Some birds need seeds in their diet. Are zebra finches one of them? What should you feed zebra finches?
I wanted to make bird ‘cake’. Can i use millet flour, coconut milk and veggies?
Also, can the digest mashed bananas ? as ‘frosting’?
Should I use distilled water?
I’ve heard that if your bird is sick, you give it baby bird formula. Does this work, and if so, how?
We are sorry for the delay in replying to your questions from the Webinar What Should I Feed? Nutritionally Balanced Diets are For the Birds! Presented by Kara Burns. There was a death in Kara’s family and she understandably needed some personal time.
Hi Taymia,
Each species has different nutritional requirements. For example, certain canary and finch species (passerine) require some seed in their base diet. However, for the psittacine species seed is not the recommended diet and a balanced pelleted food is advised as the appropriate base diet. Captive finches are often fed pellets or seed mixes supplemented with egg food and greens. Only a small amount of grit should be offered.
Yes – but coconut milk should be used very sparingly, as birds are not accustomed to coconut milk. It is dairy free – but high in fat and calories.
Yes they can have bananas as frosting
No, drinking distilled water can be dangerous, as demineralized water contains more hydrogen and is considered an acid (with a pH of less than 7). Natural spring water, that is a type of bottled water, is a great choice for most birds.
I would be very careful and have the sick bird evaluated and treated by an avian veterinarian. Depending on the species of bird, there are therapeutic (special diets) formulations to give to sick birds.
Thank you,
Kara Burns
