On the shelves of pet stores, you can see dozens of different types of food for parrots. It is worth remembering that only those intended for small birds are suitable for wavy ones. But even among such feeds there are both good and downright dangerous.
Instructions
Step 1
Food for budgies differ in composition, price, manufacturer. The cheaper the feed, the poorer its composition. The basis of a good grain feed is always millet (yellow, red, white, black), canary seeds, oats, flax seeds. Sometimes it contains safflower, nougat, dried pieces of vegetables and fruits, natural additives (for example, seaweed). It is advisable that there are no sunflower seeds in the food for your budgerigar or their number is minimal (no more than 1-2 per tablespoon). The fact is that such seeds contain a lot of oil, which provokes obesity in poultry and can lead to liver diseases.
Step 2
You can still determine if food is good or not in the store. To get started, take the pack in your hands, carefully read the inscriptions on it. Responsible manufacturers indicate the exact composition, and also always publish the address of the company and contact numbers. Rub a small area of the package with your finger or a damp cloth - the paint should not rub off A faded pattern or spots on the packaging indicate improper storage of the food.
Step 3
Beware of purchasing food in cardboard boxes. During transportation and storage in a warehouse, insects-parasites can crawl through the cracks in the folds, which will make the feed dangerous for poultry. Food in hermetically sealed bags is much safer. Make sure that there are no mechanical damages or breaks on the pack.
Step 4
In the store, pay attention to the date of manufacture of the feed and the expiration date. If the mixture was released and packaged a long time ago, the beans may have deteriorated. Expired food is no longer a direct threat to health, but to the life of a budgerigar.
Step 5
Having brought food home, do not rush to give it to the bird. Open the package and place a small amount of beans in the palm of your hand. In appearance, the grains should be shiny, without plaque (the only exceptions are feed with probiotics or calcium powder). The pack should not contain husks, insects, rodent feces. Smell what the grain smells like. Good food is practically odorless, while bad food gives off mold and dampness.
Step 6
An excellent test for feed quality is the germination test. Sprout a small amount of grain. If 85-90 percent of the seeds are sprouted, the feed is fresh, safe and healthy. These grains contain many vitamins and minerals that the budgerigar needs.
Step 7
Bird watchers and breeders recommend trusting Rio (Russia), Prestige (Belgium), Padovan (Italy), Fiory (Italy). To prevent the purchased food from spoiling, pour it into a jar with a tightly screwed lid. Remember that grain mix is the mainstay of the budgerigars' diet, but it is not enough for the bird's health. Every day, your winged pet's menu should include vegetables, fruits and mineral supplements.
