Breeder's Diet for a Cockatoo

Breeding cockatoos is not an easy task. In addition to having a cage and brooding box large enough for both cockatoos, you need to provide the correct food to maintain a healthy diet as well as encouraging an environment right for reproduction.

Pellets and Seeds

Cockatoos need a well-balanced diet that includes both vitamin-enriched seeds and pellets. Cockatoos may pick out seeds vital to his health, so be sure to include commercial pellets in his diet. Pellets contain all the nutrients the bird will need for a balanced diet. Cockatoos need a diet low in fat and high in protein. Be sure to buy feed for cockatoos because other species have different nutritional needs.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

To keep your cockatoo in the best health as well as providing interest for the bird, add fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet. Some fruits and vegetables you can provide are apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, broccoli and dandelions. Avocados and parsley are toxic to all birds. Avoid foods high in fats, like sunflowers or safflowers. Iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhea, and some cockatoos are lactose intolerant.

Vitamins, Minerals and Protein

In combination with a healthy diet, add calcium to the cockatoo's diet. You can attach a calcium block to her cage or sprinkle powdered calcium onto her food. To add protein to the cockatoo's diet, introduce boiled eggs, beans and dry cereals. In addition, cockatoos enjoy eating nuts, but limit these because they are high in fat. Cockatoos also need fresh water every day to maintain a healthy diet.

References

• Pet Education: Switching from a Seed-based Diet to a Pelleted Diet
• Animal World: Cockatoo Care
• All About Cockatoos: How to Give Your Cockatoo a Balanced Diet
• Pet University: Cockatoo
• Expert Articles: How to Give Your Cockatoo a Balanced Diet