FAQ: Treats for birds

Treat packs vary a lot in weight, so it is worth comparing the price per kilogram rather than per pack. Zookainos.lt compares prices across Lithuanian online shops and lets you compare products by price per kilogram.

No, zoogidas.lt sells nothing — the site only compares prices across Lithuanian online pet shops. Once you choose an offer, you buy the product on the shop's own website.

Prices are collected about daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked. Before buying, still confirm the final price on the shop's website.

Yes, the product page on zoogidas.lt shows the price history, so you can see whether the current price is higher or lower than before. That helps you decide whether to buy now.

Spray millet comes in small packs and part of its weight is stalk, so its price per kilogram is often higher than loose millet's. If your bird eats a lot of millet, loose seed may be the more economical option, with sprays kept as a treat.

On a journey, leave some of the usual food in the carrier, and juicy pieces of fruit or vegetables in place of a water dish that might spill. A favourite treat can help the bird settle, but it is best not to try new treats while travelling.

Leave the same treats your bird already knows and write down clearly how much and how often to give them. Better not to introduce new treats before you leave, so the sitter can more easily notice if the bird starts eating poorly.

No, extra treats do not replace care and can lead the bird to eat nothing else. Even for a short trip, someone needs to check the bird's food, water and wellbeing every day.

Once a youngster is eating on its own, it can be offered soft or easily husked treats such as spray millet, sprouted seeds or finely grated vegetables. While it is still being fed by its parents or the breeder, it does not need treats.

Older birds often do well with softer, easier treats such as sprouted seeds, steamed vegetables or spray millet. As older birds move less, it is worth limiting fatty treats and discussing any change in diet with a vet.

Young birds usually accept new food more readily than adults, so that is the time to offer as many different vegetables, fruits and greens as possible. It makes a varied diet easier to keep up later.

If a bird struggles to husk seeds or gnaw hard treats, choose softer products or hulled seeds. Beak changes such as overgrowth or cracks should be checked by a vet.

A treat is for variety or reward, while a supplement, such as vitamins or minerals, tops up particular nutrients. Use supplements only as the pack or a vet directs, as too much can do harm.

You can, but many owners give treats during the day, when the bird is active and can husk and play with them. Fresh fruit or vegetables should not stay in the cage overnight, as they may spoil by morning.

Birds rarely choke, but pieces that are too big or the wrong shape can be dangerous for a small bird. Choose treats that match the bird's size, cut fruit small and watch the bird when you give it something new.

Rodents eat some of the same ingredients, such as seeds or millet, but bird treats are made for birds' needs. For rodents it is better to choose products made for them.

Oats are already in many budgie foods and usually suit them. Hulled oats or oat flakes are higher in calories, so give only a little as a treat.

Many parrots, such as African greys or cockatoos, hold food in one foot and nibble it bit by bit — it is natural behaviour. Such parrots do well with larger treats or chunks of fruit that are easy to grip.

For a bird living alone, treats and foraging toys help fill the day, but they do not replace company. Many species need daily attention from people or a companion, so treats should be just one part of keeping the bird occupied.

Yes, treats from your hand strengthen the bond between bird and owner and help with taming. Wash your hands first so no traces of hand cream, soap or food seasoning are left on them.