Buffalo Parrot

Vitamins A, D3, Calcium and sometimes Protein are the most reported Deficiencies among captive Parrots.  We also strongly recommend fresh "sprouted" seeds, beans, grains and or nuts for your Parrots! Very low in fat & VERY nutritious!  They will love them & we can't say enough about them!  If you can find them or sprout them yourself, then do it!  This is what most Parrots consume in the wild when available.  Here is a good link if you are interested in sprouting your self http://www.moranscritterconnection.com/sprout.htm  For some tips on getting a picky/finicky Parrot to eat visit our BASIC BEHAVIOR & TRAINING page.        

PELLET & SEED DIETS

The diet for Parrots has come a long way the last 20 years or so.  There has been much research, and the nutritional requirements have changed greatly.   It is no longer suggested or recommended to feed Parrots only store bought seeds and nuts.  The invention of pellets has greatly increased the nutrition, and lowered the fat in Parrot diets.  Although there is still a debate about how nutritional pellets are, they are a way better alternative to a seed only diet either way.  Pellets are made by combining many ingredients, forming this into a mash, and then to cook it at various temperatures.  The mash is fortified with vitamins and minerals before the cooking process, and many speculate that at least some of the added nutrients are cooked out after this has been done.  Either way this is still a better alternative than a seed only diet.  The seeds that are bought for birds have only a fraction of the nutrients of fresh sprouted seeds, and are very high in fat.  Our Parrots wild cousins use the energy to burn this fat off, but our captive companion Parrots can not.  Seeds are to Parrots, what potato chips are to us.  If feeding seeds to your Parrot is a must, we recommend a seed blend lower in fat such as Canary or Finch mixes.  If you have a mutation Parrot, some recommend feeding pellets that do not contain any added dyes(coloring) or flavoring.  This has been reported to cause problems in some mutations of Parrots.  Feed an all natural pellet instead.  Below we will chart a recommended diet ratio for Parrots.  

-25% Pellets

-25% Seeds

-45% Healthy Foods(Veggies, Fruits, Grains, Legumes, Greens, Etc..)

-5% Nuts

Although we have provided you with the chart above, Buffalo Parrot recommends lowering the % of seeds to around 15 %, and upping the % of Healthy Foods and Pellets.  Further down this page you will find a large list of healthy foods and their nutritional values. 

*Dehydrated foods are just as nutritious as fresh.  Just make sure that they do not contain preservatives such as Sulfur/Sulfites, BHA, BHT, Sucrose, Sodium, Food Dyes and Sugar.  They should have natural preservatives or none.  Store in a cool dark area, or even better the fridge or freezer.

WATER 

Water may be the most important nutrient your Parrot will need.  It is essential to ALL life.  Water contains many trace elements and minerals essential for good health.  Your Parrot will need clean, fresh water at all times.  Change your Parrots water at least 2 times a day.  If you notice food droppings or poop in the water, change it and clean out the bowl.  We do not recommend tap water.  This water can have contaminants in it & chlorine.  We use bottled spring water & filtered tap water is fine as well.  Do not use distilled  water as this has been purified and all trace elements & minerals will have been removed.  If you are gone for long periods of time Grape Fruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a very good method to retard the growth of bacteria.  Put about 2 drops in the water.  Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon/Lime juice are also good for this.  If you plan on using bottled spring water make sure to store it in a cool, dry and dark area.  You don't want unwanted algae growing inside the bottles.  If the water looks cloudy or smells funky, ditch it!

  FRUITS/MELONS/BERRIES
Pineapple-  Good source of Vit C, Vit B1 and Manganese

Cherry- Contain Antioxidants

Grapes- Good for the Kidneys, Vit C, Thiamin and Potassium, Vit B6 & Antioxidants

Papaya- High in Vit C & contains Papain that helps with digestion 

Mango- Vit A, Niacin, Vit C and Potassium

Persimmons- Vit C, Iron, Potassium, and Phosphorus

Kiwi- Potassium and Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium, Copper & Phosphorus

Oranges- High in Vit C and Potassium

Grapefruit- Vit C

Tangerine- Vit C, Beta-Carotene, Vit B1, B2, B3, Magnesium & Potassium 

Peach- Vit A, Riboflavin and Potassium

Necterines- Vit A and Niacin

Dates- Potassium and Niacin

Fig- Iron and Potassium

Palm Hearts- Iron, Calcium, Vit C, Protein, Riboflavin, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Phosphorus, Manganese &  Magnesium

