Get Parrot & Hookbill food in Lafayette

Birds are remarkable friends, and when properly cared for, 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 won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Lafayette area with the very 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 mixture of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, numerous 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 fulfills 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 thick pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons love 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 variety of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not normally include 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 boosts 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 speak with an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to ensure proper adherence to the new diet.

At Buckles Feed Depot & Pet Supply, we specialize in making sure 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 Lafayette area, give us a call at (765) 742-7500 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.