Bird Seed will not suffice as nutrition for an African Grey. You should keep in mind when you decide to get an African Grey that they can live for up to fifty years or, in some cases, longer. As such, you are committing to feeding the bird for that period of time. Do not become one of the pet owners who do not fulfill this obligation. Remember that companies recommend bird seed because it is profitable for them, not because it is good for your bird.
If your African Grey parrot only receives seed as food, the high fat and carbohydrates, will cause the meals to be counter-productive. Your bird may even become ill.
Many different foods are recommended by those educated in such matters. In this way, your bird's diet will be healthful.
What to Feed an African Grey
Often, regular pellets will contain toxins. As such you should be certain provide organic pellets to your bird. In this way you can give your African Grey parrot a formula diet.
Menadione is a substance that the FDA warns should only be handled by a person wearing protective clothing. In fact, all food that contains this substance includes this warning. As you can imagine, this substance is not good for your African Grey and should be avoided.
Some may argue that this substance provides much needed vitamin K for you animal. However, if you create an environment where your bird receives full spectrum light, the bird will get vitamin K through it. This will be the same as if your animal were living in its natural habitat where it would receive plenty of sunlight and, in doing so, would receive Vitamin K.
Having spent so much money on your African Grey parrot, you do not want it to be ruined by the large concentration of sugar found in non-organic pellets. Because of federal laws, you can be certain that organic pellets will not contain toxins that other pellets have.
You may also be surprised to learn that your diet may be somewhat similar to the diet required to keep an African Grey healthy.
To begin with, vegetables are of great importance. You should be sure to use organic vegetable to keep toxins out of your parrot's food. These foods can be given to your parrot cooked or raw depending on your bird's preference. Sprouted seeds, beans, lentils, and other bright colored vegetables are great for your bird. Many of these can be found on your own table as well.
Second, fruits are essential. As with vegetables, you should try to find organic fruits for your bird. It is important not to let your bird eat only fruit as this can lead to your African Grey not eating its vegetables or its pellets.
Finally, you can supplement this diet with other foods. It is not dangerous to allow your bird a few seeds but you should do so sparingly. More importantly you should cook some eggs for your bird. It's a good idea to give the eggs to the bird shell and all. This way your bird will get the calcium it needs to be healthy. Although African Greys tend to have low calcium, calcium supplements are not necessary when you feed your bird organic pellets. Yogurt is another Arican Grey favorite.
What Not to Feed an African Grey
Chocolate, avocado, various deserts, rhubarb, alcohol, caffeine, processed meat, and alcohol are all on the list of things you should not give to your African Grey.
What Not to Forget
Water. Under no circumstances should you forget to keep your bird's drinking water fresh and potable.
Final Suggestion
It is important to remember to wash your bird's dishes on a regular basis. Sometimes your bird will use the drinking water to bathe in. If this happens, let the bird finish his bath and then clean up the mess. Then refill the drinking water.