Apples- Helps keep the Liver and Digestion healthy.  Good source of Antioxidants

Coconuts- Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Protein

Guavas- Vit A, B, C and Calcium

Passionfruit- Vit C,A, Iron and calcium

Starfruit-  Vit A, C, Iron and Antioxidants

Pears- Potassium

Plums- Vit C, Potassium and Antioxidants

Strawberries- Vit C and Potassium

Rasberries- Vit C and Vit A

Cranberries- Good for the Kidneys. Vit C, Manganese and Antioxidants

Blackberries- Ascorbic Acid

Bluberries- Vit C, Manganese, Vit E and Antioxidants

Watermelon- Vit A, C, Potassium, Thiamin and Phosphorus

Honeydew-  Vit C, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Calcium

Canteloupe- Vit A, C and Potassium, Vit B6, Folate & Niacin

Banana- Potassium, Roboflavin and Vit B6

Pomegranate- Vit C and Great for the Kidneys

VEGETABLES
Kale- Vit A

Mustard Greens- Vit A and Calcium

Collard Greens- Vit A, C, Calcium, Potassium and Riboflavin

Dandelion Greens- Vit A, C, Iron and Calcium

Carrots- Vit A(Beta-Carotene) and Potassium & Antioxidants

Broccoli- Vit A, Selenium, Riboflavin and Ascorbic Acid & Zinc

Zucchini- Vit A, Potassium, Niacin and Selenium

Sweet Potatoes/Yams- Vit A, B6 and Niacin

Bell Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals.  Helps circulation & promotes Clotting

Cayenne Peppers- Vit A, C, B-Complex, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Capsicum.  Good Anti-Inflamatory and good for Arthritis.  Also great for the immune system

Jalepeño Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals. Helps circulation & promotes Clotting

Banana Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals.  Helps circulation & promotes Clotting

Cherry Peppers- Vit A, C and some Minerals.  Helps circulation &promotes Clotting

Tomatoes- Vit A & Ascorbic Acid.  Contains Antioxidants

Tomatillos-  Vit A and Vit C

Cauliflower- Potassium & Vit C

Corn- Vit A, Amino acids and Lutein.  Good for Vision and the Cardiovascular system

Chard- Vit A, C and Iron.  Detoxifies, benefits blood

Peas- Vit A, Phosphorus, Thiamin, Niacin & Protein

Pea Pods- Vit A, Phosphorus, Thiamin & Protein

Okra- Vit A, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Folic Acid

Beets & Beet Greens- Vit A, Potassium, Thiamin and Riboflavin

Green/Yellow Beans- Vit A and Potassium, Vit C, K, Manganese, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Thiamin,  Riboflavin, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Niacin, Protein & Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Pumpkin- Vit A, C, Calcium and Iron

Squash- Vit A, Potassium, Niacin and Selenium

Spinach- Vit A and Potassium.  Use in moderation as too much can "bind" Calcium in the system

Parsley- Vit A, C, K, Chlorine, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium & an incomplete Protein. Helps to cleanse the Kidneys

Turnip Greens- Vit A and Calcium

Asparagus- Folacin, Potassium, Vit C, Thiamin, VitA and Vit B6 

Alfalfa Sprouts- Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Carotene

Broccoli Sprouts- Contains Antioxidants

Bean Sprouts-

Mung Bean Sprouts- Protein, Iron and Vit C

Adzuki Sprouts- Protein, Iron and Vit C

BEANS (Legumes)
Soy- Protein, Amino Acids, Calcium, Folic Acid and Iron

Lima- Potassium, Thiamin and Niacin

White Northern- Potassium, Protein, Iron and Calcium

Black Eyed- Protein, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Niacin, Folate, Zinc and Pantothenic Acid

Pinto- protein, Iron, Potassium, Selenium and Folate

Butter- Potassium, Protein, Iron and Calcium

Garbanzo- Folate, Vit E, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Calcium

Kidney- Folate, Amino Acids, Protein, Manganese, Iron, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium and Vit B1, K

Lentil- Iron, Protein and Folic Acid

Mung-  Protein,Vit C, Vit K, Riboflavin, Folate, Copper, Manganese, Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Vit B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassiumino Acids,

NUTS
Almonds- Calcium, Vit B6, Phosphorus, Protein and Potassium

Cashews- Copper, Magnesium, Amino Acids, Protein and Phosphorus

Pistachio- Vit A, Potassium, Calcium, Thiamin, Protein and Phosphorus

Walnut- Vit A, Protein and Potassium

Pecan- Vit A, Protein and Calcium

Brazil- Phosphorus, Potassium and Protein

Macadamia- Potassium and Protein

Filberts/Hazelnut- Protein, Amino Acids, Iron, Calcium and Vit C

Pine- Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Vit E, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Iron

GRAINS/PASTAS
Whole Wheat Breads- Thiamin, Folic Acid, Iron and Niacin

Barley- Iron, Thiamin, Niacin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin and Protein

Oats- Protein, Iron and Calcium

Oats Groats- Protein, Iron and Calcium

Buckwheat- Manganese, Amino Acids and Magnesium

Quinoa- Phosphorus, Iron, Protein and Riboflavin

Brown Rice- Protein and Iron

Pearled Red Wheat- Protein, Essential Fatty Acids, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc, Vit B6, E, Folate, Vit K, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Beta-Carotene & Lutein

Pearled Durum Wheat- SEE Pearled Red Wheat

Wheat Pastas- Protein, Iron and Vit A

Pastini- Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Iron

Thin Egg Noodles- Protein, Folic Acid, Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin, Iron & Calcium

