If you watched the emotional 2011 film “A bird of the sky“It’s not your typical boys-meets-girls romantic comedy, but rather boys-meets-parrots-girls, you get an idea of how much fun it can be to have a parrot as a companion.
This pleasure can enrich your life for years and years, as pet parrots can live twice as long in captivity (if not longer) than the average length of 20 years in the wild, of course, when captured. take care properly and with love.
With this in mind, it takes a lot of planning, investment and understanding of what welcoming a parrot into your life entails before acquiring one to ensure you share the best experience . To begin, you should make it your mission to give them adequate nutrition so that your beloved bird is happy and healthy, thriving in life under the same roof as you.
The varied diet these birds require is necessary to give them the necessary nutrients (both vitamins and minerals) to maintain their optimal health, as well as to prevent certain problems along the way, such as obesity, malnutrition and the resulting premature aging.
Hence the importance of offering a mixture of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals that are friendly to parrots, as well as well-chosen, nutrient-rich pellets that have everything a bird would need for a healthy and balanced diet.
Do parrots need nuts?
Although their gut flora is different than us humans, they also need their protein intake, which is where roasted, unsalted raw nuts come in and should make up to about 10% of the your feathered friend’s diet due to its high fat content. Among the popular options, some stand out for their nutritional content more than others for their specific mineral and vitamin benefits.
For example, Brazil nuts are known for their magnesium content (other than selenium), pistachio nuts for potassium, hazelnuts for vitamin E, almonds for calcium, and cashew nuts for zinc and copper. . What they are all rich in is protein, and the bigger the bird, the more protein is needed from equally rich sources, so that’s a warning if you’re thinking of making a large macaw or African gray part of your family.
And if not, keep in mind that smaller species can develop liver problems if given too many nutty treats. For your and your bird’s convenience, these treats can be found without the shell. However, there are many reputable retailers and pet stores that can supply them to you. human grade walnut in shell for parrots too who are sure to entertain you both by opening them.
It is necessary to emphasize the importance of paying attention to where you choose nuts to ensure their quality. Opting for such quality supplies would give you peace of mind regarding the safety and health of your pet, given the risk of aflatoxin toxicity from the Aspergillus fungus, typical of some treats, such as peanuts, which can be deadly for chirping friends.
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Just as this can be hazardous to the owner’s health, so to be on the safe side, also be alert for signs of mold, especially with hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and pecans which exhibit cracks, splits and holes before. feed your bird. You can do a simple test like placing the nuts in water and if there are air bubbles rising from the shells, it would indicate that the product may have been contaminated due to poor airtightness. air.
Why buy inshell walnuts?
Before answering this question, let’s clarify the terms, as many people find it confusing when they need to purchase nuts in the first place. The unshelled option is the one that comes in the shell, and the shelled bird nut option that you also find in stores is the one that has the shell removed.
Okay, now that that’s no longer the case, inshell nuts for parrots are better for reasons such as the fact that they have a longer shelf life thanks to the shell acting as a protective layer that preserves their freshness much more than they would remain. fresh without it. Additionally, the intact shell also protects them from moisture, which is responsible for the growth of mold leading to the presence of aflatoxins on the nuts.
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To further ensure their quality, be careful how you store them, especially if you plan to purchase inshell almonds or any of the other nuts in bulk. It is best to store them in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat and air as well as humidity, to prevent them from going rancid. The refrigerator is a good solution, but to ensure the best result, put them in airtight plastic bags before throwing them in.
The shell of the nut is also an effective layer that keeps the taste at its optimal level, which is a key advantage if you are dealing with a bird that is picky and particular about what it eats. Yes, as crazy as it may sound, birds have their own quirks, just like us owners. When delivered with the shell, these treats can entertain a bird, so they should be considered a supply that can also improve a parrot’s mood and mind.
Believe me, you will have a lot of fun with a chirpy discovering and trying to open his favorite snack, because it requires some skill. However, to make it easier for a feathered animal, as not all of them have the strength given that some nuts are harder than others, crack a little before handing the treat to your pet. This is valuable advice when introducing new nuts to your bird’s diet.
Finally, in addition to helping you reduce your costs as a birder (a huge plus considering annual expenses can vary from £300 to £2,000 depending on the bird), choosing to buy unshelled nuts is also a sustainable approach because it can help you take charge of your consumption and waste. Now there is a thought!