https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/parrot/what-should-i-feed-my-african-grey-parrot
*Parrots are intelligent, social birds that thrive on interaction and routine. The Parrot Education Hub covers key topics like diet, mental stimulation, talking and training, and long term health - giving you the tools to create a fulfilling life for your feathered friend.
The saying “You are what you eat” holds true for pet birds like African grey parrots.
A diet consisting solely of seeds can lead to illness and shorten their lifespan, as improper nutrition often underlies many health and behavioral problems.
Ideally, an African grey’s diet should be based on a high quality pelleted formula supplemented with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and some seeds. Bright orange and deep green vegetables offer essential nutrients, with raw veggies preferred for their natural enzymes, while beta carotene rich foods like carrots should be lightly steamed for easier digestion.
Fresh or cooked foods need to be offered daily and removed after a couple of hours to avoid spoilage. Vegetables should be prioritized over fruits since the higher sugar content in fruits can lead to yeast issues and watery droppings, which, although normal, require monitoring. Exotic fruits such as mango, papaya, and pomegranate are more nutritious than common options like bananas and grapes.
African grey parrots are especially prone to low blood calcium, so including calcium rich greens and fruits like kale, broccoli, dandelion greens, figs, and apricots is important, while limiting foods high in oxalic acid such as spinach and beet greens that hinder calcium absorption.
Exposure to natural sunlight or UVB lighting supports vitamin D production, which aids calcium metabolism.
Other calcium sources include baked eggshells and certain nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts, which provide calcium without blocking absorption.
While a well balanced pelleted diet usually eliminates the need for supplements, regular veterinary checkups and blood tests are crucial to detect any deficiencies early.
Certain foods like caffeine, chocolate, avocado, salty or sugary snacks, alcohol, dairy, raw onions, garlic, and fruit seeds should be avoided entirely, as they can be toxic or harmful to parrots.
When introducing new foods, patience and persistence are key, as parrots may need multiple exposures before accepting them.
Observing your own eating habits and offering positive encouragement can also help your African grey develop healthy, varied eating habits.
Chewy editorial team highlights what to feed and what to avoid feeding your feathered companion, so you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and thriving by your side.
