By Diane Burroughs
Revised 7/26/2022
Table of Contents
Most bird owners love the idea of making their own bird treats rather than buying them. Birds enjoy snacks on occasion and they're an essential part of their diet.
With the summer growing season in full swing, this is the perfect time to stock up on nutritious summer produce that will give your feathered family plenty of yummy healthy snacks to look forward to!
As birds have incredibly efficient digestive tracts, they are sensitive to additives, preservatives, and pesticides, so head to your nearest Farmers Market for healthy organic foods that your bird will enjoy. As we all know, it can be hot and humid during the summer. That's why your bird will need healthy, refreshing, and fresh bird treats to stay cool.
Remember, though, to ensure your bird's safety, remove fresh food offerings immediately after serving. During the summer, summer food offerings should be treated carefully to prevent the growth of bacteria. Read on to learn what fresh produce makes great parrot treats!
What snacks can I feed my parrot?
Fresh fruits are a great summer snack that will provide your bird with cool nutrients that are hard to find in the winter. Here is a list of delicious fruits birds will enjoy.
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Apples: Remove all seeds from apples and other members of the rose family. (Cherries, peaches, pears and apricots)
- Pears– Remove seeds.
- Pomegranates · Summer berries
- Watermelon · Cherries– Remove seeds.
- Peaches– Remove seeds
- Apricots– Remove seeds.
- Mango's, papaya, kiwi, banana's, melons and small amounts of citrus are also parrot favorites.
Mango's, papaya, kiwi, banana's, melons and small amounts of citrus are also parrot favorites. Refrain from feeding your parrot canned fruits.
And, never feed your parrot avocado's. They contain Persin, which is toxic to birds.
Keep in mind that many fruits are loaded with sugars so keep the servings to only about 10% of your birds daily diet. If you want to serve fresh, Farmers Market fruit throughout the fall and winter months, simply explore freeze drying or dehydrating fruits. Regular freezing just makes for a mushy mess.
Vegetables contain much less sugar and are nutrient-rich, too. The darker the leaf, the more your bird will be attracted to the vegetable, and the more healthy it will be. According to our Avian Vet, Peachy, Smokey, and the flock should eat green, orange, and red vegetables as often as possible. Some of the best fresh vegetables for your bird include:
- Spinach & Kale – a great source of iron
- Spring cabbage – the leafy darker green variety
- Cucumber – refrigerated
- Corn-on-the-Cob - the sweet kernels are so fun to forage
- Peppers – can be refrigerated and eaten raw
- Carrots
- Broccoli – can be eaten raw after being refrigerated
- Tomatoes – without leaves and stems
- Artichokes
What are the best treats to teach a parrot tricks?
When selecting treats to teach tricks to your parrot, it's crucial to consider their preferences, health benefits, and how effectively they reinforce desired behaviors. Parrots, like people, have varied tastes, so discovering what your bird finds most enticing is key.
Firstly, identify your parrot's favorite foods through observation and experimentation. These could range from nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, to seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Many parrots also enjoy fruits such as apples, grapes, or berries, and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers. These favorites will serve as powerful motivators during training sessions.
When using treats for training, ensure they are cut into small, manageable pieces. This makes it easier to deliver quick rewards during the learning process without interrupting the flow of training. Small pieces also prevent overfeeding and help maintain your parrot's interest throughout the session.
Consider the nutritional value of the treats you choose. While treats are meant to be rewarding, they should also contribute positively to your parrot's overall diet. Opt for treats that are rich in nutrients and low in sugars and fats. Commercial bird treats specifically formulated for parrots can be convenient and balanced options, often incorporating a variety of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits.
Freshness is crucial. Use fresh treats to maintain their appeal and nutritional value. Avoid giving treats that are stale or old, as they may not be as effective in motivating your parrot.
Lastly, offer variety in treats to keep training sessions stimulating and enjoyable for your parrot. Rotating different types of treats not only maintains interest but also helps you understand which treats your parrot responds to most enthusiastically.
What kind of treats should I avoid feeding my bird?
Many common household foods are toxic to birds and should be avoided at all cost. These include but are not limited to: avocados, chocolate, coffee, tea, and any food that contains salt, sugar, or fat.
Giving in to one's craving for fatty table foods, high in unhealthy fat, should be resisted. If you don't think about it, though, I get it. You'll never see a wild parrot from the jungle eat macaroni and cheese or pizza. They eat a variety of unprocessed vegetation, such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, herbs, and leaves.
3 Summer Bird Treats You Can Make Today
Frozen Puree Pops
Frozen fruit puree pops are a great treat for your parrot during the summer. You can make them by combining oat or almond milk and fresh or frozen fruit in a blender. Add some water if needed to make it easier to blend. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds and freeze overnight. Your bird will enjoy licking up these homemade popsicles while they wait for their dinner!
Kale Spring Rolls
A second favorite plant-based treat that encourages foraging are Kale Spring Rolls.
- 8 spring roll wrappers
- 1 carrot peeled and cut into 2 inch sticks
- 1 cucumber peeled and cut into 2 inch sticks
- 4 leaves kale seemed and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves (remove stems)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves (remove stems)
- 1 red pepper seeds removed and cut into slices
- 1/3 cup pouched, organic baby food
- Clean and chop veggies into "sticks."
- Gather all your ingredients together, you want to work quickly once the wrapper is moist for easier handling.
- In a pan, heat up enough water to submerge the spring wrappers at just above 100 degrees, the hotter the water the quicker the wrapper becomes pliable. Put the wrapper into the water for 20-50 seconds and remove allowing the excess water to drip off.
- Lay the wrapper flat onto a chopping board and layer the ingredients, and squirt some baby food on top. Fold the ends like a burrito and gently roll up. Working quickly is key to an easy process.
Sweet Potato Balls
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1 banana
- 1 apple
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cup quick cook oatmeal
- 1teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1. Wash and pierce the sweet potato. Cook on high in the microwave approximately 7-9 minutes until tender.
2. Peel he sweet potato and chop into cubes. Stir in veggies, fruits, tumeric, sesame seeds, and oats. Mix with an electric mixer until produce is reduced to small pieces and ingredients are well mixes. May add a little water to improve stickiness.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll mix into 2" balls. Place baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, put the balls in a resealable plastic bag. May be kept in freezer for up to 5 months.
Related Posts:
What Foods Are Poisonous To Birds
How Do I Keep My Bird Cool In The Summer
Feeding Your Parrot A Well-Balanced Diet
References:
Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written a number of bird behavior books and she offers behavior consultations. She's developed a range of UnRuffledRx Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.
Diane's products have been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon, a conference for exotic pet veterinarians. Her bird collars & supplements are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores throughout the US. With over 30 years in the field of behavior, Diane has created thousands of successful individualized behavior plans that help pets thrive.
TAGS: #BirdTreats #SummerBirdTreats
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