General Bird Seed Information:

Bird seed mixes provide the seed component of a balanced avian diet. In the wild, birds eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, nectar, grains, roots & tubers, nuts, grubs, animal matter such as insects and carrion, grit and even clay. A pure seed diet will be relatively high in fat and low in nutrients, particularly Vitamin A and calcium. Seed is a vital part of a balanced avian diet, but should not be the only part. Although "complete" diets such as pellets or fortified seed diets claim to provide a balanced diet, they give bird keepers a false sense of security and do not replicate natural conditions or nutritional inputs. Also, while little is known about how the mind of a bird works, bird-fanciers will agree they are intelligent creatures, and a monotonous pellet or seed diet will bore them. A varied diet provides mental stimulation for caged and aviary birds. We advocate for a varied, balanced diet thoughtfully provided by well-informed bird keepers.

Diet Suggestions:

• A clean water supply is a must.
• Bird-keepers must try a wide range of fruits and vegetables to see what their birds like. Fruit and vegetables provide nutrients not present in seeds, particularly Vitamin A. Just about any fruit or vegetable can be tried except Avocado, which is toxic to birds. Iceberg lettuce may cause diarrhoea.
• Native gum nuts, pine cones, eucalypt branches and blossoms will all be welcomed.
• Grits and cuttlefish bone are essential to supplement the diet. Soluble grits, such as eggshells, cuttlefish bones, and charcoal, provide minerals and trace elements, including calcium. Insoluble grit aids digestion, as birds have no teeth and grind food into a pulp in their gizzard with the help of grit. Without grits, birds may pass seed through without providing nutritional input.
• Egg & Biscuit mix can be fed in addition to mealworms or insects for protein.
• Sprouted seed provides a highly nutritious and tasty source of food. Sprouting can be time-consuming, but bird keepers should learn which seeds are suitable for their birds and the techniques required to sprout seeds.

• Worming every 3 or 4 months is important, and vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended.

Note: This information is only very general and might not be suitable for your specific bird or situation. Please seek expert advice before caring for any birds or pets.