African Grey Parrot

Dietary Requirements

A proper diet is essential for the overall health and breeding success of African grey parrots. Here is a general diet plan for African grey parrots before, during, and after the breeding season:

Before breeding season:

  1. Provide a high-quality pellet-based diet that is formulated specifically for African grey parrots. These pellets should provide a balance of protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
  2. Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, berries, carrots, and broccoli. These foods provide important vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy breeding.
  3. Offer a source of protein such as cooked eggs, cooked chicken, or small amounts of cooked fish. These foods will help support the growth and development of eggs and chicks.
  4. Consider offering a calcium supplement to support egg production and healthy bone development in chicks.
  5. Offer a source of live food such as mealworms or crickets to provide additional protein.
  6. African grey parrots can eat nuts as part of their diet, but they should be offered in moderation as they are high in fat. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans can provide a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, it's important to note that they should be offered in moderation to avoid weight gain.

Note: Some people recommend to also offer a small amount of raw or roasted unsalted nuts, as a occasional treat, but not as a staple of their diet, and always avoid salted, cand or glazed nuts.

During breeding season:

  1. Continue to provide a high-quality pellet-based diet.
  2. Increase the amount of protein offered, as the parents will need extra energy to care for the chicks.
  3. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide the parents with the necessary nutrients to produce healthy eggs and feed the chicks.
  4. Offer a calcium supplement to support egg production and healthy bone development in chicks.
  5. Offer a source of live food such as mealworms or crickets to provide additional protein.
  6. Offer a source of fresh water and provide a cuttlebone for calcium consumption.

After breeding season:

  1. Gradually decrease the amount of protein offered as the parents will no longer need the extra energy to care for the chicks.