Couscous- Protein, Iron and Vit A

Whole Wheat- Iron and Protein

Wheat Berries- Iron and Protein

Rye Berries- Iron and Protein 

Pasta(assorted durum semolina)- Niacin, Folic Acid, Iron, Thiamin, and Riboflavin

Amaranth- Protein, Amino Acids, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Vit C

Kamut- Protein, Amino Acids, Vit E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zic, Pantothentic Acid and Copper 

Spelt- Manganese, Phosphorus, Niacin, Magnesium, Protein and Copper 

SEEDS
Pumpkin- Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Amino Acids, Iron, Calcium, Copper, Vit K, Zinc & Protein.  Good Gland Healers

Sunflower- Vit E, B1, B5, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Amino Acids, Selenium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Folate.  High in Fat

Flax- Protein, Iron, Calcium and Essential Fatty Acids

Millet Spray-  Niacin, Folic Acid,  Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium & Zinc

Canary Grass Seed-

White Millet- Niacin, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium & Zinc

Hemp Seed- Essential Amino Acids, Essential Fatty Acids, VERY NUTRITIOUS  

Safflower Seed-  Protein, Iron, Thiamin, Vit B6, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese

Thistle-

Poppy- 

MEATS, Etc( use in moderation, some species need more than others)
Hardboiled Eggs/With Shells- Protein, Vit A, D3 and Calcium

Chicken Breast- Protein and Zinc

Yogurt- Calcium, Protein and beneficial Bacteria 

Turkey Breast- Protein and Zinc

Cyclopse(Freeze Dried)- Protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  Good for the Immune system & Pigmentation

Ant Eggs(Freeze Dried)- Protein

Mosquito Larvae "Bloodworms"(Freeze Dried)- Protein

Daphnia(Freeze Dried)- Protein

Meal Worms(Freeze Dried)- Protein

Shrimp Meal- Protein, Calcium

Crickets(Freeze Dried)- Protein

Flies(Freeze Dried)- Protein 

Bee Pollen- Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Vit B complex, Vit A,C,D,E, Amino Acids and Protein

Nectar- 

Honey- Amino Acids, Iron and Choline 

SEASONINGS
Cinnamon- Good for digestion & Blood suger

Chipotle Powder- Vit A

Ancho Chili Powder- Vit A

Cayenne Pepper- See above(Vegetables)

Nutmeg-

Ground Cloves-

Ginger- Calms the stomach

Anise seed- 

Cilantro- Vit A & C

Oregano- Vit A & C

Allspice-

Parsley- See above(Vegetables)

Jalepeno Powder- See above(Vegetables)

SUPPLEMENTS (Use in moderation/Consult with an Avian Vet)

Calcium- Calcium

Brewers Yeast- Protein, Iron & Calcium & B Vitamins

Nutritional Yeast- Protein, Iron & Calcium & B Vitamins

Raw Wheat Germ/Wheat Germ Oil- Potassium, Protein, Vit E, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Thiamin, Phosphorus, Zinc & Fatty Acids

Cod Liver Oil- Vit D3, A & Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Vitamins D3 and A

Super Green Food Formula- Good for the Immune System

Pro-Biotics-  Good for Digestion & the Immune system

Flax Seed Oil- Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Lemon/Lime Juice(in there water) ..helps retard bacterial growth & Vit C

MSM- Good for Feather, Beak & Nail Production 

GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)- Use in there water or for cleaning ..helps retard bacterial
growth.  Great disinfectant 

Rosehip-  Vit C, Antioxidant Flavanoids and Anti-Inflammatory properties

Herbal Tea(Made for companion Birds)-   Can be good for the immune system & other body systems 

Red Palm Oil- Good for feather plucking issues, promotes healthy feather plumage, good for the skin, good for the respiratory system, Vit A, Vit E, Vit K, Magnesium & fatty acids. Is high in fat. 

Vinegar- Good for cleaning out the system and is good for cleaning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

- Avocados (can be toxic)

- Dairy Products (Except Yogurt)

- Fruit Rinds (can be toxic)

- Rhubarb (can be toxic)

- Raw Meats (food born illness)

- Onions (high sulfur compounds)

- Garlic (high sulfur compounds)

- Potato Chips and other snack foods (too high in fats, sodium and sugars).

- Chocolate( Caffeine )

- Salty/Sugary Foods

- Alcohol

- Fruit Pits and the flesh immediatly around the pits

- Peanuts (Can contain harmful aflatoxins, and are high in fat)

- Uncooked Rice (crop impactation)

- Uncooked dried Beans/Legumes (crop impactation)

- Mushrooms (can cause digestive problems and liver failure)

- Microwave Popcorn (The steam immediately after cooking)

- Seeds of: Pears, Oranges, Papaya, Grapefruit, Grapes, Apples & some Melons (crop impactation).

- Celery (the stringy parts can cause crop impactation, remove the strings).