Food

Parrots need much more than bird seed. They should be fed at the highest nutritional levels when under duress.

Disasters may destroy or contaminate existing food supplies. Tropical conditions will promote spoilage and mold. If commercial seed mix is the only option, check, clean and refill dishes twice daily. There should be white urates and green/brown feces in each dropping. If a bird is not eating, there will only be white-colored urates or liquid. Position dishes so they are in front of a perch.

Food

Food procurement

Food procured under dire circumstances must be sanitary: clean, free of mold, rot, insects, and rodent contamination.It must be wholesome and be proper,species appropriate nutritionally, be stable in storage or have long shelf-life under adverse conditions. Cooked rice, cooked oatmeal, canned or cooked beans, nut butters, cooked yams or sweet potatoes can be mixed and offered warm, which is particularly appealing to sick or injured birds.

Hotels, tourist facilities, cruise ships and so forth may have fruit and other food which are adequate for parrots and available for donation.

• All fruits and vegetables should be washed in clean, sanitary water and mild dish detergent, if practical.

• Left-overs are not appropriate.

• Molded, rotted, or damaged items should never be offered (use the “would you eat that?” rule)

• Avocados, onions/leeks and garlic are toxic.

• Human foods that are high fat, high sugar and high salt are not appropriate.

• Prepared human foods or cans that are not sealed should not be offered.

• Dry cereals are often fortified with vitamins and minerals at toxic levels and should not be given to psittacines.

• Meat, dairy, soy products, fish, shellfish, insects should never be given.

• Wild bird seed, poultry feeds, dog and cat foods are all contraindicated for parrots and can cause great harm via malnutrition and bacterial contamination. Do not use them!

Emergency recommendations

• • fresh: cooked rice, beans, wind-fall fruits and vegetables which have not been contaminated, foods approved for human consumption

  • canned: vegetables, beans, rice, etc.

  • MRE: vegetarian options including rice and pasta and bean dishes

  • local options

  • emergency options: peanut butter/rice/cornmeal balls

Food prep and storage

The food preparation area needs to be clean and uncluttered, with appropriate food storage, food and water bowls, utensils, disposable feeding supplies, dish washing area, dedicated cleaning supplies. Sweeping, mopping and disinfection of countertops should be as needed but no less than daily. If running water and electricity are available, perishable foods should be stored under refrigeration and hot water procured for cleaning. If cold storage is not possible, fresh food needs to be prepared and used daily.