Birds are incredible companions, 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 best food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Oconomowoc area with the 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 blend 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 satisfies 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 choose larger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, as well as a variety of other natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which wouldn't usually include 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 supply fat for their brains and nerves, and improves 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 specialist on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional needs than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, 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 daily to guarantee appropriate adherence to the new diet.
At Friends of Nature, we concentrate on making sure 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 team has your back. If you're in the Oconomowoc area, give us a call at (262) 567-2699 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.