Cockatiel diet

A healthy and balanced diet is essential for keeping your cockatiel happy and thriving. The foundation of a cockatiel’s diet should be high-quality pellets, which provide the essential nutrients they need. While seeds are often associated with bird diets, they should only make up a small part of a cockatiel’s diet, as they are high in fat and low in many important vitamins and minerals. A mix of pellets and seeds can offer variety, but pellets should form the majority of their daily intake.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be included to add variety and additional nutrients. Vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, and broccoli are excellent choices, while fruits such as apples, berries, and melons can be given in moderation. It’s important to avoid feeding your cockatiel avocado, chocolate, or caffeine, as these are toxic to birds. Fresh water should be available at all times, and food dishes should be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination.

Offering a well-balanced diet ensures that your cockatiel stays healthy, with strong feathers, bright eyes, and high energy levels. Monitoring your bird’s weight and adjusting their diet accordingly is also important to prevent obesity or malnutrition. Regularly introducing new, healthy foods can also keep your cockatiel interested in eating and help meet all their nutritional needs.