Return to current Ask Dr. Harris column.
Current issue.
Back issues.
Article index.
Search this site or the Internet:
To be notified each time we post the next free, bimonthly issue, click on graphic below. Note: Your information is not shared.
Essay contest.
Message Center.
Editor's Weblog: Diary of a mad parrot lover.
Bird clubs.
Bird rescue groups.
Avian veterinarians.
Store.
Advertise.
Classifieds.
Contact us.
Parrot index. Read about the different species.
FAQ. How to care for your parrot.
Hazards. How to make your home safe for your bird.
Glossary. From blood feather to psittacosis, learn the lingo.
Protein needs of specific species is unknown - so far
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.
ParrotChronicles.com
-------
