James Harris, DVM
How much protein does a parrot need?
 My wife and I are the happy "parents" of a pair of young healthy parrots, a female Senegal and a male Meyer's. We are concerned about getting them the proper amount of protein in their diets. Are bean medleys enough? Do we really need to incorporate chicken, egg, etc. and if so, how much and how often? We think we are doing a good job on the fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and top quality pellets, but this protein thing has us a little confused. Any advice?
-- John Nolan, New York City
 Protein is an essential nutrient in all diets. We know that protein-deficient diets result in problems with normal growth, reproduction, the immune system, healing, and feather growth, to list a few. Pellets are well formulated and generally have adequate amounts of proteins. Beans, eggs, cheese, and cooked meats and fish are also a good source of protein. Unfortunately, other than chickens, we do not know the minimum requirements for the diets of most birds and one cannot apply the dietary needs of one species to another. Currently, nutritionists are working on this problem. Perhaps soon we will have a more complete body of knowledge on the dietary needs of each species of birds.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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