What do budgies eat?
Our understanding of pet bird nutrition has grown significantly, emphasizing the need for a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Diets vary between species, so it’s essential to know what specific nutrients your bird needs. Budgies, for example, are prone to obesity and iodine deficiencies, so they need a varied, balanced diet to support their health.
Important Aspects of Budgie Diet
Seeds
Seeds are readily available, but a diet too reliant on them can be high in fat and deficient in nutrients. Budgies in the wild consume a wider variety of seeds seasonally. A limited seed intake (1.5–2 teaspoons daily) encourages a broader nutritional balance, while “millet sprays” and “honey sticks” are best avoided due to added sugars and risk of malnutrition. It’s better to offer fewer seeds so your budgie enjoys a healthier mix.
Formulated or Pelleted Diets
Pelleted diets are formulated to meet all your bird’s nutritional needs and can help prevent selective eating common with seeds. Converting an adult budgie from seeds to pellets can take time; gradually reduce seed quantity over weeks while keeping pellets available in a separate dish. Avoid removing seeds altogether until your bird reliably consumes pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce should make up about 20–25% of a budgie’s diet. Nutritious foods like leafy greens, carrots, apples, and berries add vitamins and minerals. Avoid high-water, low-nutrient veggies like iceberg lettuce and potentially toxic foods like avocado. Always wash produce to remove chemicals. Offer chopped portions to match your budgie’s size, and introduce new fruits and veggies daily, like feeding a child—patience and variety are key.
Water
Fresh, clean water should be accessible at all times. If using gravity-based water containers, these should be thoroughly cleaned daily, as bacteria can accumulate quickly.
Supplementation and Special Diet Needs
In some cases, vitamin and mineral supplements are beneficial, especially if the diet lacks variety. Powdered supplements are preferred and are best added to moist foods rather than seeds, as they otherwise end up at the bottom of the dish. Birds may require additional nutrients at various life stages, such as extra calcium for egg-laying females. Consulting a vet ensures specific needs are met, and additional supplements are given safely.
Grit and Digestive Aids
Though controversial, small amounts of grit can aid seed digestion. Provide it in a separate dish rather than on the cage floor to avoid contamination. Watch for excessive consumption, as some birds may overeat grit when unwell.
Tips for Budgie Care
- Monitor food intake daily to spot changes in appetite or health.
- Offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and water every day.
- Clean all dishes daily to maintain hygiene.
- Never assume a “no” to new food is final; persistence can help with picky eaters.
With the right dietary balance, your budgie can not only live but truly thrive. Consult your vet regularly for guidance tailored to your bird’s specific needs.
-
Fruit:
Apples (remove seeds)
Pears (remove seeds)
Blueberries
Kiwi Fruit
Grapes (seedless)
Oranges (small quantities due to acidity)
Strawberries
Mango
Papaya
Banana
Cherries (remove pits)
Watermelon (seedless)
Rockmelon (cantaloupe)
Honeydew Melon
Plums (remove pits)
Peaches (remove pits)
Apricots (remove pits)
Nectarines (remove pits)
Passionfruit
-
Vegetables:
Carrot (chopped or grated)
Spinach (in moderation)
Kale
Broccoli
Silverbeet
Pumpkin (cooked or raw, seeds removed)
Edamame beans
Snow pea shoots
Zucchini
Sweet Potato (cooked)
Bell Peppers (all colors)
Cucumber
Celery (remove stringy parts)
Beetroot (leaves and root in moderation)
Green Beans
Peas
-
Herbs:
Basil
Parsley (moderation)
Coriander (Cilantro)
Mint (any variety)
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Dill
Rosemary
Lemon Balm
Chamomile
Chervil
Lemon Verbena
Marjoram
Bee Balm
Bay Leaf (fresh)
Tarragon
Fennel (leaves)
Comfrey (in small amounts)
-
Weeds:
Dandelion (flowers and leaves)
Chickweed
Plantain
Purslane
Nasturtium (flowers and leaves)
Clover (moderation)
Shepherd's Purse
Mallow
Lamb's Quarters
Yellow Dock
Bittercress
Peppergrass
Wild Mustard
Borage (flowers and leaves)
Sorrel