Birds are incredible companions, and when properly looked after, 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 best food. All bird's nutritional requirements are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Chester 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, numerous wild bird feeds consist of peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food is diverse 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 typically a mix of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets included. 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, as well as a selection of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which would not typically consist of a few types of seeds.
Ensuring appropriate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide 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 seek advice from a professional on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary needs than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Gradually include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food every day to guarantee proper adherence to the new diet.
At The Grooming Place Pet Shop, we focus on making sure your bird is supplied 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 team has your back. If you're in the Chester area, give us a call at (410) 643-8760 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.