Birds are amazing friends, and when properly cared for, 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 Lakewood area with the best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and extending their lives.
Wild bird vs pet bird food:
Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a mix of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds include 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 meets their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is typically a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense 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 bigger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, as well as a range of various other natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not typically include a few types of seeds.
Ensuring adequate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds supply fat for their brains and nerves, and boosts the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the various 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 requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food daily to ensure proper adherence to the new diet.
At Pet's General Store, we focus on making sure your bird is supplied with the most effective nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, experienced staff has your back. If you're in the Lakewood area, give us a call at (216) 226-0886 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.