional team has your back. If you're in the Albert Lea area, give us a call at (507) 373-2505 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.