It's really easy: just feed him the wrong diet. All of our birds originate from tropical or subtropical areas and although we cannot duplicate their diet in the wild, we have a pretty good idea of their very specific nutritional requirements. It is our responsibility to make sure they get what they need--otherwise they'll die, slowly but surely! Some of them more slowly and miserably than others.

Most bird owners are very committed to a healthy diet for themselves. Obesity, lack of nutrition, "junk food" are endlessly discussed. Solutions and cures are sought, advertised and represent a billion dollar industry. Regimes are rigorously observed. Do we really think that our birds deserve anything less?

One more thing: keep their drinking water CLEAN. Studies have shown that more diseases have been transmitted through unclean drinking water than old food in bowls. If your bird insists to soak his kibbles in his drinking water, use a glass water bottle. Would you like to drink that stinky, smelly stuff that I see in so many bird cages? Right, neither would the bird. Unfortunately he does not have a choice!!

Since I have started my "Parrot Helpline," I have received literally hundreds of calls from people who experienced problems with their parrots. The majority of these callers have absolutely no clue about the nutritional requirements of their bird. The results invariably spell disaster. Here are just two examples:

1. My Eclectus is plucking--HELP!! I made a house call. What I found was a completely naked bird clearly suffering from severe malnutrition. Although there may be other reasons adding to his misery, improper nutrition is clearly one of them. When asked, the loving mom informs me that he "eats what we eat". He always eats a lot! He has a really "sweet tooth" and loves "lots of sugar on his cereal," is just one example. It gets worse from there. All of this is justified by her overwhelming love for him! She has been mistreating him like this for years. The diet of an Eclectus MUST consist of at least 75% fresh fruits and vegetables and more than usual ruffage because the bird's intestines are longer.

2. My Goffin is plucking--HELP!! My first suggestion was for him to see an avian vet immediately. He had done that and there is "nothing" wrong with him. Again, my first question was about diet. The response was predictable: "Oh, he loves peanuts!" 90% of his diet consists of peanuts. First, peanuts have minimal nutritional value and large amounts of fat. Too many peanuts will kill the bird. Secondly, many of the peanuts purchased in local stores maybe suited for human consumption but are dangerous for the bird. The safest advice is: NO peanuts!

***It must be noted that feather destructive behavior may have many reasons such as stress or disease--there is no doubt however, that an unhealthy diet can be the first and most important contributor. It adversely effects the bird's immune system and sense of well being. It makes him/her SICK!

A proper diet for our birds requires just as much of a commitment as providing a loving and nurturing environment. A correct diet is CRITICAL to the bird's health and emotional well being. There are very specific guidelines regarding the proper vitamin and mineral dosage our birds MUST have to stay healthy and it is every bird owner's responsibility to learn about that. There is no substitute for, nor are there any short cuts to a healthy bird diet.

Check these web sites!

Pet Bird Report: A Healthy Parrot Diet
Pet Bird Report: Parrot Diets & The 'Idiot Factor'
It's A Grey World