Birds are amazing 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 knowledge and experience to help guide you to the perfect 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 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 mixture 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 fulfills their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is normally a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally thick 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, along with a variety of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which wouldn't generally consist of a few types of seeds.
Ensuring appropriate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. 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 different 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 altering their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly 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 specialize in ensuring your bird is provided with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your backyard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional staff has your back. If you're in the Oconomowoc area, give us a call at (262) 567-2699 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.