The Ultimate Guide to Feeding Caged Birds: What Every Owner Should Know
Feeding your bird properly is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy, active and happy. Whether you care for a budgie, canary, parrot or finch, their diet needs to be balanced, varied and tailored to their species. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from seed mixes and pellets to soft foods, supplements and safe transitions.
Understanding Your Bird’s Nutritional Needs
Every species has slightly different requirements, but all caged birds need a diet that includes:
- High-quality seeds or pellets
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- A source of protein (especially during breeding or moulting)
- Fresh foods such as leafy greens, vegetables and occasional fruits
- Clean, fresh water daily
Species Snapshot
| Bird | Key Dietary Notes |
|---|---|
| Budgies | Thrive on a mix of seeds + pellets; enjoy leafy greens. |
| Canaries | Benefit from canary-specific mixes and egg food during moulting. |
| Finches | Prefer small, millet-based mixes with added soft food. |
| Parrots | Need a varied diet: pellets, seeds, nuts, vegetables and foraging mixes. |
Seed Mixes vs. Pellets vs. Soft Foods
Seed Mixes
Seed mixes are a natural part of many birds’ diets. Look for clean, dust-free blends with plenty of variety.
Pellets
Pellets offer complete nutrition in every bite — ideal for parrots and birds prone to selective feeding.
Soft Foods & Egg Foods
Soft foods are essential during breeding, moulting or for young birds.
- CéDé Egg Food
- Versele-Laga Orlux Soft Food
How to Transition Your Bird to a Healthier Diet
Birds can be cautious about new foods. A slow, gentle transition works best:
- Start with 10% new food mixed into their usual diet.
- Increase gradually over 2–3 weeks.
- Offer new foods at the start of the day when they’re hungriest.
- Remove uneaten fresh foods after a few hours.
- Keep the process positive — never force a change.
If switching to pellets, try offering them moistened or mixed with a favourite seed at first.
Fresh Foods to Include (and Avoid)
Safe Fresh Foods
- Kale
- Spinach
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Sweetcorn
- Apple (no seeds)
- Peas
- Herbs like basil or parsley
Foods to Avoid
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Onion
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Fruit seeds/pits
Do Birds Need Supplements?
Most birds on a balanced diet won’t need extra supplements, but they can be helpful during:
- Moulting
- Breeding
- Stress or recovery
- Hand-rearing
Calcium sources like cuttlefish bone or mineral blocks are always beneficial.
Hand-Rearing Food: When It’s Needed
Hand-rearing formulas such as NutriBird A19 or A21 are designed for:
- Orphaned chicks
- Birds rejected by parents
- Birds needing nutritional support
Always follow mixing instructions carefully and maintain correct feeding temperatures.
Storing Bird Food Safely
To keep food fresh:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Check for pests regularly
- Buy in quantities your bird can use within 6–8 weeks
Final Thoughts
Feeding your bird well is one of the most rewarding parts of bird ownership. With the right mix of seeds, pellets, fresh foods and occasional supplements, you’ll support their health, happiness and longevity.
Explore our full range of high-quality caged bird foods here:
Percy’s Pet Products – Caged Bird Food Collection
