FAQ: Food for birds

Gouldian finches do well on a small-seed finch mix based mainly on millet, sprouted and soaked seeds, greens and egg food. They are more sensitive than zebra finches, so clean food and a stable environment matter.

Society finches do well on the same small-seed mix as other finches, supplemented with greens, sprouted seeds and egg food during breeding. They are not fussy, so they get used to varied fresh food easily.

Yes, canaries eat millet sprays, although their main food is a canary mix with canary grass seed and oil seeds. Give sprays as an extra or treat so the canary does not fill up on them instead of its regular food.

Kakarikis do well on a mix or pellets for small to medium parrots and plenty of fresh food: vegetables, greens, sprouted seeds and fruit. They love scratching about, so it is worth hiding food in a tray on the cage floor as well.

Senegal parrots are usually recommended medium-sized pellets as the base, supplemented with vegetables, a little fruit and small amounts of seeds or nuts. Like other parrots, they accept new food more readily when it is offered daily and in different forms.

On a journey give the usual food so the bird does not have to get used to anything new, and instead of open water offer pieces of juicy vegetables or fruit such as cucumber or apple. When you stop, offer a drink and check that the bird is eating.

Leave the bird with someone who will change the water and check the bowls daily, and leave extra food with clearly labelled daily portions. One big heap of food is not reliable, because it soon gets covered with husks.

Offering food by hand helps a bird become tame and trust people, especially with a favourite treat such as a piece of millet spray. Give only a small part of the daily diet this way and keep the main food in the bowl.

Raw buckwheat, millet or oats are often found in bird mixes, and their sprouts are even more nutritious. Cooked groats without salt or oil can be given in small amounts but should be removed soon so they do not spoil.

Dried fruit is fine as a treat in small amounts if it has no added sugar or sulphites. It is high in sugar, so it is worth soaking it in water and giving it less often than fresh fruit.

Yes, raw, unsalted and unroasted pumpkin seeds suit many parrots, and shelling them is a favourite activity. They are fatty, so give them in moderation, as a treat or foraging toy filling.

Fresh corn on the cob, or boiled without salt or butter, is an interesting food for parrots, which happily pick out the kernels. As sweetcorn is fairly calorific, give a small piece and remove what is left the same day.

Many exotic fruits such as mango, papaya, pomegranate or kiwi suit parrots in small amounts, peeled and without stones. The exception is avocado, which is dangerous for birds.

A small piece of ripe tomato flesh does not harm most birds, but tomatoes are acidic, so they should not be given often. Tomato leaves, stems and unripe fruit are unsuitable for birds.

Yes, fresh or thawed green peas and young pods are popular with many birds, and shelling the pods keeps parrots busy. The peas must be free of salt and sauces.

Yes, sweet potato and pumpkin boiled or baked without salt are a good source of vitamin A and many parrots like them. Pumpkin can also be given raw and finely grated, while ordinary potatoes are unsuitable for birds raw.

Birds do not need honey: it is high in sugar, and in bird treats it is mostly used only to bind seeds together. Do not give honey on its own, and offer honey sticks only rarely.

Canary grass seed is a small, elongated, pale grass seed that forms the basis of canary mixes and is often found in budgie and finch mixes. It is nutritious, high in protein and carbohydrates but low in fat.

They are different millet varieties with similar nutritional value, although birds sometimes prefer one colour. Mixes combine them for variety, and white millet is often budgies' favourite.

Give a bird only medicines prescribed by a vet, and only as directed. Do not mix medicines into food or water on your own, because the wrong dose can be dangerous for a small bird.