Birds are incredible 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 expertise and experience to help guide you to the best food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Harleysville area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, enhancing 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 mix of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds consist of 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 meets their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is generally a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense 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, along with a selection of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not usually contain 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 provide fat for their brains and nerves, and improves the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the numerous vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to speak with a professional on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional requirements than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Slowly incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to guarantee proper adherence to the new diet.
At Bark Ave Pet Supplies, we focus on ensuring your bird is provided with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional staff has your back. If you're in the Harleysville area, give us a call at (215) 513-7387 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.