Birds are amazing friends, and when properly taken care of, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you to the perfect food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Simi Valley area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and wellness and extending their lives.
Wild bird vs pet bird food:
Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a combination of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds include peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food varies in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it satisfies their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is normally a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally thick pellets included. Conures, doves, and pigeons enjoy millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will choose bigger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, as well as a variety of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which wouldn't typically consist of a few types of seeds.
Ensuring adequate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds supply fat for their brains and nerves, and improves the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the different vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to consult a professional on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food daily to ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.
At R&R Pet Lifestyle and Supply, we focus on ensuring your bird is provided with the most effective nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional team has your back. If you're in the Simi Valley area, give us a call at (805) 210-5262 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.